Gaia Herbs, a company located in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, grows and prepares several medicinal herbs traditionally used for liver support. These herbs are available as single extracts or in combination with other medicinal herbs as tinctures, capsules and teas. Before using alternative treatments, such as medicinal herbs, it is important to consult your doctor. For best advice, seek a holistically trained physician.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, also known by its botanical name of Silybum marianum, has been the subject of several studies investigating its protective effect on the liver. In his book, "Textbook of Natural Medicine," Joseph Pizzorno Jr., ND cites these studies and summarizes the effects noted on the liver. The medicinal constituent in milk thistle, silymarin, was shown to offer protection from liver-damaging drugs and chemicals, stimulate the hepatic synthesis of proteins, lead to reduction of cholesterol and act as an anti-inflammatory agent. For safe and effective treatment with milk thistle, consult a holistically trained physician.
Dandelion
Known botanically by the name of Taraxacum officinalis, dandelion grows freely in many lawns and is considered a pest. Alternative doctors and herbalists have traditionally used dandelion as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Sharol Tilgner, ND, an herbalist and naturopathic physician, also notes the effect of dandelion on the liver as a stimulant of bile production and secretion, but she warns that its action on the liver can be slow to show results. Before taking dandelion as a supplement, consult your holistically trained doctor.
Artichoke
Artichoke, also known as Cynara scolymus, is thought to support normal liver function by stimulating bile flow. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews also notes another liver-supporting role for artichoke. According to the studies reviewed, artichoke leaf extract has the potential to lower cholesterol, but more research is needed to understand the full effect of artichoke on the liver and the rest of the body. Consult your doctor before taking artichoke as a supplement.
Burdock
Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is often thought of as one of the liver herbs. Sharon Tilgner describes it as a liver tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive stimulant and blood and lymph mover. It may be useful in inflammatory conditions by supporting the natural function of the liver and gallbladder. Consult your holistically trained physician for appropriate dosing and contraindications before taking burdock.
Other
Other medicinal herbs available from Gaia that support or stimulate healthy liver function include licorice, yellow dock, bupleurum, oregon grape and celandine. To learn which individual medicinal herb or combination of herbs may be therapeutic, consult a holistically trained physician.
References
- Gaia Herbs: System Support: Liver Function
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., ND and Michael T. Murray, ND; 2006
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, ND; 1999
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Artichoke Leaf Extract for Treating Hypercholesterolaemia.; B. Wider et al.; 2009
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