Herbal Liver Health

Your liver is one of your most important organs. The American Liver Society states that a typical adult liver weighs approximately 3 lb., filters more than 1 liter of blood every minute and is roughly the size of a football. Your liver is located in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen and performs over 200 unique tasks. Before taking herbs to support the health of your liver, meet with your doctor to discuss herb-related issues, including dosage, side effects and duration of treatment.

Liver Conditions

Many health conditions affect the health and function of your liver. Possible liver-related conditions include liver cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis, liver failure, Wilson's disease, hemochromatosis, liver cancer, portal hypertension and fatty liver. According to the MayoClinic website, factors that may increase your risk of liver problems include certain prescription medications, obesity and unprotected sex. Jaundice, or yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, is one of the most common signs of liver problems.

Useful Herbs

Certain herbs may help protect the health and function of your liver, according to Dr. William Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician, herbal medicine expert and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice." Liver-specific herbs act on your liver in several ways, including boosting your liver's enzyme-producing activity, increasing circulation to your liver and up-regulating your liver's production of bile. Liver-specific herbs include milk thistle, dandelion, bupleurum, iris and yellow dock.

A Popular Herb

Dandelion is a popular herb for both liver and kidney conditions. Dandelion, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is a liver and kidney tonic. Dandelion possesses diuretic and anti-inflammatory action, and is a choleretic, or a substance that stimulates the production of bile in your liver. Dandelion is a flowering plant indigenous to certain regions of North America and Eurasia. Dandelion is an herb that has been used in many traditional medicine systems.

Contraindications

Although herbs for your liver are intended to produce beneficial health effects, they should not be taken by all individuals. Dandelion, for example, should not be taken if you have acute gallbladder inflammation, intestinal obstruction or bile duct obstruction. Both dandelion and iris can cause contact dermatitis, and iris should be avoided if you are pregnant. Yellow dock is contraindicated if you have a history of kidney stones. If you experience any negative health side effects from herbal supplements, immediately discontinue use and consult your doctor.