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Detox & Liver Health

TCM & Western Insights on Liver Health

The liver is a “silent organ”, many liver diseases in early stages produce no noticeable symptoms. By the time symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, or abdominal pain appear, liver damage is often already moderate to severe. This delayed onset of symptoms makes early screening and laboratory testing (e.g., liver enzymes, ferritin, imaging) essential for early detection and prevention.

Liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often underdiagnosed until advanced stages.

Hepatitis (viral, autoimmune, alcoholic), Fatty liver disease (NAFLD & NASH), cirrhosis and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are major categories of liver disease.

Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/NAFLD) in the United States

  • An estimated 80 to 100 million U.S. adults suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), rose by approximately 50% over the past 30 years, formerly known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), representing approximately 24–38% of the adult population 
  • MASLD has become the most common chronic liver disease in the U.S., surpassing viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease 
  • Between 3 to 12 million U.S. adults (about 3–12%) progress to the more severe inflammatory subtype, Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), previously known as NASH 
  • Most cases are asymptomatic in early stages, earning MASLD its label as a “silent epidemic”
  • High-risk populations include individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome; however, 10–20% of MASLD cases occur in individuals with normal body weight

Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/NAFLD) in the United States

  • Fatigue, right upper quadrant abdominal pain, jaundice
  • Pruritus (in cholestatic diseases like PBC, PSC)
  • Nausea, anorexia, weight loss
  • Ascites, encephalopathy, variceal bleeding (late-stage/cirrhosis)
  • Elevated ALT/AST, abnormal bilirubin, low albumin in blood work

TCM Philosophy in Treating Fatty Liver & Hepatitis

1. Holistic Approach & Root - Branch Treatment

TCM treats fatty liver disease and hepatitis by addressing both the root cause and symptomatic manifestations, emphasizing pattern differentiation. Strategies combine clearing heat and dampness, nourishing Yin, regulating qi, and invigorating blood to restore balance, protect liver cells, and prevent progression to fibrosis or cirrhosis.

In TCM, the liver is closely linked to the smooth flow of qi, blood storage, and emotional balance.

  • Root treatment (治本) focuses on correcting the underlying disharmony, often involving Liver Qi stagnation, damp-heat, Spleen deficiency, or Yin deficiency.

Branch treatment (治标) addresses the presenting symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, hypochondriac pain, poor appetite, and emotional distress.

2. Pattern Differentiation (辨证论治)

Instead of treating the disease name, TCM identifies patterns (syndromes) and selects therapies accordingly.
Common patterns include:

  • Damp-Heat in the Liver & Gallbladder → often in hepatitis or fatty liver with jaundice, bitter taste, dark urine
  • Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Deficiency → common in MASLD patients with stress, bloating, fatigue
  • Liver Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat → more in chronic hepatitis with night sweats, dry mouth, low-grade fever
  • Blood Stasis in the Liver → in long-standing hepatitis or fibrosis stages

3. Treatment Strategies

For Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/NASH)

  • Resolve dampness & phlegm, transform turbidity: improve fat metabolism
  • Strengthen the Spleen, harmonize the Liver: regulate digestion, reduce stress-related stagnation
  • Nourish Yin & generate fluids: protect liver cells and prevent further injury
  • Move Blood & Qi: prevent fibrosis and improve circulation

For Hepatitis (Acute & Chronic)

  • Clear heat & toxins (清热解毒) — control inflammation and viral activity
  • Promote bile flow, relieve jaundice (利胆退黄)
  • Regulate Qi & harmonize Shaoyang (调气和解少阳) — often for alternating fever/chills and liver discomfort
  • Invigorate blood & soften hardness (活血化瘀，软坚散结) — prevent and treat fibrosis

Support Zheng Qi (vital energy) — enhance immunity and recovery

4. Acupuncture Treatment:

Acupuncture Strategies for Fatty Liver vs Hepatitis

Condition

Treatment Principles

Common Points

Additional Notes

Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/NASH)

-Regulate Liver Qi and strengthen Spleen
– Transform dampness and phlegm
– Promote blood circulation to prevent fibrosis
– Support digestion and metabolism

LIV3 (Taichong)

GB34 (Yanglingquan)

ST36 (Zusanli)

SP9 (Yinlingquan)

BL20 (Pishu)

BL18 (Ganshu)

Use moxibustion on ST36 and SP6 for Spleen Qi deficiency

Electroacupuncture on GB34 and LIV3can help improve lipid metabolism

Hepatitis (Acute & Chronic)

– Clear heat and toxins
– Regulate Qi and harmonize Shaoyang
– Promote bile flow and relieve jaundice
– Invigorate blood and soften hardness

LIV3 (Taichong)

GB34 (Yanglingquan)

BL18 (Ganshu)

 BL19 (Danshu)

DU9 (Zhiyang)

SP10 (Xuehai)

LI11 (Quchi)

For acute hepatitis with high fever/jaundice, add DU14 (Dazhui), LR14 (Qimen)

For chronic hepatitis with fibrosis, include SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and ST36 (Zusanli) to tonify Qi and blood

5. Core TCM Formulas & Historical Background for Liver Disorders

TCM Formula

Root Cause Targeted

Symptoms Addressed (TCM)

Key Herbs

Yin Chen Hao Tang

Damp-heat accumulation in Liver and Gallbladder

Jaundice, bitter taste, dark urine, acute hepatitis

Yin Chen, Zhi Zi, Da Huang

Qing Gan Jie Du Tang

Liver fire and toxin accumulation

Irritability, liver tenderness, elevated liver enzymes

Huang Qin, Ban Lan Gen, Dan Shen, Chai Hu, Yin Chen

Chai Hu Shu Gan San

Liver qi stagnation

Flank pain, bloating, stress, IBS-like symptoms

Chai Hu, Bai Shao, Xiang Fu, Chen Pi, Chuan Xiong

Yi Guan Jian

Liver yin deficiency

Dry mouth, fatigue, chronic flank pain, heat signs

Sheng Di, Gou Qi Zi, Sha Shen, Mai Dong, Dang Gui, Chuan Lian Zi

6 Single Herbs That Power Up Results from Research for Healthy Liver formula

Herb Name

Main Function (TCM)

Symptoms Addressed

Pharmacological Components & Actions

Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)

Astringes essence, nourishes liver, calms mind

Liver fatigue, night sweats, weakness, post-hepatitis recovery

Contains schisandrin and lignans; antioxidant, hepatoprotective, improves glutathione levels

Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)

Clears heat, detoxifies, promotes bile flow

Liver heat, red eyes, jaundice, lymph swelling

Rich in taraxasterol and chlorogenic acid; anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bile-promoting

Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang)

Clears toxins, invigorates blood, resolves jaundice

Hepatitis, alcoholic liver, blood stasis, yellow urine

High in resveratrol and polydatin; antifibrotic, antioxidant, inhibits viral replication

7. Healthy Liver Formula

Healthy Liver is a unique herbal formula developed on the foundation of classical Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions, enhanced to meet the challenges of modern life. While ancient formulas were effective for the conditions of their time. Today, we face additional stressors, environmental toxins, processed foods, hormonal disruptors, and fast-paced lifestyles, that require more targeted support.

    Benefits: 

  • Promotes liver, pancreas & gallbladder health
  • Boost metabolism for faster digestion & energy
  • Promotes healthy liver enzymes
  • Supports liver purification
  • Nourishes the liver for its own repair
  • Supports weight loss by aiding in breaking down fat

8. Lifestyle & Diet Therapy:

  • Balanced diet, avoiding greasy/sweet food, 
  • Stress management, 
  • Gentle exercise such as Tai Chi or Qi Gong
  • Meditation

References

  1. American Liver Foundation. Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/MASH). https://liverfoundation.org/about-your-liver/facts-about-liver-disease/fatty-liver-disease
  2. Younossi ZM et al. Global epidemiology of NAFLD–Meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology. 2016.
  3. CDC. Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Mortality in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db434.htm
  4. Wikipedia contributors. Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_dysfunction–associated_steatotic_liver_disease
  5. World Health Organization (WHO). Hepatitis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Viral Hepatitis Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics
  7. Younossi ZM, et al. (2016). Global epidemiology of NAFLD–Meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology, 64(1), 73-84.
  8. Chalasani N, et al. (2018). The diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Practice guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology, 67(1), 328-357.
  9. Liu J, et al. (2020). A review of traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of liver diseases: hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 555.
  10. Chen Y, et al. (2021). Herbal medicine and hepatoprotection: clinical and experimental research. Phytotherapy Research, 35(6), 3049–3063.
  11. American Liver Foundation. Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD/MASH). https://liverfoundation.org/about-your-liver/facts-about-liver-disease/fatty-liver-disease
  12. Younossi ZM et al. Global epidemiology of NAFLD–Meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology. 2016.
  13. CDC. Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis Mortality in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db434.htm
  14. Wikipedia contributors. Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease
  15. Kim HJ et al. Protective effects of saikosaponins on hepatic injury in rats. J Ethnopharmacol, 2010.
  16. Liu J et al. Saikosaponin D suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis in mice. Biomed Pharmacother, 2016.
  17. Wang CY et al. Immunomodulatory effects of Bupleurum extract in hepatitis models. Int Immunopharmacol, 2018.
  18. Zhang Y et al. Saikosaponin D inhibits HBV replication and improves liver inflammation. Antiviral Res, 2015.
  19. Shin S et al., Emodin from Hu Zhang enhances NK cell cytotoxicity and macrophage activation. Int Immunopharmacol, 2020.
  20.  

Detox

Detoxification is not just a modern wellness trend, it is a reminder that our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins from food, water, air, and daily environments. While the liver, kidneys, lungs, and skin naturally filter and remove waste, excessive or chronic exposure can overwhelm these systems. Often, mild dysfunction in these organs produces no clear symptoms, but over time, accumulated ‘garbage’ can damage tissues and contribute to chronic illness. Understanding what toxins are, how they enter our bodies, and how we can minimize exposure is the first step. By learning safe, evidence‑based strategies to reduce toxins and support organ function, we can better protect long‑term health and resilience.

This clinic handout merges (A) what “detox” legally means in U.S.  with (B) practical, public‑health steps to reduce everyday environmental exposures and support normal physiology, using compliant, non‑drug wording.

Part A — What “Detox” Means in U.S.

1) Clinical Toxicology (Poisoning/Overdose)

Physician‑directed care for a specific toxin, using targeted decontamination, antidotes (e.g., N‑acetylcysteine for acetaminophen), and enhanced elimination (e.g., hemodialysis for selected toxins). This is medical treatment, not a wellness cleanse.

2) Withdrawal Management (“Detoxification”)

Medically supervised management of acute withdrawal from substances (alcohol/opioids/etc.) with transition into ongoing treatment.

Part B — Environmental Exposure “Detox”: Reduce & Support

Goal: reduce exposure at the source and support normal detox pathways (liver, gut, kidney, lung, skin) with evidence‑aligned, compliance‑safe steps.

1) Air Pollution

• Check daily AQI; limit strenuous outdoor activity when AQI is “Unhealthy”.
• Use HEPA portable purifiers; upgrade HVAC to the highest safe MERV (often MERV‑13).
• During wildfire smoke/high PM days, wear a well‑fitted N95/P100 outdoors.

2) Pesticide Residues on Produce

• Rinse under running water; scrub firm‑skin produce; peel when appropriate. Avoid soaps/ “produce washes”.
• Optional: brief baking‑soda soak for hard‑skin items, then rinse.
• When feasible, diversify sources and choose organic for the most residue‑prone items.

3) Food Additives/Preservatives

• Prefer minimally processed foods; read labels; keep total additive exposure modest.

4) Cookware Metals

• Aluminum: use stainless/anodized aluminum/enameled cast‑iron/glass for acidic or long‑simmer dishes to minimize leaching.
• Iron: cast‑iron can increase dietary iron, is helpful in deficiency, inappropriate in iron overload (e.g., hemochromatosis).

5) Drinking Water

• Public systems: read your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR); if desired, add point‑of‑use filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards (e.g., 42 taste/odor; 53 lead/PFAS; 58 RO; 401 emerging contaminants). Replace cartridges on schedule.
• Private wells: test yearly (coliforms, nitrates, TDS, pH; add local risks) and treat per results.

6) Kidney Stones & “Unfiltered Water”

• Strongest prevention is adequate hydration (aim for ≥2–2.5 L urine/day unless your clinician advises otherwise).

7) Animal Production Residues

• Prioritize upstream choices: look for labels such as “No antibiotics ever,” and reputable third‑party verifications. (Note: hormones are not permitted in U.S. poultry; marketing language varies.)

Food‑First Supports (Compliance‑Safe)

These foods help support antioxidant defenses, phase‑II enzyme activity, gut barrier, and healthy elimination. They are not cures and are best used alongside exposure‑reduction.

  • Cruciferous vegetables: e.g., broccoli sprouts/cooked broccoli; support phase‑II detox pathways.
    • High‑fiber foods: beans, oats/barley (β‑glucan), fruits/vegetables; aid regular elimination.
    • Fermented foods: yogurt/kefir/other live‑culture foods; support microbiome & gut barrier.
    • Minerals & Vitamin C: Adequate calcium/iron reduce lead absorption; vitamin C supports normal redox balance.
    • Green tea: polyphenols support antioxidant defenses.

Your Additions

• Celery: Hydration, potassium, fiber → supports normal fluid balance and elimination.
• Watermelon: >90% water; provides L‑citrulline (NO pathway) → hydration & vascular support.
• Corn silk (beverage): Traditional mild diuretic beverage for fluid‑balance support; use cautiously with diuretics/BP/diabetes/anticoagulant meds; avoid in pregnancy unless clinician approves.
• Mung bean: Traditional cooling soup; provides protein, fiber, polyphenols → supports normal antioxidant defenses and hydration; consider portion control if managing blood glucose.
• Job’s tears (Coix seed): Mild diuretic grain used in porridges; supports healthy fluid balance and gut regularity via fiber. Traditional caution in pregnancy; use with clinician guidance if on diuretics/anticoagulants.

TCM Herbal Supports

Use within a professional diagnosis; avoid disease‑treatment claims; monitor interactions.

• Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi): Supports hepatic antioxidant/phase‑II activity; watch CYP interactions.
• Yin Chen Hao (and formulas): Traditional choleretic support within formulas.
• Astragalus (Huang Qi): Adjunctive immune/antioxidant support.
• Dandelion (Taraxacum): Traditional bitter‑green used as tea/food; supports normal bile flow and urinary elimination; consider Asteraceae allergy and potential interaction with diuretics.
• Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua): Cooling flower infusion; supports ocular comfort and antioxidant balance; Asteraceae allergy caution; potential photosensitivity with high doses reported rarely.
• Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua, Lonicera japonica): Cooling flower traditionally used for heat/“toxin” patterns; compliance‑safe phrasing: supports normal immune comfort and antioxidant balance; consider GI chill/loose‑stool tendency; use within diagnosis; pregnancy only under clinician guidance.

Daily Detox Formula

Our herbal formula is designed to help your body detoxify daily, promoting overall wellness. Experience clearer skin and brighter eyes, along with improved digestion for easier and more frequent bowel movements. *

Clinically Proved Benefits: *

• Clears canker sores & toothaches*
• Clears eyes & skin*
• Boosts antioxidant system*
• Detoxes your body from exhaustion & dehydration*
• Feel fresh & healthier*
• Great for daily use | can be combined with any Sol product*

Quick‑Start Checklist

1) Check AQI; use HEPA/MERV‑13; N95 on smoky/high‑PM days.
2) Wash/scrub produce; optional baking‑soda soak; peel when needed.
3) Favor minimally processed foods; read labels.
4) Choose stainless/enamel/glass for acidic/long cooks.
5) Review CCR; pick NSF/ANSI‑certified filters that match risks; replace on time.
6) Hydrate to keep urine pale straw‑colored.
7) Daily plate: crucifers + high‑fiber + fermented food; add celery/watermelon as appropriate.

Safety & Compliance

• This handout does not diagnose, treat, or claim to remove toxins. It supports exposure‑reduction and healthy lifestyle choices.

References

  1. EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics; EPA/CDC guidance on wildfire smoke and particulate exposure.
  2. FDA. Food Safety: Handling Fresh Produce (rinse under running water; avoid soaps/produce washes).
  3. NSF/ANSI Standards: 42 (aesthetic effects), 53 (health effects including lead/PFAS), 58 (reverse osmosis), 401 (emerging compounds).
  4. CDC/Local Utilities: Annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for public drinking water quality.
  5. WHO. Guidelines for Drinking‑Water Quality; and USGS/EPA recommendations for private well testing.
  6. NIOSH/CDC. Respiratory protection guidance; selection and use of N95/P100 in particulate hazards.
  7. Reviews on cruciferous vegetables (isothiocyanates) and phase‑II enzymes; dietary fiber and gut barrier; fermented foods and microbiome.