Top 10 Herbs that Improve Liver Function

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The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. Not only does it cleanse the body of unwanted toxins and debris, it also helps to produce important enzymes that are used to digest the foods we eat. There are several herbs that support and strengthen the liver and how it functions. A few of the most important herbs that provide liver support are as follows.

Dandelion

Both the leaves and the root of the dandelion plant are strong and extremely effective liver cleansers. Dandelion is both an antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory. It also has strong diuretic properties that help to flush the liver. Because the liver acts as a filter, it collects many of the toxins and wastes it pulls from the blood.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is the most commonly known liver tonic in the herbal world. It flushes the liver and helps it to function more efficiently. It also stimulates bile production that helps to aid in digestion and helps damaged liver tissues begin to regenerate. Milk thistle contains compounds that reduce inflammation and can actually reverse some of the effects of cirrhosis of the liver.

Licorice

Licorice contains glycyrrhizin which is thought to be an extremely powerful cancer fighting agent. It also plays an active role in the production of interferon. Interferon works to protect the liver from many of the toxins that are found in the diet or are introduced into the body from the environment.

Yellow Dock

Yellow dock is one of the most important of all liver-related herbs. It helps to produce more bile, while at the same time flushes and detoxifies the liver, removing any excessive amounts of waste or debris that may be showing up in the digestive tract.

Astragalus

Used by the Chinese for centuries, astragalus has been proven to reverse certain types of liver damage. Astragalus lowers the level acids in the stomach and can even help to neutralize heavy metals that are often found in certain foods and in the environment.

Chicory Root

Chicory has been used for centuries to treat everything from gall bladder flare ups to stomach upsets. One of its main roles when it comes to liver function is the production of bile that helps in the digestive processes. Chicory can protect against too much coffee as well as from excessive amounts of alcohol.

Beets

Beets contain betanin. Betanin is known to have properties that strengthen the liver and flush away excess fats that can collect in the liver. Both beets and beet juice are said to be hepaprotective.

Turmeric

Turmeric acts as an excellent detoxifier for the liver as well as other parts of the body. Because of how turmeric molecules are formed, they can prevent Hepatitis B cells from replicating. The herb helps to prevent the liver from becoming fatty by flushing out excess fats, wastes and toxins from the liver on a daily basis.

Artichoke

Artichokes contain several antioxidant components that protect the liver from harm as it filters impurities and wastes from the blood and surrounding tissues. Artichokes also are beneficial to the digestive process. They promote bile production and helps the liver to regenerate areas that are beginning to fail.

Greater Celandine

Although relatively unknown, greater celandine is one of the most powerful herbs when it comes to protecting liver function. It helps to strengthen the liver with its many properties, which include: anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial and analgesic. It can also help to control many liver related issues including jaundice and various hepatitis like illnesses.

Sources:webmd.comumm.edulivestrong.com

Liu Jiao
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