Ayurveda Herbs For A Liver Detox

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of herbal medicine and self-care. It works to restore health to the whole person by discovering the physical imbalance or cause of a disorder at its root. Ayurvedic herbal treatment goes hand-in-hand with dietary and lifestyle modifications. Liver health is an important focus of ayurveda; however, ayurvedic medicine is not always sufficient to treat serious liver problems. Ask your doctor whether ayurvedic support for your liver is appropriate and safe for you.

Ayurvedic Approach to Healing

The ayurvedic system is based on vata, pitta and kapha, which are the three main types of body and energy. The vata dosha corresponds to space and air and is characterized by dry skin and hair, thinness and intellect. Kapha is the dosha of water and earth, and kapha types are robust, with oily skin, lush hair and slow, calm dispositions. Pitta is the dosha of fire and water, and pitta-dominant people are medium-built and muscular, with sensitive skin and fiery temperaments. Ayurvedic healers believe that most illness is caused by an excess of one of the doshas and strive to bring the energies into balance with herbal remedies and diet.

Ayurveda and the Liver

Applying ayurvedic treatments to liver problems requires an understanding of the ayurvedic approach to the liver. The liver organ is considered a fire -- or pitta -- organ, since it is essential to the body's digestive functions. Therefore, the health of the liver requires balance in the pitta dosha. If the liver is overloaded with toxins, it will burn too hot and become inflamed, causing problems throughout the body. This imbalance is treated with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as herbal remedies.

Triphala

If you choose only one ayurvedic supplement for liver and digestive support, make it triphala. Triphala is actually a blend of herbs and fruits with a balancing effect on the entire digestive system, and is usually taken daily in powder or tablet form. It is believed to help promote intestinal and liver function and health by gently stimulating the colon and bile production. It may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Since triphala is mildly laxative, check with your doctor before trying it to make sure it will be safe for you. Start with the smallest dose -- usually, 1 gram or one tablet -- and increase if needed.

Other Herbs for Liver Support

A number of additional herbs are used in ayurveda to support liver cooling and detoxifying. The bitter tonic kutki is a good short-term tonic. Aloe juice or supplements are thought to cool an overtaxed and overheated liver. If you suffer from chronic diarrhea, try Indian gall fruit. Chicory seed and long pepper fruit have shown some promise in the treatment of some types of liver toxicity. Most of these are available at health food stores. However, they should not be used as a substitute for treatments recommended by your medical doctor.