Liver Cleansing

In Western medicine, the liver is identified as a multifunctional organ involved in metabolic processes, digestion, energy storage, hormone production, and chiefly in detoxification (Liska, 1998, Journal of Nutritional Medicine). The Phase I detoxification pathway involves cytochrome P450 enzymes, whose primary function is to neutralize toxins by converting them into less harmful byproducts (Nebert & Russell, 2002, Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology). Subsequently, Phase II detoxification utilizes molecules like glutathione and glycine to make these byproducts water-soluble, facilitating excretion (Hayes & McLellan, 1999, Toxicology). In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) conceptualizes the liver as governing the smooth flow of Qi and blood storage (Maciocia, 2005, Foundations of Chinese Medicine). TCM also attributes emotional well-being to liver function, stating it houses the soul and is connected to emotions like anger (Zhang et al., 2012, Journal of Ethnopharmacology). Furthermore, according to TCM, the liver manifests in the eyes, governs ligaments and tendons, and is reflected in the condition of the nails (Liu et al., 2011, NIH National Library of Medicine).