The liver is one of the most important organs in our body. It is responsible for purifying the blood and hosts important metabolic processes like glycogenesis, glycogenolysis etc. It is essential that the liver stays healthy because without a normally functioning liver, our health will be at stake.
Research has shown that, herbs are most beneficial when it comes to keeping the liver fit and eradicating a number of liver maladies like infections and cirrhosis.
9 Herbal Remedies For Liver
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is known as Silybum marianum in binomial nomenclature. This herb is a member of the Sunflower family. Milk thistle has been used for over a thousand years for treating all kinds of liver problems. Studies have establishes that a chemical names Silymarin is present in milk thistle. It is this chemical that makes milk thistle so effective against liver ailments.
Silymarin protects the liver against harmful toxic substances and infections and also increases regeneration of hepatic cells. You can use this herb to keep yourself healthy and you should definitely use this herb if you’re an alcoholic or under some heavy medication. Milk thistle is readily available in form of capsules and tinctures.
Dandelion
Dandelion is also known as Priest’s crown. This herb belongs to the Sunflower family too. Scientifically dandelion is called Taraxacum officinale. The entire herb, i.e. the roots, leaves and flowers have medicinal properties. Dandelion contains bitter chemicals like taraxacin, taraxol etc which have beneficial effect on the liver. The Dandelion flowers are a rich source of Lecithin. Lecithin is excellent for curing liver problems. You can eat dandelion leaves and roots as salads. Dried roots can also be used to prepare fresh herbal tea.
Schisandra
Schisandra is a traditional Chinese medicine that is used till today to treat a number of health problems. The berries of Schisandra are used to cure liver maladies. It has been clinically studied and proven that the berries from this herb have the ability to regenerate liver tissues and it also effectively treats, infectious hepatitis. The best way to take the berries is to make a tonic. To make the tonic pour some glycerin in a bottle and add some berries. Let the berries infuse into the glycerin. You will obtain a dark, sweet tasting liquid. Have 4 teaspoons of this liquid every day. You may also intake this herb in tea, capsular or extract form.
Globe Artichoke
Globe artichoke is known as Cynara scolymus in scientific terminology. This herb belongs to the Sunflower family. The leaves of Globe artichoke have some beneficial medicinal properties. The bitter chemicals present in the leaves are cynarin and sesquiterpene. These chemicals detoxify the liver and keep it healthy. This protecting herb also contains a chemical called caffeylquinic acid which helps in the regeneration of new hepatic cells. You can prepare a fresh tea with the leaves. You may also purchase the extract, tincture or capsule form the herb.
Agrimony
According to traditional folklore, Agrimony was used by Greek kings as an antidote to all kinds of toxic substances and today this has been proven thorugh extensice research! Agrimony is a member of the Rose family and is known as Agrimonia eupatoria. The bitter principles present in the aerial parts of this herb, enhance and support the functioning of the liver as well as the gall bladder. You can brew herbal tea by add 1 teaspoon of dried herb to 1 cup of hot, boiling water and steep it. The longer you allow it to steep, the better. Drink this at least 3 times a day.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb which is known in the West as Indian ginseng. The scientific name for this herb is Withania somnifera. The herb is used against a wide range of diseases and health problems. Ashwagandha has anti-oxidant properties which eliminate the harmful free radicals from the liver thereby protecting it. Chemicals called withanoids present in the liver protect the liver against infections and toxic effects.
Ashwagandha, being a really bitter herb, has the ability to deeply cleanse the liver and remove all harmful substances. This keeps the liver healthy and well protected. You need to prepare a decoction with the dried herb. Mix 1 teaspoon of the herb and 1 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of clarified butter (if you’re not a heart patient) or use warm milk and honey instead of water and clarified butter.
Wormwood
Wormwood is one of the strongest herbs for treating liver problems. Wormwood is a member of the Sunflower family. This bitter herb has anti-inflammatory properties. Liver and gall bladder problems can be easily rectified with the help of this herb. The aerial parts of this herb contain a chemical called absinthum that flushes the toxins and restores normal liver functioning. You may take it in tea form, but the tea is extremely bitter and almost unpalatable, so you may add honey and a pinch of cinnamon. The easier way to take this herb is in the form of extracts and capsules.
Arjuna myrobalan
Arjuna myrobalan is an Ayurvedic herb which is extremely beneficial for the liver. The scientific name of this herb is Terminalia Arjuna. Th bark of this herb is used to treat all kinds of liver problems. It detoxifies the liver and is a strong diuretic. The powdered bark is especially beneficial in case of liver cirrhosis. To use this herb purchase the powdered form of the bark. You can purchase the product from online Ayurvedic medicinal stores. In a cup of water add 1 teaspoon of the powder and mix well. Drink this twice daily.
Long Pepper
Long pepper is sometimes called the Indian long pepper. Scientifically, this herb is called Piper longnum. It has been used in Ayurvedic treatments to treat some health issues. The fruit of this herb contains an active alkaloid named Piperine. Toxic substances like tert-butyl hydroperoxide are present in the liver which may interfere with the proper functioning. Piperine removes these harmful substances by reducing fat molecule peroxidation. The fruits are eaten in form of pickles. You may use the fruit as a spice or add it in your cooking.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
