The liver is the largest gland of the body. According to James F. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the average person's liver weighs about 4 lbs. It is responsible for producing bile, which helps break down food in the digestive tract. It also filters toxins out of the bloodstream. Although toxins can take a toll on the liver, it can regenerate with proper support, and several herbs can help heal the liver. Always consult a doctor before starting a herbal remedy.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive problems and cure loss of appetite. Ayurvedic healers also used it to treat ulcers, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." It can also help heal the liver, especially in patients with cirrhosis, says Dr. Balch. Alfalfa is a good source of vitamin K, which helps prevent bleeding--a common problem associated with liver damage. Since alfalfa supplements are not standardized, there is no standard recommended dosage. This herb is considered safe, although you should not eat the seeds--they contain an amino acid called canavanine, which is toxic.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, also known as St. Mary's thistle, is native to the Mediterranean. It has been used in both cooking and herbal medicine for nearly 2,000 years. According to Dr. Balch, milk thistle contains a compound called silymarin, which has been shown to stimulate liver function and rebuild the cells of the liver. Silymarin may also help protect the walls of the liver against toxins that have collected from foods, air, medications and other sources. European herbalists recommend a dosage of 420 mg daily for liver support. Diarrhea and nausea occur in less than 1 percent of the people who take this herb.
Barberry
Barberry use dates back 2,500 years, when ancient Egyptians used it as an antibiotic to ward off plagues. In India, Ayurvedic practitioners recommended it for dysentery. In the Middle Ages, barberry became known as "jaundice berry" for its purported ability to relieve jaundice. Some modern herbalists also recommend barberry for proper liver function. It is thought to stimulate bile flow, keeping it from backing up and damaging liver cells. Some British researchers question the effectiveness of barberry, but it is still used in alternative medicine, notes Castleman. If you choose to use this herb for liver support, boil 1/2 tsp. of the powdered root in 1 cup of water. Let it cool, and drink as a tea. You may wish to add honey to mask the bitter taste. Large doses of barberry can cause nausea, vomiting and lowered heart rate.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.; 2001
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