Herbs For Liver Stagnation

In traditional and classical Chinese medicine, liver "qi" stagnation refers to the blockage of energy flow through the body. Qi, or energy, is responsible for normal and healthy bodily functioning, and the liver ensures proper energy flow. In Western terms, liver stagnation may refer to congestion or compromised function of the organ. The liver plays many vital roles in the body, including detoxifying the blood and producing and storing hormones and digestive substances. Certain herbs may be helpful for liver stagnation. But before taking herbs, consult a botanically-trained health care professional for personalized advice on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.

Bupleurum

Bupleurum falcatum, also known as Chinese thoroughwax, hare's ear root and chai hu, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as an herbal tonic to strengthen the liver. The bitter-tasting root is utilized medicinally and contains the active constituents triterpenoid saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids and lignins. According to Bastyr University's Materia Medica, bupleurum is an anti-inflammatory herb that lowers cholesterol, alleviates digestive ailments and protects liver cells. Practitioners of herbal medicine employ bupleurum to treat auto-immune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as inflammatory conditions of the kidneys and liver, such as chronic hepatitis. Bupleurum also addresses other liver disorders, such as acute hepatitis, toxic damage to the liver and insufficient liver function. Bupleurum may be taken as a tea, fluid extract or capsule.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle, also known by its Latin name Silybum marianum, is herbal remedy with a 2,000-year history of treating ailments of the gallbladder and liver. The milk thistle plant is native to the Mediterranean, although it now grows worldwide. It has a spiny stem, leaves with white blotches and reddish-purple flowers. The seeds are employed medicinally, and like many herbs that treat the liver, they have a bitter taste. The main active component of milk thistle is silymarin, which protects the liver from toxins and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that minimize liver damage and assist in the repair of liver cells. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, milk thistle is helpful for alcoholic liver disease and viral hepatitis. Herbalists classify milk thistle as a hepatoprotective and hepatic, meaning it protects the liver from damage and stimulates healthy function, rendering the herb helpful for liver congestion and stagnation. Milk thistle is available as a tea, liquid extract or capsule.

Artichoke

Artichoke, also called Cynara scolymus, is used for numerous cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions, including liver ailments. The leaf is used medicinally and it contains caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones. Artichoke is helpful for nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence and elevated cholesterol, as well as conditions of fatty liver and "sluggish" liver, reports the Bastyr Materia Medica. Part of artichoke's therapeutic effects on the liver stem from its ability to enhance the movement and secretion of bile -- a substance produced in the liver and involved in digestion. Artichoke may be taken as a tincture or capsule.