Top 12 Herbs For Optimal Liver Function

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Our livers are a vital organ that we often underestimate and overlook. The liver is the greatest chemical processing agent ever created. It cleanses our bodies every single day, processing and removing toxins as well as metabolizing nutrients.

There is an old saying that goes something like, “You are only as heathy as your liver.” When you consider that a deteriorating liver can bring on symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, acne, hormonal disturbances, nervous system disorders, kidney problems or kidney failure, gall bladder issues, and more serious problems such as cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis, the health of our liver becomes quite clear.

Unfortunately, people often neglect their liver by taking all kinds of prescription and over the counter drugs that make your liver work overtime trying to remove them from your body. Isn’t it ironic that the thing you take to improve your health is actually harming your liver?

The good news is that there are many herbs that are good to your liver. Some of these herbs can directly improve the health of your liver and can even help prevent cirrhosis and be of benefit in some cases of hepatitis.

Keep reading for the best herbs you can easily add to your diet to keep your liver strong and healthy.

1. Dandelion

In one scientific study, the extracts from dandelion leaves were fed to lab mice for a period of 30 days to find out if they offered any protection for the liver. Results showed that the liver did receive benefits due to the high antioxidant levels of this herb as well as its anti-inflammatory compounds. In addition to its leaves, the roots of this plant are also a popular liver aid. Herbalists use this remedy for years to fight cirrhosis and fatty liver. It’s also a terrific diuretic plant and can help your liver remove toxins.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric belongs to the same family as ginger. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, stimulates production of the enzymes that detoxify the liver. Scientists at UCLA have found that turmeric can help fight cancer by stopping the spread of malignant cells. Initial research on the effects curcumin can have on the liver suggests that it might be able to block the reproduction of the hepatitis B virus. In clinical studies, curcumin has shown that it is very effective in reducing triglyceride levels in the liver. Triglycerides are linked to numerous metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver, and visceral obesity.

3. Chicory Root

Chicory root has been used to help liver disorders for centuries. The ancient Romans used chicory root to help them cleanse the blood. The Egyptians believed that this root could purify both the blood and the liver. Still others believe that this root is effective in stopping the formation of gallstones and liver stones. Research shows that chicory root is very effective at increasing the production of bile. When there is more bile, the digestive system works better because fats are broken down more quickly. This can have a positive effect on the health of the gall bladder as well as the liver.

Chicory root also has a protective effect on the liver from excessive caffeine levels. The phenolic compounds in chicory root can treat a wide range of liver problems. Phenolic compounds stop damage that can happen from an intake of pharmaceuticals such as paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride.

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