Herbs For The Liver

The liver is an organ often overlooked or underestimated. The liver cleanses the body, metabolizes nutrients and processes toxins. If liver health deteriorates, symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalance and headaches may begin to appear. [1] In essence, proper functioning of your other organs is dependent on liver functioning.

Many people take all sorts of medications to treat various kinds of ailments without considering their effects on the liver. With so many chemicals and synthetic drugs being ingested these days, the liver must work harder to fulfill its task of cleansing, detoxifying and purifying your body. It is ironic that something meant to treat disorders may be harmful in other ways.

It is good to know that many natural herbs that remedy other health conditions are considered "liver-friendly". Research has also identified particular herbs that directly promote liver health and may assist with prevention of cirrhosis, or be of benefit in cases of hepatitis B and C. [2] 9 herbs considered beneficial to the liver are described below:


Milk Thistle

One of the most popular liver herbal remedies and found in a large number of liver tonic formulas, milk thistle is considered beneficial to the liver because the anti-oxidant compounds of milk thistle have been found by researchers to aid in detoxification process by flushing out toxins like alcohol, regeneration of damaged liver tissue and stimulation of bile production. [3] Scientists have found that one of these active compounds is silibinin which alleviates hepatic conditions by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. [4]Consequently, 5 clinical trial analyses involving 602 cirrhosis patients have suggested that milk thistle can reduce liver-related mortality. [2]

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. [5] Aside from its leaves, the dandelion's roots are a popular liver aid [1] that is known throughout centuries as a diuretic and used by herbalists to combat fatty liver and cirrhosis. [3]

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. [6] 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. [1]

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. [7] 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. [1]

Turmeric

Belonging to the same family as ginger, turmeric stimulates enzymes that detoxify and as researchers from UCLA have discovered, can likewise fight carcinogens by keeping malignant cells from spreading. [3] Initial researches on liver cells have suggested turmeric extracts may block the replication of hepatitis B virus. [2] Moreover, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has been demonstrated in clinical studies as effective in reducing liver triglycerides - which are also linked to metabolic disorders like visceral obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver and diabetes. [8]

Greater Celandine

You may not have heard of this but greater celandine is probably one of the best herbs for the liver. It is widely used in treating many hepatitis illnesses, like jaundice, and it promotes liver detoxification. Best noted as a blood cleanser, greater celandine is known for its analgesic, antibacterial, anti-microbial and liver protecting abilities. Though there are limited studies that can prove greater celandine’s effectiveness in detoxifying the liver, researchers believe that it works by increasing the production of bile. According to research, increased bile production eventually results to improved digestion and detoxified liver. [9]

Chicory root

For a very long time now, chicory root extract has been widely used in treating many liver disorders. While the ancient Romans use this herb in cleansing their blood, old Egyptians use it to purify both the liver and the blood. Furthermore, chicory root is believed to be effective at increasing the body’s resistance against the formation of liver stones and gallstones. 
According to research, chicory root works primarily by increasing the production of bile. By so doing, digestion is improved because excess bile can break down additional fats, which in turn results to better blood composition. In the long run, this can positively affect the health of the liver and the gall bladder. [10]

Furthermore, chicory root is also effective in protecting the liver against the harmful effects of drinking excessive amount of coffee. The herb can be used to treat a wide range of liver disorders because of its phenolic compound content. Considered as a hepatoprotectant compound, phenolic inhibits the massive damage triggered by intake of carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol. [11]

Yellow Dock root

Considered as an excellent tonic for the liver, yellow dock root is also a good herb that promotes the health of the liver. Generally used as a blood purifier, yellow dock root is also famous for its liver-detoxifying effects. Just like most herbs that are beneficial for the liver, yellow dock root also works by enhancing the body’s bile production which results to improved digestion.

Also, yellow dock root works by stimulating regular bowel movement thereby preventing waste from lingering any longer at the intestinal tract. It also promotes frequent urination. According to research, regular elimination of waste from the body is effective in preventing the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream, gall bladder, and liver, most especially. [12]

Astralagus

Considered as one of the most important herbs discovered by the Chinese, astralagus proves to be one of the most beneficial herbs for the liver. Results of a scientific study revealed that this herb is capable of reducing liver damage that has already been incurred as well as in protecting the liver against further possible damage. [13]

More than its ability to lower acidity in the stomach, astralagus is also useful in improving digestion as well as in eradicating chemical toxins and heavy metals from the body. As mentioned earlier, improved digestion often leads to better bowel movement. In the long run, this can affect the liver positively. [14]

Like the above herbs which are all-natural, the American Liver Foundation recommends natural methods like healthy diet and weight, regular exercise, regulated / decreased alcohol intake and proper hygiene as most effective to boost liver health. [2] As the old saying goes, prevention is always better than cure.

Herbs For The Liver - References:

[1] http://www.naturalnews.com/027607_liver_detox_herbs.html

[2] http://altmedicine.about.com/od/aznaturalremedyindex/a/liver_herbs.htm

[3] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/top-9-herbs-for-liver-cleansing/

[4] Milk thistle and its derivative compounds: a review of opportunities for treatment of liver disease. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140176

[5] Dandelion leaf extract protects against liver injury induced by methionine- and choline-deficient diet in mice. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23256442

[6] http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/licorice

[7] Artichoke--untapped potential of herbal medicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis and liver diseases. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23421107

[8] Curcumin prevents liver fat accumulation and serum fetuin-A increase in rats fed a high-fat diet. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23430567

[9] http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celandine-herb-uses-and-side-effects.html

[10] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-chicory-root/

[11] http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_chicory.htm

[12] http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-yellow-dock-root/

[13] http://www.livestrong.com/article/23233-astragalus-root/

[14] http://www.natural-health-and-healing-4u.com/benefits-of-astragalus.html

Article researched and created by Cathy Ongking, © herbs-info.com 2013