The liver is the second largest organ in the body after the skin, and it is primarily responsible for removing toxins, which along with the stress your body experiences, burdens the liver with more work. Liver disease and failure may occur as a result of this. However, some herbs show promise for supporting liver health.
Garlic
The antioxidant effect of garlic can improve liver function, according to a 2007 study published in the "Journal of Applied Sciences Research." The researchers, led by J. Hussein from the Medical Biochemistry Department, National Research Center, Egypt, found that liver cell damage caused by alcohol consumption improved following the consumption of garlic oil. Researchers attributed the effects to the herb's antioxidant activity.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant vitamin used to neutralize toxins in cases of liver disease. The vitamin works well synergistically with vitamin E and the effectiveness is increased when the nutrients are taken together. Vitamin C levels are decreased in the body by stress and alcohol consumption, which may accompany liver disorders. Restoring normal levels of vitamin C may be necessary. The recommended dose of vitamin C for the treatment of liver disorders is 3,000 to 8,000mg daily, taken in divided doses.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle contains a group of oxidative compounds known as silymarin that encourages liver cell renewal and repair in cases of liver disorders. Silymarin protects the liver's cells from damage and stimulates the creation of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant produced by the liver. The recommended dose is up to 10mL per day in the tincture form, according to nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A to Z Supplements Guide."
Dandelion
Dandelion is a medicinal herb that cleanses toxins from the blood. The leaves are used as a liver tonic. The chemicals in dandelion are thought to restore the liver function in cases of cirrhosis and advanced liver disease. Make a tea with dried leaves steeped in 8 oz. of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, according to Balch, and consume up to three times per day.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Liver Problems
- Mayo Clinic: Acute Liver Failure
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A to Z Supplements Guide"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2006
- "Journal of Applied Sciences Research": Antihepatotoxic Effect of Garlic and Onion Oils on Ethanol-induced Liver Injury in Rats
