Your kidneys and liver are the two primary organs for cleaning your blood supply of toxins and waste products. This exposes them to a lot of damaging environmental factors. Fortunately, there are several herbs that can boost the function of your liver and kidneys, cleansing them and helping them cleanse your body.
Dandelion
Dandelion root is a tonic for both the kidney and the liver. It acts as a diuretic, purging the kidney of toxins by increasing urine flow. Dandelion root also stimulates secretion of bile, which serves the same function for the liver. In addition, both roots and leaves feed the beneficial microbes in your gut and aid in digestion. Dandelion root can be taken in capsule form, or made into teas. Dandelion greens can be eaten in salads, steamed, sautéed, or made into tea. Those with gallstones should not take dandelion.
Milk Thistle
The seeds of the milk thistle are a strong tonic for the liver. They contain a mixture of compounds collectively referred to as "silymarin," which has been shown to protect liver cells from toxins, increase the activity of detoxifying enzymes, reduce inflammation, and help liver cells regenerate. Silymarin can act to remove toxins from the blood stream on its own as well, preventing them from ever reaching the liver. Milk thistle seeds can be taken as capsules. Make sure the capsules contain high amounts of silymarin, as this is the important ingredient.
Chamomile
Chamomile is famous as a sleep aid, but it also has general anti-inflammatory properties, which help it lessen both liver and kidney inflammations. It has been shown to increase kidney function in patients with renal failure, although the mechanism by which it does so is unknown. It also promotes cell division and growth, which may aid in the regeneration of the liver. Chamomile flowers can be taken as tea, or as tinctures, capsules, or tablets.
Artichoke
It's the leaf of the artichoke, rather than the immature flower bud that is eaten as a vegetable, which has medicinal properties. Artichoke leaf contains compounds that reduce cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting a key enzyme called HMG CoA-reductase. The reduced amount of cholesterol in the blood reduces the activity required of the liver, which is responsible for dealing with blood cholesterol. In addition, artichoke leaf stimulates bile flow, which serves to purge the liver of toxins. Artichoke leaves are often taken in capsules or as tinctures. People with gallstones should avoid artichoke, as it may exacerbate their symptoms.
Borage
The leaves and flowers of borage boost kidney function directly, as well as stimulate the adrenal gland, which indirectly benefits the kidney. Borage helps to cleanse the kidney of toxins, and reduces inflammation, especially inflammation associated with infection. In traditional Chinese medicine, borage is used as a tonic for "kidney weakness," typified by lethargy, lower back pain, and excessive urination. Borage can be taken as tea, juice, or tincture, three times a day.
References
- "The Complete Medicinal Herbal"; Penelope Ody; 1993
- "Herbs Demystified"; Holly Phaneuf; 2005
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