The liver is the largest gland in the body and has many important metabolic functions. Among many things, the liver helps detoxify the body by filtering the blood and removing toxins, it aids in digestion by helping in the absorption of fats and vitamins, and it helps to distribute the nutrients found in food. The liver can be supported with herbal remedies to supply it with stimulating co-factors to enhance detoxification, promote liver cell regeneration and keep it functioning properly and optimally.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) contains active constituents known as silymarin that have tremendous effects on protecting the liver from damage as well as enhancing detoxification. Silymarin prevents damage to the liver by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Studies in the Thorne Research, Inc. monograph on milk thistle, printed in a 1999 issue of Alternative Medicine Review, show that silymarin can increase liver cell protein synthesis and lead to tissue regeneration. Silymarin is not water soluble so milk thistle should be taken in capsule form. It is commonly used in short term liver cleanses as well and adjunctively to treat hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, high cholesterol, psoriasis and chemical toxicity.
Burdock Root
Burdock root, found in any health food store, is considered by herbalists to be a strong blood purifier. As the liver filters the blood constantly and voluminously to remove toxins, burdock root can be used to support this process by increasing blood circulation. Burdock root contains a soluble plant fiber carbohydrate called inulin. Inulin moves through the system undigested until it reaches the colon where it then binds and removes fats and cholesterol through elimination, decreasing the toxic load on the liver. Burdock root can be sliced and steamed or sauteed, made into soups or taken in capsule form.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a vibrantly yellow spice commonly used in curries, runs in the ginger family. Many of its healing properties are due to the constituent curcumin. Curcumin stimulates bile production in the liver to aid in the metabolism and digestion of fats. Turmeric has similar hepatoprotective effects as milk thistle and they work well in concert to protect and regenerate liver cells and act as anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Thorne research on turmeric, published in a 2002 Alternative Medicine Review Monograph, remarked that test animals with induced liver toxicity showed significantly decreased liver injury when administered curcumin. Turmeric can be taken orally in capsule form or powdered in foods.
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