Herbs That Detoxify The Liver

Your liver is the cleaning factory of your body, scrubbing your blood of toxins and extraneous molecules. As such, it can get overloaded with harmful compounds, resulting in a general decrease in health and vitality, as well as several specific liver diseases. Fortunately, there are several herbs that can be used to clear the liver of toxins and restore its proper function.

Milk Thistle

The active component of milk thistle seed extract is called silymarin, and is actually a collection of related molecules. Silymarin has shown a multitude of beneficial effects for the liver, including removing free radicals (chemical compounds that can damage tissue), and stimulating the regeneration of liver cells. It is also a powerful antioxidant, specifically favoring the liver. Commercial preparations of milk thistle seed extract, which have a guaranteed amount of silymarin, should be taken twice a day. Milk thistle has no health warnings.

Dandelion

Both the roots and leaves of the common garden weed dandelion are believed to stimulate bile flow, although the root has a stronger effect. By stimulating bile flow, dandelion effectively cleanses the liver. Dandelion also eases indigestion, which is commonly associated with liver problems. Tinctures or decoctions made from the root, or infusions made from the leaves, can be consumed twice daily. If you are harvesting dandelions yourself, make sure they are from an area that has not been sprayed with pesticides. Discontinue use of dandelion if you develop allergic reactions.

Artichoke

Artichoke leaf (not the flower bud), which is what is commonly eaten as a vegetable, has been shown to stimulate bile flow, which has the effect of both easing indigestion and clearing out the liver. In addition, artichoke leaf lowers blood cholesterol levels, particularly the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) that are considered to be the dangerous form of cholesterol. As blood cholesterol is processed in the liver, removing cholesterol from the blood reduces the demands on the liver. Artichoke leaf also protects the body from free radicals. Artichoke leaf can be taken in capsule form or as tinctures, at a dosage of approximately 6 g of the dried leaves a day. Artichoke leaf should not be taken by those with gallstones or other problems with bile release.