Hovenia dulcis, commonly known as Japanese raisin, is a fruit tree native to Asia that is sought after for its many medicinal properties. We have reached our growing areas beyond our reach because this botanical is unique and effective when combined with our better known plant companions from the Southwest. Let’s explore this oriental gem!
Botanical description
Growing along the forest edges, Hovenia sprouts to a height of 30 feet tall, with thin, translucent leaves that fall off at the end of each growing season. Hermaphroditic flowers bear reddish-brown fruits, but only after the plant has been established for at least three to four years.
The fruit, which resembles a raisin in size and color, is fragrant and its taste is often compared to that of a bergamot pear. Many Japanese raisin trees are delicate in their early stages of growth, and few reach full maturity, but this makes the fruit even more unique when it finally arrives!
Japanese Raisin is sought after for its many medicinal properties. Belonging to the family Rhamnaceae, Hovenia dulcis contains impressive components responsible for its medicinal value. Whole plant extracts provide flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpenoids and immune-supporting quercetin. Like many plants from the Sea Buckthorn family, the symmetrical flowers grow into berries, fleshy drupes or nuts with similar plant matter.
Traditional and current use
We highlight a very useful part of Hovenia in our new Party Prep formula: the seed! The seeds of the Japanese raisin tree are known for their diuretic properties and can aid in the elimination of toxins from the body. Since 90-98% of alcohol is processed in the liver, it can be useful to support liver function through the use of herbs. Historically, Chinese medicine was used Hovenia to support the removal of alcohol from the body.
Compounds in Japanese raisin seeds also support the neutralization of free radicals: unstable atoms that can damage cells. Free radicals have been linked to a host of diseases, as well as premature aging.
Studies show that Japanese raisin seed water extract can also inhibit the absorption of alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract and support the alcohol dehydrogenase system in our body. Party Prep combines Japanese raisin seed with other liver-supporting herbs such as burdock root, dandelion, chicory root and prickly pear.
Credit: Brittney Offenburg
Whether you’re enjoying a few local beers on the slopes, a few glasses of wine at the book club, or celebrating a friend’s birthday with a cocktail, choose our Party Prep formula: pre-party (before you start drinking) , post-party, or the morning after to support your body’s detoxification pathways and elimination organs.
References
Brittney Offenburg (she/her) believes in empowerment through education. She attended the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, where she studied medical herbalism, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Healthcare at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is a customer journey representative at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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