Simply put, the health of your entire body is dependent upon the health of your liver. That is because the liver is in charge of synthesizing vitamins, minerals, and sugars (for energy), cleansing and detoxifying the blood, and controlling cholesterol levels. If the liver does not function properly, there’s a great chance that there will be an imbalance in at least one area of your body.
That is why looking after the health of your liver is crucial. And while this requires maintaining a healthy diet, as well as exercising regularly, there are certain herbs out there that can naturally provide an extra boost to your liver.
Dandelion
This bitter herbs has healing properties that benefit a variety of health issues, including liver malfunction. Dandelion can help detoxify the liver while promoting an increase in bile production. In many countries, this herb is used as a liver tonic to stimulate a sluggish or congested liver. There is also some indication that dandelion may boost the production of natural “‘good” bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Green Tea
In traditional Chinese medicine, green tea has many uses, including the protection against liver disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins, which might help prevent hepatitis C, assist liver function, and protect the organ from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol.
Milk Thistle
This flowering herb is often used as a natural treatment for liver problems, including cirrhosis and hepatitis. The active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production, and scientists believe it can have a detoxifying effect on the liver.
Chicory Root
One of the most popular uses of chicory root, dating back to the Roman Empire, is liver purification. Not only can this herb help increase the production of bile, it also contains detoxifying properties, which can cleanse the liver. Furthermore, the dried root can be a healthy coffee substitute, as well as helping to reduce the acidifying effects of coffee in the liver.
Turmeric
Consuming turmeric can help prevent high cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease by regulating the enzymes responsible for cholesterol metabolism. Additionally, it can boost antioxidant defenses and help detoxify the liver.
Problems with certain organs in the human body can often dictate the quality of a person’s life; the liver is one of these organs. Make sure to not only try some of these herbs out, but also combine the use of them with a proper diet and regular exercise.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
