Weighing in at about 3 lbs., your liver is a complex organ that metabolizes food, synthesizes vital enzymes and stores excess glucose. In addition, the liver detoxifies your bloodstream of environmental pollutants, alcohol and medications, and fights blood-borne bacteria. Herbs may help promote healthy liver function and alleviate symptoms of liver diseases, such as hepatitis C and cirrhosis. Discuss any herbal supplementation with your doctor.
Herbs
Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner, author of "Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver," recommends several herbs that can encourage healthy liver functioning. These plants include green tea, bladderwrack, chlorella and spirulina. Other effective herbal remedies for the liver are dandelion, milk thistle, Asian ginseng, bupleurum, burdock, turmeric and boldo, according to Buhner. Discuss all medical and nutrition questions with your health care provider.
Green Tea
A phytochemical extracted from green tea called epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate, or EGCg, has shown antioxidant properties in countless research studies. Matcha, the powdered green tea featured in Japanese tea ceremonies, possesses more of this potent phytochemical than other varieties of green tea, according to a 2009 study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food." Medical researchers tested EGCg extracted from matcha tea on rats with Type 2 diabetes. It appears that EGCg protects against progressive liver and kidney damage, and decreases liver glucose and cholesterol levels as well. Ask a qualified health care practitioner whether green tea supplements are appropriate for your condition.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is a superior herbal remedy for liver disease. Buhner explains that milk thistle rejuvenates damaged liver tissue, diminishes inflammation and protects the liver from the harmful effects of hepatitis viruses. While not an antiviral, the plant improves immune system functioning and rebuilds liver tissue. Clinical herbalists recommend milk thistle in cases of hepatitis, liver inflammation, exhaustion and appetite loss. Milk thistle contains silybin, which is one of the plant's active constitutents. According to a 2011 review published in the "World Journal of Gastroenterology," silybin has clearly exhibited antioxidant and antifibrotic qualities in multiple research studies. The authors also state that silybin may prove to be an effective treatment for chronic liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis C and liver cancer. Consult a qualified health care provider before adding milk thistle supplements to your regimen.
Preventing Liver Damage
To promote healthy liver function, reduce or avoid alcohol consumption. Environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, solar radiation and pesticides are also injurious to the liver. Aspirin, acetaminophen and other medications can be especially damaging to the liver as well, according to herbalist Michael Castleman's book, "The New Healthy Herbs."
References
- "Inflammation Research"; Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of C-Phycocyanin From Blue-Green Algae; C. Romay, et al.; January 1998
- "Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver"; Stephen Harrod Buhner; 2000
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Matcha, a Powdered Green Tea, Ameliorates the Progression of Renal and Hepatic Damage in Type 2 Diabetic OLETF Rats; N. Yamabe, et al.; August 2009
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
