The liver is an organ that has several functions in the body. It produces bile, which aids in digestion. It also is responsible for glycogen storage, excretion of toxins and synthesis of clotting factors. Cleansing the liver can improve digestion and help excrete any toxins that have built up from eating unhealthy foods or from exposure to environmental pollutants. Herbs often are used for liver cleanses. A cleanse should be done no more than twice a year, and you should consult your doctor beforehand.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is almost always found in liver-cleansing supplements. It is known to be a liver protectant. Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, is a flavanoid. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, silymarin protects the liver from toxins and might help grow new liver cells because of its antioxidant properties. Milk thistle can be taken daily to help protect the liver or periodically with other herbs for a liver cleanse. The most common side effects associated with milk thistle are allergic reactions. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with allergies to plants in the aster family or to daisies, artichokes, common thistle, kiwi or any of milk thistle's constituents could have allergic reactions to milk thistle.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a natural diuretic and increases the rate at which toxins are excreted from the body, thus helping the liver. Like milk thistle, dandelion can be taken daily to improve liver function or periodically during a liver cleanse. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, health-care providers clinically use dandelion root to promote liver detoxification. Dandelions often are juiced or eaten raw during a liver cleanse. Like milk thistle, dandelion has few reported adverse effects. Allergic reaction is the most common.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful liver-cleansing herb because it increases bile production. When the liver becomes sluggish, digestion can become difficult. Increased bile production flushes the liver. Bile also helps break down fat and excrete toxins. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, which is available in capsules containing powder, fluid extract or tincture. The most concerning side effect is hypoglycemia. People with diabetes should not take turmeric because it has a synergistic effect with their diabetes medication, causing a drop in blood sugar.
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