Practitioners of alternative medicine claim that many substances cleanse and detoxify the human liver. No data exist to support most of these claims. However, the herb milk thistle may improve liver function, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, though it is worth noting that the studies have yielded mixed results. Curcumin, a chemical in the Ayurvedic herb turmeric, also shows promise as an herbal liver cleansing agent, according to a 2002 study by Dr. A.A. Nanji and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Both herbs can be used to make a tea that you can consume as part of your liver health regime.
Milk Thistle Tea
Step 1
Crush 1 tbsp. of milk thistle seeds with your mortar and pestle.
Step 2
Bring three cups of water to a boil, then remove from heat.
Step 3
Steep the crushed milk thistle seeds in the hot water for 20 minutes.
Step 4
Strain the seeds from the water and save the fluid.
Step 5
Drink threecups of this tea per day--two before separate meals and one before bed.
Turmeric Tea
Step 1
Heat one cup of milk or water to the point just before it boils.
Step 2
Stir 1 tsp. of ground turmeric powder thoroughly into the hot milk or water.
Step 3
Use sugar or honey to sweeten the bitter tea to taste.
Step 4
Consume two or three cups of turmeric tea per day. Drink one of the cups before bed.
Things You'll Need
- Milk thistle seeds
- Pestle and mortar
- Strainer
- Pot
- Turmeric Powder
- Sugar or honey
- Milk (optional)
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