The main function of the liver is to cleanse and regulate the smooth flow and direction of blood through the body as it stores blood and regulates the amount of blood circulated by the heart, says acupuncturist Michael Tierra in his book "The Way of Chinese Herbs." The liver is also responsible for producing bile, which aids in the proper digestion of fats in the small intestine. Stagnation in the liver can cause an array of physiological to emotional ailments including depression and anger. Herbs that help the liver will be digestive stimulants, as well as have blood-cleansing qualities.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a cholagogue, which means it stimulates the flow of bile from the liver, explains "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," by Simon Mills. This cholagogue property is primarily due to dandelion's bitter taste and can be used to treat liver dysfunction as it helps cleanse the liver, according to "Making Plant Medicine," by herbalist Richo Cech. To receive the cholagogue benefits of dandelion root you must be able to taste the bitterness of the root. This will activate your digestive system through your taste buds.
Make a dandelion root decoction by adding one cup of coarsely chopped roots to a medium size pot filled with filtered water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Strain out the herb and drink your decoction throughout the day for three days.
Burdock Root
Burdock root is considered an alterative, which means it alters the process of metabolism in the body, by acting as a blood-cleansing agent, says Mills. According to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," the use of burdock root moves the body to a state of health and integration. It is also a cholagogue as its bitter taste stimulates the digestive juices, and in particular the secretion of bile.
Combine burdock root and dandelion root to make a liver-cleansing decoction by boiling them together and drinking it throughout the day.
Wild Yam
According to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal- A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," wild yam is a liver cleansing herb that also helps with the reproductive system, since the liver helps regulate hormone activity.
Gladstar recommends a tonic which includes wild yam alongside dandelion root for the health of the liver in support of the reproductive system. Other herbs she includes are chaste tree berry, yellow dock root and Oregon grape root, prepared as a decoction.
References
- "The Way of Chinese Herbs"; Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D.; 1998
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "The New Holistic Herbal;" David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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