Herbs For Detoxifying The Liver

Judicious use of a number of common herbs can help detoxify your liver, keeping it healthy & functioning well. Learn which herbs can aid in detoxification.

The liver is one of the most important of the body’s organs, as it is the one responsible for cleansing the system of all wastes and impurities. The liver is the only organ in the body that can naturally regenerate itself. By using certain herbs to detoxify the liver, you can help it produce the bile necessary to help excrete toxins, fight disease, and rebuild damaged tissue.

Turmeric and Curcumin Found to Help Cholesterol

Turmeric, which is native to South Asia, is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric is rich in the polyphenol compound curcumin, an antioxidant. Curcumin is a very important element in detoxification of the liver. It works by A 1970 study conducted by Rao, et al. concluded that the curcumin found in turmeric can help to prevent a build-up of an overabundance of LDL-cholesterol and fats in the liver. Curcumin also induces the liver to increase bile production, which helps to prevent clogging of the liver ducts.

The spice is derived from the tuberous root of the plant. Make a tea of the chopped root, or it can be boiled, dried and powdered and consumed. It is also widely available in capsules. Turmeric is one of the main ingredients of curry, a spice mix that is very popular in Indian and Asian cooking; however the amount of curcumin found in curry powder is negligible as turmeric is only one ingredient in curry powder.

Milk Thistle Can Help Treat Cirrhosis of the Liver

Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to treat liver ailments. This plant is native to the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East, and is readily differentiated from other thistles by the whitish spots on its two most prominent leaves. According to BellyBytes,the medicinal properties of the milk thistle are found in the seeds, which contain high concentration of silymarin, a polyphenol complex.

A number of studies have been undertaken, with varying results as to milk thistle’s effectiveness. However, the more recent studies (Angulo, et al, 2001; Lieber, et al, 2003; Rambaldi, et al, 2005) seem to indicate that milk thistle is extremely efficacious when used to treat chronic hepatitis, liver toxicity from chemical exposure, and can be shown to extend the life expectancy of people suffering from alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver. It is also used almost exclusively to treat patients who have been poisoned by the Amanita mushroom.

Dandelion Helps Stimulate Bile Production

Dandelions, one of the most common and irritating of weeds, are considered one of the best treatments for the liver. Dandelion is useful in treatment of disturbances in bile flow. It increases the production of the bile, which allows for better digestion and helps to prevent blockages. It also helps flush the liver of all toxins, wastes, and poisons. While all parts of the plant are edible, the root contains the highest concentration of taraxacin. Because it does increase bile flow, however, it is not recommended for anyone with bile duct blockage, stomach ulcers, gallstones, or gallbladder issues. Dandelion can be taken fresh or dried and can be brewed into a tea, swallowed in capsule form, or consumed as an extract or a tincture.

Help Regenerate Damaged Livers with Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosis, also called Siberian ginseng or Eleuthero, is a small shrublike plant with clusters of dark purple berries. It is not a true ginseng and is not related at all to Panax ginseng. Native to East Asia, China, Russia, and Japan, the root, bark and stem are used to prevent liver damage from excessive amounts of toxins and to reduce liver enzyme levels. Commonly taken internally as tea, tincture, powder or in capsules, Eleuthero also aids in regenerating a previously damaged liver.

Green Tea Gets Rid of Fat in the Liver

Green tea, native to Asia, is another important herb for promoting liver health. Green tea boosts the body’s immune system, protecting the liver from damage caused by alcohol, smoking, and poor diet. It can help the liver cells regenerate and is very helpful for helping to cleanse the liver of built up fat. In addition, there is some evidence to indicate that green tea may prevent or inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the liver. Green tea is taken in powdered or capsule forms, or as a brewed beverage. When used as a beverage, you can add other spices such as cinnamon, clove, or ginger which also have a beneficial effect on the liver.