The liver helps you digest food and absorb nutrients, and aids in excreting toxic substances from the body. A problem with your liver can cause significant health problems. They may be treated by lifestyle changes or medications, but some individuals find that herbs are helpful in promoting liver health. Talk with your doctor about herbs prior to consuming them for medicinal purposes.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb commonly used to promote liver health. According to MayoClinic.com, this herb has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2,000 years, mostly for liver and gallbladder problems. Seeds of the milk thistle plant contain flavonoids called silymarins, which are hypothesized to be the active medicinal compounds of the herb. Milk thistle can help improve liver function and survival in patients with liver cirrhosis, but better research needs to be done to verify this, states MayoClinic.com. Improvements in patients with hepatitis have also been seen with milk thistle, but more studies need to be performed. MayoClinic.com recommends taking 230 to 600 mg daily of silymarin, in two to three divided doses,.
Dandelion
More than just a weed or plant, dandelion can also help with liver health. This herb contains vitamins A, C, D and B-complex, as well as zinc, iron and potassium. The leaves and roots of dandelion have traditionally been used medicinally for liver problems, digestive disorders, skin problems and appendicitis. Currently, the roots are typically used to treat liver disorders, and the leaves are primarily used as a diuretic. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 500 mg of standardized powdered dandelion root extract, one to three times a day.
Turmeric
Not only a spice used in Indian curries and other dishes, turmeric possesses health benefits. This herb can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including jaundice, stomach pain, loss of appetite and liver or gallbladder disorders, says MedlinePlus. It is also being studied for the treatment of certain kinds of cancer, including gastrointestinal cancer. The main yellow pigment of turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant, according to Drugs.com. Many studies focus on this component, rather than turmeric as a whole. Curcumin has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, explains Drugs.com, but more research needs to be done. The dosage of turmeric varies; the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 400 to 600 mg, three times a day, of standardized curcumin powder, or 1 to 3 g daily of dried, powdered turmeric root.
Considerations
Before using any herbs to promote liver health, it is a good idea to talk with your health care provider about whether the supplements are safe to consume. Individuals with existing liver problems should take special care to avoid adverse interactions with herbs and medications. Excess amounts of herbs may cause liver problems, and you should confirm appropriate dosages with your doctor.
