How to understand LIVER in traditional Chinese medicine

Condition analysis:
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, spring is the season of the liver. This means that the liver is most active in the spring, waking and stretching from winter hibernation. At this time the liver is called upon to circulate the body’s energy up and out, in concert with the upward and outward movement of plants and animals.

The growth energy of spring, and the liver’s role in it, are made possible by the rest and recuperation afforded by the preceding winter. In winter, the heavy blanket of snow, cold and darkness elicit a curling up, a hoarding of energy deep in the body’s core. Ideally we eat warming stews, sleep longer, work less, and by so doing nourish and recharge the roots of our life energy. This energy will nourish all the organs in the active spring, but most particularly, it will nourish the liver.

If, on the other hand, we have burned ourselves out by overwork and stress in the winter, we may find that spring will showcase our liver’s imbalance, and typical liver symptoms may worsen. It’s important to note that TCM assigns different functions to the liver than we are familiar with in western physiology.

Instructions:
1. Dandelion
In a scientific study, leaf extracts of dandelion leaves were fed to the mice for a month to investigate their hepaprotective effects. Results have confirmed the benefits obtained in hepatic functioning were due to the herb's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Aside from its leaves, the dandelion's roots are a popular liver aid that is known throughout centuries as a diuretic and used by herbalists to combat fatty liver and Cirrhosis.

2. Licorice
The American Cancer Society mentions licorice as a potent herbal remedy to treat liver diseases like hepatitis and cancer among others because of the chemical glycyrrhizin it contains. Another study reports the benefits of licorice is linked to interferon production which is responsible for the plant's ability to protect the liver from harmful poisons.

3. Artichoke
Used in European medicine since 18th century, artichoke has been proven to provide protective effects on liver cells because of the influence of active antioxidant substances. Specifically, artichoke has been found to support liver regeneration and bile production which is essential for digestion. Some clinical trials have also demonstrated the efficacy of artichoke in lowering triglyceride levels.