Most Korean hangover relief products are built around a small set of botanicals — Hovenia dulcis (oriental raisin tree), DHM (dihydromyricetin), and milk thistle — often combined with taurine, B-vitamins, and brand-specific patented complexes such as A-HAT. Understanding these ingredients helps buyers compare products and position them compliantly in Western markets.
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- Hovenia dulcis (oriental raisin tree, heotgae) is the signature botanical in Korean hangover relief.
- DHM (dihydromyricetin) is a common flavonoid, often derived from Hovenia dulcis.
- Milk thistle, taurine, B-vitamins, and brand-specific patented blends (e.g., A-HAT) round out most formulas.
The key ingredients at a glance
| Ingredient | Also known as | Why it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Hovenia dulcis | Oriental raisin tree, heotgae (헛개) | The signature botanical in many Korean formulas; traditional alcohol/liver-support use. |
| DHM | Dihydromyricetin | Flavonoid common in global anti-hangover supplements; often derived from Hovenia. |
| Milk thistle | Silymarin | Widely recognized liver-support botanical, familiar to Western consumers. |
| Taurine / B-vitamins | — | Supporting actives often tied to energy and "recovery" positioning. |
| A-HAT | Patented complex (brand-specific) | Proprietary botanical blend used by some brands (e.g., ALDICOM) as a differentiator. |
Hovenia dulcis (oriental raisin tree)
Hovenia dulcis, the oriental raisin tree — known as heotgae in Korean — is the most iconic ingredient in Korean hangover relief. Its fruit and extract have a long history of traditional use related to drinking. It appears across drinks, sticks, and pills, and is frequently the lead ingredient brands market.
DHM (dihydromyricetin)
DHM is a flavonoid that can be extracted from plants including Hovenia dulcis. It's one of the most recognized ingredients in the broader global "anti-hangover" supplement category, which helps Korean products resonate with Western shoppers already familiar with DHM-based brands.
Milk thistle and supporting actives
Milk thistle (silymarin) is a globally familiar liver-support botanical, making it a useful bridge ingredient for Western labeling. Taurine and B-vitamins commonly round out formulas to support an energy/recovery positioning.
Patented complexes (e.g., A-HAT)
Some brands differentiate with proprietary, patented blends. For example, A-HAT is a patented botanical complex used by ALDICOM. These blends vary by brand and are part of how products compete beyond commodity ingredients.
FAQ
What is Hovenia dulcis?
Hovenia dulcis, the oriental raisin tree (heotgae in Korean), is the signature botanical in many Korean hangover relief products. Its fruit and extract have a long history of traditional use related to alcohol and liver support.
What is DHM in hangover supplements?
DHM (dihydromyricetin) is a flavonoid extracted from plants such as Hovenia dulcis and is one of the most common ingredients in global anti-hangover supplements.
What is A-HAT?
A-HAT is a patented botanical complex used by some Korean brands (such as ALDICOM) as a proprietary differentiator. Proprietary blends like this vary by brand.
Are these ingredients allowed in US dietary supplements?
Many are used in US supplements, but eligibility depends on the specific ingredient, dosage, and labeling. Importers should verify each ingredient against FDA dietary-supplement rules and avoid disease claims.