Herbal Liver Cleanser

Cleansing herbs help rejuvenate an overworked liver or simply keep a healthy one in good functioning order. Cleansing herbs for the liver include dandelion, yellow dock root and milk thistle. Do not use yellow dock in the first trimester of pregnancy. Dandelion and milk thistle are gentle and safe enough for most individuals, but talk to your doctor before taking any herbs medicinally.

Liver

The liver assists with digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It also helps filter toxins from your body. Toxins build up from polluted air or chemically treated or processed foods or may occur as the byproduct of your body's metabolic processes. Over time, these toxins may clog your liver and affect its ability to function efficiently.

Cleansing

Certain herbs may help clear toxic build-up in your liver and help it to function better. Symptoms of a liver that needs cleansing include fatigue, malaise, bad breath, skin rashes, indigestion and loss of appetite. According to the book "Diet and Nutrition," it may be beneficial to cleanse your liver periodically even if you are not experiencing these symptoms.

Spring Cleansing

Dandelion and yellow dock flourish in the spring. The roots of these ubiquitous herbs are a classical remedy for cleansing the liver after winter, when toxins may build up due to inactivity and lower intake of fresh vegetables and fruits. Dandelion and yellow dock are especially indicated when liver problems manifest with skin rashes. The herbs are available as capsules or as dried whole herbs to make into a liver cleansing tea. Do not use yellow dock in the first trimester of pregnancy. Dandelion is safe for almost anyone. There is no conclusive clinical evidence to support the use of dandelion or yellow dock to treat the liver.

Milk Thistle

Millk thistle seed is a traditional European remedy both for liver cleansing and to promote the flow of milk for nursing mothers. According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" by Andrew Chevallier, this herb may be especially good for cleansing the liver due to the presence of a special compound called silymarin. Researchers in Germany found that milk thistle may rebuild a diseased liver and protect it from damage. Consult your physician before taking milk thistle as an herbal liver cleanser.

Cleansing Tea

Liver cleansing teas help remove toxin build-up and may rejuvenate a sluggish liver. According to "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbal Remedies," liver-cleansing teas such as dandelion and yellow dock work best as a decoction. The book describes a cleansing tea prepared as a decoction with 1 oz. of the herb and one pint of water. There is no conclusive clinical evidence to support using herbs to cleanse your liver.

References

• "The Complete Book of Herbs"; Lesley Bremness; 1988
• "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; Norman Shealy MD; 1998