Found in the upper right part of the abdomen, the liver is a multi-functional organ that is vital to many of our bodily processes. Keeping the liver healthy is essential to maintaining over 500 functions that rely on it daily. Bile production, glucose conversion, and cleaning the blood are just a few of these important processes. Using herbs may help protect the liver, thereby ensuring the efficiency of this amazing organ.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is one of the most commonly used herbs for liver health. Silymarin, a specific extract of this herb, aids in the prevention of liver cell damage by inhibiting viruses and other toxins from entering the cells. The extract also contains a flavonoid complex that stimulates the production of liver proteins, which assist the liver in new cell production. This can also be beneficial in reversing toxic liver damage. A study conducted by Columbia University in 2009 revealed that milk thistle can aid in the protection of the liver for pediatric cancer patients.
Licorice
This herb is one of the most widely used herbal remedies in the world. Licorice provides many antioxidants that offer protective benefits to the liver, as well as aid in the healing processes of the organ. According to "Medical Herbalism: A Journal for the Clinical Practitioner," glycyrrhizin, a compound found in licorice, can help improve liver function, and may even help patients recover from hepatitis B. It can also help prevent the virus from spreading. Additionally, it is used for treating chronic hepatitis in Japan.
Pau d'Arco
This herb has a tonifying affect on the liver when taken in moderation. Its antiviral properties make it beneficial in fighting liver diseases. Because pau d'arco can also clean and purify the blood, it helps to take some of the responsibility of this task off of the liver, helping it to perform the many other jobs it does with more efficiency. According to Cancer.org, extracts of Pau d'Arco tree bark were shown to stimulate the action of macrophages, and kill liver cancer cells in an unconfirmed test tube study.
Schisandra
Schisandra berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Outside the United States, research on the herb has been conducted to determine its role in treating liver damage from hepatitis. Schisandra has also been suggested to protect the liver from damaging toxins, increase liver function, and promote cell regeneration. A January 2001 article published in "Nutrition Science News," notes a Chinese study conducted by GT Liu, which involved 189 people infected with hepatitis B, whereby individuals taking this herb showed faster improvements than those using liver extracts and vitamins.
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