Your liver is the primary detoxifier of the body. It neutralizes waste, as do the kidneys, lymph system and large intestine, explains the book "Herbal Defense: Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging." It also stores iron, breaks down carbohydrates, fights infection, oxidizes alcohol and filters pollutants. Vitamins as well as a number of traditional herbal supplements may be used to support a healthy liver. Speak with your doctor before taking any herbs.
Vitamins
Vitamins are naturally occurring compounds that are vital to the body's health. B vitamins are essential to prevent and treat liver disease, as stated in the book "Metabolism and Nutrition in Liver Disease." Antioxidants protect against cell damage. Vitamin E and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants that help the liver stay healthy. Consult a doctor before adding vitamin supplements to your regimen.
Traditional Western Herbs
"The Complete Medicinal Herbal" notes that artichoke leaf, dandelion and gentian are tonic herbs that stimulate and restore the liver. Bogbean, boldo, boneset, cascara sagrada and wild iris are other herbs traditionally taken for liver health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, scientific studies indicate that milk thistle, a plant indigenous to the Mediterranean region, may offer protectant qualities. It contains silymarin, a flavonoid that may shield the liver from toxins and assist the liver in regenerating new cells. Silymarin is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and is often recommended in cases of hepatitis C cirrhosis, and other liver diseases, as noted by the UMMC. Use herbs under the direction of a doctor.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Bupleurum, a plant native to China, is one of the primary liver-protective herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Stephen Harrod Buhner, a noted herbalist and author of "Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver," comments that bupleurum root, an antiviral herb, has been shown to be effective in treating hepatitis as well as liver damage caused by acetaminophen. Burdock root is another herb recommended for chronic liver disease. Buhner also writes that the dandelion plant, originally from China, is a liver tonic and relieves liver inflammation. Liver disease can be serious, and you should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or become severe.
Cautions and Considerations
Damage to the liver may occur on several fronts. Borage, chapparal, greater celandine, kava, coltsfoot, mistletoe, pennyroyal and sassafras plants are suspected of liver toxicity, notes Steven Bratman, M.D., in the book "Collins Alternative Health Guide." Pharmaceutical medicines may stress the liver as well. These drugs may include statins, prescribed to reduce cholesterol, and acetaminophen. Avoid excessive use of alcohol, which also can harm the liver. The use of herbs is not an adequate substitute for advice and treatment from a qualified health care provider.
References
- "Metabolism and Nutrition in Liver Disease"; Eggert Holm; 1985
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman, M.D.; 2007
- "Herbal Defense: Positioning Yourself to Triumph Over Illness and Aging"; Robin Landis, et al.; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Milk Thistle
- "The Complete Medicinal Herbal"; Penelope Ody; 1993
- "Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 2000
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