Natural Herbs for Liver Cleansing

The liver is located in the upper abdomen and is protected by the rib cage. It is soft, pinkish brown in appearance and triangular in shape. It is the second largest organ in the body and performs a number of functions that no other organ can perform, thus making it irreplaceable. It is probably due to this fact that cleansing and maintaining the functioning of the liver is considered so important.

The liver helps in the effective digestion of food by producing ‘bile’, which aids the absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, by the intestine. The liver also gets rid of dead cells and waste products like chemicals, drugs, micro organisms and other pollutants, from the blood thus detoxifying the body. It is essential for metabolism and for synthesizing nutrients from food. The liver also helps in maintaining the volume of blood in the body and in controlling factors affecting the clotting of blood. It produces energy needed by the body and stores glucose. Unpleasant mood and attitude changes, digestive disorders, fluid retention, fatigue, high blood pressure and unstable blood sugar levels are sometimes indicators that the liver is not functioning normally.

It is thought that the liver can be cleansed by consuming certain substances, and that this cleansing should be performed on a regular basis to avoid numerous ailments. While there is no scientific evidence that liver cleansing is necessary or even works, the treatment is quite popular. Milk thistle is the best known herb for healing and strengthening the liver. Dandelion is an effective detoxifier which assists in the production of bile. A mixture made with equal parts of rosemary, ginger, peppermint, rose hips and two parts of dandelion, left to stand in hot water for about ten minutes and then strained and sweetened with honey is thought to act as an effective liver cleanser. Chicory, ginger, licorice, burdock, Astragalus root, artichoke and turmeric are also recommended for their liver cleansing and rebuilding properties. Tea is also an effective antioxidant that aids the liver. Apart from this, proper nutrition also keeps the liver healthy. Consuming plenty of fresh, clean drinking water, vegetable and fruit juices, along with light food like salads, is a well known method of cleansing the liver. Wholesome foods that are low in fat content and refined sugar, but rich in fiber, are far better than nutritional ingredients available in health food supplements. Foods rich in Selenium, Zinc and vitamins C and E help to protect the liver and keep it healthy from free radical damage. Alcohol and recreational drugs should be avoided as they prevent the cleansing process of an already taxed liver.