Drugs, herbs, supplements, foods and environmental toxins can all tax the human liver. No herb can reliably treat a serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, many botanical medicines support the liver's ability to safely flush toxins from the bloodstream. Consider the use of liver cleansing herbs if you routinely use alcohol, acetaminophen, kava-kava or any other product that may compromise your liver function. Consult your health care provider if you believe you have any form of liver disease.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a powerful flavanoid antioxidant that supports liver function. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), milk thistle can help protect the liver from the toxic effects of drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol). This potently medicinal flowering plant may also mitigate the effects of alcohol-related liver disease, viral hepatitis and mushroom poisoning.
Dandelion
This common weed gently stimulates liver detoxification with few or no side effects. UMMC notes dandelion's traditional use as a liver and gallbladder tonic. Additionally, dandelion flowers, leaves and roots have a mild diuretic effect; they may help to detoxify the kidneys.
Green Tea
Green tea leaf is renowned for its numerous health benefits. UMMC notes that green tea drinkers have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity and liver disease than people who do not drink the product regularly. The organization theorizes that green tea may defend the body from the toxic effects of alcohol and other compounds.
Burdock
Long hailed as a general detoxifying tonic and blood purifier, burdock may help to improve liver function after exposure to toxins. Unfortunately, no large-scale studies have evaluated burdock's traditional uses. Until scientists have pursued further investigations, health care providers can not be certain of its efficacy.
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