The liver is responsible for a number of important tasks. The liver controls chemical levels in the blood and emits a fluid called bile that helps push waste products from the liver. A number of conditions and diseases can disrupt normal liver function and impair it's ability to effectively process toxins. Certain herbs are suggested to help detoxify the liver. Check with your health care provider before taking herbs because they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Considerations
Viruses and chemicals may cause the liver to become inflamed, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example, heavy drinkers or alcoholics may develop liver problems. Some liver problems are short-lived while others are chronic.
Symptoms of liver disease may include persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urin and nausea. Skin may also take on a yellowish hue.
Types
Milk thistle has been used throughout as an herbal remedy for liver and gallbladder problems. Milk thistle contains a flavonoid called silymarin that may shield the liver from toxic substances, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
Dandelion root is sometimes used to treat liver problems and help support proper liver and gallbladder function. Dandelion contains vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, iron, potassium and zinc.
Spirulina is an antioxidant-rich blue-green algae. Spirulina contains B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, copper, iron manganese, zinc, selenium, and an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid. Discuss the pros and cons of herbs for liver detoxification with your doctor.
Effects
Milk thistle may help reduce inflammation associated with alcoholic cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis, notes the UMMC. Silymarin may encourage the liver to grow new cells. Dandelion root is typically used to encourage liver detoxification.
Spirulina may enhance the immune system and protect cells from damage associated with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. Further studies into its suggested liver detoxification benefits are needed, points out the UMMC. Ask your health care provider about taking herbs for liver problems.
Dosage
Milk thistle should be taken in divided doses of approximately 300 to 450 mg daily or twice daily doses of silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex, advises the UMMC. Phosphatidylcholine helps silymarin attach to cell membranes, which may stop toxins from entering liver cells.
Dandelion root standardized powdered extract can be taken in 500 mg doses up to three times daily or 1/2 to 2 tsp. of danelion root dried root decoction three times daily.
The standard dosage of spirulina is four 6,500 mg. tablets daily. Spirulina is also available in flakes or powder form. Ask your doctor about taking herbs for liver health.
Precautions/Side Effects
Mild side effects associated with milk thistle include diarrhea and upset stomach. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as people with a history breast, prostate and other hormonal-related cancers should not take milk thistle.
Dandelion should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to chamomile, daisies, iodine, ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold or yarrow. Dandelion may cause heartburn in some people.
Spirulina is generally regarded as safe. However, people with an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, should not take spirulina due to its potential immune system-enhancing effects.
See your doctor if you think you may have a liver problem. Liver disease can be serious and potentially life-threatening.
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