The liver is an organ that works 24/7 to help filter our bodies of toxins. But in today’s society, our livers are constantly under attack from the environment alone. Liver health is very important for many reasons. Scientists estimate that the liver has about 800 different functions. The liver sits on the right side of your body under the ribs. Liver problems are recognized as occurring on the right side of the body. Other signs are yellow or brown coloring on the skin. Problems affecting the digestive tract are bloating, gas and a bitter taste in the mouth. Chinese doctors say Americans lifestyles are a perfect recipe for liver problems, which is true by the statistics. Here are some natural herbs that help to heal and protect the liver and its functions in a safe way.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a powerful antioxidant primarily for the liver. It greatly enhances liver functions in many ways. It helps the liver heal from diseases caused by alcohol, drugs and the environment. It detoxes and rejuvenates the liver, while also protecting the liver from incoming toxins and poisons. Milk thistle helps heal all four types of hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Liver swelling is reduced from absorption of toxins due to the silymarin content. Silymarin is responsible for its antioxidant effect and regulation of glycogen and lipid levels. It protects the liver from DNA mutations, improves production of RNA in the liver, and balances the metabolism. It also increases production of beneficial liver enzymes, helps to treat Cholestasis by stimulating bile flow, improves gallbladder problems, and prevents gallstones by improving bile quality. Milk thistle is truly a superstar liver herb and should always be considered for liver problems.
Yellow Dock
Yellow Dock is rich in iron and contains an acid that helps in its absorption. This herb works well as a blood purifier which in turn helps liver function. It strengthens the whole body and cleanses and strengthens the liver. It’s used for hepatitis, herpes, skin diseases, hemorrhoids, anemia, and as a whole body tonic. Yellow dock helps to improve bile flow and prevent gallbladder attacks. Yellow dock even treats liver inflammation and liver congestion. It is a great source of nourishment for the entire body and will definitely help in liver treatment.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a safe herb that’s great to cook with, but it’s also actually a great liver herb. It helps to decongest the liver, decreases liver damage, and is an antioxidant to the liver. It helps prevent and treat gallstones and stimulates the flow of bile. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb for the whole body including the liver. It even helps prevent the increase in liver enzymes that are seen in inflammation. It aids digestion of fat and prevents the buildup of gas. Turmeric is also antiviral and antibacterial.
Wild Yam
This herb is not generally used alone but rather combined in liver and gallbladder formulas. It’s a good liver cleanser and improves its function in breaking down excess estrogen levels. Wild yam is a general tonic for the liver and gallbladder and regulates bile production.
Bupleurum
This herb is included in many liver formulas. It detoxifies the liver and helps the liver break down excess estrogen. It is mainly used for hepatitis treatment.
Cascara Sagrada
_bark.JPG)
Cascara sagrada is mostly used for digestion but also benefits the liver, which is a part of the digestion process. It acts as a stimulant to the liver and increases bile production. It’s a great cleanser for the liver and is included in formulas to treat hepatitis and jaundice. Cascara sagrada helps greatly in the later stages of digestion. This herb should be avoided if you are pregnant.
Barberry
Barberry regulates the flow of bile and balances liver function. It helps treat Hepatitis, jaundice, and cirrhosis. For the liver, it works as a tonic, stimulant, and cleanser. It is also used to treat inflammation of the gallbladder due to gallstones. Barberry even helps in fat digestion.
Dandelion
The leaf and root of Dandelion is a good source of iron and potassium and can be used for many liver ailments. It strengthens the liver and benefits the production of bile, protects the liver, helps filter blood, detoxes the liver, and breaks down excess estrogen. Dandelion betters digestion by helping to produce enzymes. It’s been used for years on liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver congestion. There is also a slight increase in HCL (hydrochloric acid) and Pepsin (an enzyme that breaks down proteins) production. Dandelion works on 5 body systems for a wide array of benefits.
Golden Seal
This herb treats 9 of the bodies systems. It’s anti-inflammatory, strengthens and tones epithelial tissue, and is used as a restorative tonic. It’s a great tonic for the entire G.I tract and improves all stages of digestion greatly. When used for liver ailments, it is used in small amounts, as large amounts will irritate the liver. It is used to treat hepatitis, clear gallbladder and bile obstructions, and gallbladder inflammation. It helps treat cirrhosis by correcting metabolic abnormalities. Bile secretion is also stimulated.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi is an all-around great medicine for the entire body. It helps to bring balance in all bodily functions as well as remove toxins. In traditional Chinese medicine, Reishi is used in many liver formulas. This is because it strengthens the liver by providing energy and fighting toxins at the same time. The list of benefits for the reishi mushroom is quite long and can benefit long term health for more than just your liver. Energy is important for your organs to combat disease and free radicals.
Schizandra Berries
Schizandra is another herb that is just a great whole body energy tonic. Schizandra works on 8 body systems treating an array of problems. For the liver, it protects, stimulates, and provides energy. It tones the liver and enhances metabolism. It increases the body’s ability to use glycogen stored in the liver. It increases bile secretion and greatly aids in digestion.
Artichoke
_(61044604).jpg)
Artichoke has been used for years for liver problems. It’s a great food that can easily be incorporated into your lifestyle but is also a very potent herb for liver ailments. It increases bile production, decreases fat and cholesterol levels in the liver, and heals and protects the liver cells from damage.
People need to at least be conscious of their livers in this society. We are constantly taxing our livers and need to know the signs if there are any problems. Taking herbs is a safe way to heal and balance your body and liver and is definitely something to consider for people from all walks of life.