The liver is the organ whose primary functions are to cleanse the body of toxins and help with digestion. It processes medicines, alcohol, foods, fats and whatever else that goes in your mouth. Because of all the use and sometimes the abuse received by the liver, it's good to do a liver cleanse or take herbs to support its function.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is probably the best known herb for the treatment of the liver, explains the LiverDisease.com website. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research has reported its efficacy in some cases and study is continuing on its long-term effects. Milk thistle has been reported effective in repairing damage from cirrhosis due to alcohol, explains the National Library of Medicine. It reverses poisoning from the amanita mushroom according to Agency for Healthcare Research. LiverDisease.com explains that milk thistle enables the liver to deflect toxins, protects it from free radical damage and helps it regenerate new liver cells replacing those damaged by disease. Because milk thistle is not easily dissolved in water, the best and easiest way to take it is in capsules from extract. There is no standard recommended dosage. Consult an herbal practitioner for a dose that is best for your needs.
Dandelion
Dandelion has been known to increase the flow of bile and is helpful in improving both jaundice and hepatitis, reports LiverDisease.com. Herbal practitioners have used dandelion for years to help increase liver function. Care must be taken when using dandelion due to its high vitamin A content. Consult with an herbalist for doses appropriate for your case.
Green Tea
Green tea is beneficial for treating the liver, according to LiverDisease.com. It has a high concentration of the compound catechin which is reported to have antioxidant effects on the body. High doses of green tea may cause side effects including allergic skin reactions, fever and the breakdown of red blood cells. See an herbal practitioner for recommended doses for your individual case.
Tumeric
Used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, tumeric, with its active incredient curcumin, is a well-known treatment for liver disease in India, reports LiverDisease.com. Tumeric is alleged to have antioxidant properties and is able to reduce inflammation and stop liver damage from various liver toxins.
Black Pepper
LiverDisease.com reports that black pepper has been shown to lessen the destructive effects of various toxins on the liver. It also has the ability to defend the liver from the loss of antioxidants that protect and is native to the it. Mother Nature.com claims that peppers mixed with ginger helps improve the ability for the intestines to absorb other herbs.
