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If you don’t want to wait until spring to do a liver detox (thank YOU, holiday season), but also can’t imagine going full-steam with a detox cleanse program during winter, herbs for liver function can help.
Here, we’re diving into seven of the best teas and supplements for liver detox, including Ayurvedic liver support staples as well as Western herbs.
The great thing about these herbs is they can be taken as part of your regular wellness routine to support liver function with no food restrictions or fasting required.
Ready to love on your liver? Let’s get started learning about these seven herbs for liver detox and overall support.
What Does The Liver Do?
The liver, which sits on the right side of the abdomen just below the breastbone, is one of the body’s most hard-working organs of detoxification.
Through various biological processes, the liver captures and converts harmful substances, such as synthetic drugs, pathogens, alcohol, heavy metals, and other toxins, to less harmful substances.
It also plays a role in the digestion of fats via the production of bile salts, the conjugation of hormones, the production of proteins, cholesterol conversion, glucose-to-glycogen conversion (which helps maintain blood sugar), nutrient storage, and much more.
Without the liver, we literally could not survive.
A Brief Overview of Herbs For Liver Detox in Ayurveda
For centuries, traditional herbalists, including Ayurvedic practitioners, have utilized herbs for liver detox, blood cleansing, and digestive support.
Often, these herbs are bitter and astringent, which helps promote the flow of bile, dark green, orange, or yellow, and have antioxidant properties, which help support a calm and regulated liver.
Some herbs are also considered hepato-protective, meaning they may help shield the liver from harmful substances and promote rejuvenation and vitality.
Since the liver plays a role in so many functions, these herbs may be recommended for the liver directly, as well as for:
- Skin health
- Gall bladder function
- Digestive health
- Fatigue
- Bad breath
- Kidney function (the liver and kidneys are closely connected in Ayurveda)
- Hormonal function
- Menopause/perimenopause
- Menstrual cramps or PMS
- Metabolic function
- Feelings of anger or “angry liver”
- Normal cholesterol
- Gut health
- Weight gain
An Ayurvedic approach to liver detox typically involves balancing Pitta dosha (the primary dosha associated with the liver), increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, decreasing intake of fat and sugar, getting plenty of exercise, hydrating, and taking liver detox herbs.
In some cases, other Ayurvedic practices may be recommended, such as Panchakarma, Abhyanga (Oil Massage), mindfulness, Yoga, and others.
Avoiding processed, fatty foods, increasing hydration, and taking herbs is a great place to start!
7 Cleansing Herbs For Liver Detox
This list contains information on some of Ayurveda’s most cherished herbs for liver detox, as well as popular Western herbs.
As mentioned previously, you can take these herbs as part of your everyday lifestyle or incorporate them into a more comprehensive liver detox.
If this is your first time using herbs for liver detox or if you’re taking medications, talk to your Ayurvedic practitioner for individual recommendations.
#1 Bhumyamalaki
Also known as “stone breaker” or Phyllanthus niruri, Bhumyamalaki helps modulate healthy liver and gallbladder function, support normal kidney function, cool and soothe digestion, and restore Pitta Kapha balance.
In Ayurveda, it’s commonly used to support detoxification of the liver and kidneys and to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas. You can find it in this Liver Kidney supplement.
Related reading: Understanding The Liver Kidney Connection
#2 Turmeric/Curcumin
Turmeric, and its primary active plant compound, curcumin, are two of the most researched plants and plant compounds on the planet.
Although most people associate Turmeric and Curcumin with antioxidant support and minor pain relief, various studies have shown they also have beneficial and protective effects on the liver, gallbladder, and digestion.
The ancient Vedics knew this, which is why Turmeric is used liberally in Indian culinary arts as well as to support normal liver detoxification and function.
Many Ayurvedic practitioners recommend combining Turmeric with Neem (another liver detox herb) for additional liver-supporting properties to benefit the skin and digestive system.
Learn more in: Neem and Turmeric: The Yogic Herb Duo
#3 Katuki
Also known as “the bitter root”, Katuki is a favorite Ayurvedic herb for liver function and balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Its bitter flavor helps stimulate bile flow, supporting liver detox, digestion, and kidney function.
Research suggests Katuki may have liver-protective and detoxifying properties, as well as potent antioxidants that help soothe and calm the liver.
You can find Katuki in Organic India’s Tulsi Cleanse Tea as well as in these Liver Kidney capsules.
#4 Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is one of the best-known Western herbs for supporting liver function, detoxification, protection, and overall health.
Studies suggest its active plant compound, silymarin, possesses potent antioxidant properties and may be involved in the herb’s cleansing, soothing, and rejuvenating properties.
Milk thistle is generally safe to take long-term and can be especially helpful in protecting and fortifying the liver during times of stress, travel, or injury.
It’s also been shown to be potentially helpful for supporting skin health, normal cholesterol, and sugar metabolism.
#5 Neem
Neem, also known as “the wish-fulfilling tree” and “reliever of sickness,” is one of Ayurveda’s most revered multipurpose herbs.
Well-known for its topical and internal benefits for skin and the oral microbiome, Neem is also a go-to herb for liver detox, either alone or combined with Turmeric (as mentioned previously).
This astringent herb is commonly recommended in Ayurveda to cleanse the blood, which in turn, supports the liver’s blood filtration functions.
Although studies on Neem’s direct effects on the liver are lacking, research suggests it may help support normal glutathione levels (your body’s master antioxidant) in the liver, potentially providing antioxidant support.
Its bitter, astringent, and cooling properties are also helpful for balancing Pitta/Kapha doshas.
Learn more about Neem in: 5 Top Neem Capsules Benefits: From Immunity to Beauty
#6 Burdock
The same prickly burdock you find growing on roadsides and ditches is also considered a prime herb for liver detox.
Used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbalism, Burdock root is a popular ingredient in many liver detox, digestive, gallbladder, and skin health formulas.
According to the principles of traditional herbalism, Burdock’s bitter flavor helps stimulate bile production, aiding in digestion and liver detox.
Research also suggests antioxidants found in Burdock may support liver function and protection, digestion, and normal cholesterol.
#7 Triphala
In India, there’s an old folk saying that goes “No mother? Don’t worry if you have Triphala”(!).
Triphala is one of Ayurveda’s most ancient formulas, consisting of three superfruit fruits: Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki.
Considered a tonic and rasanaya (rejuvenator), Triphala has been traditionally used to support digestion, liver function and detox, metabolic function, brain health, cardiovascular, immunity, and more.
Research on Triphala and its components has shown it has powerful antioxidant action, which may help support and protect various aspects of liver function.
Animal research also suggests Triphala may help support normal fat metabolism via its effects on gut microbes that influence liver function.
Triphala is well-known for supporting normal digestion and elimination, both of which are critical to whole-body detoxification.
Discover more about these ancient fruits in: Triphala Benefits: The Power of Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki
How to Take These Herbs for Liver Detox
These herbs are generally safe to take for liver detox as part of a healthy lifestyle.
However, since everyone’s different, check with your Ayurvedic practitioner, herbalist, or a healthcare practitioner familiar with herbs for individual recommendations and guidance.
Most of these herbs are available in capsules, powders, or teas to support liver detoxification, digestion, and more.
Organic India offers several herbs for liver detox grown using organic regenerative practices through our coop of growers, including:
- Turmeric: In capsules, powder, gummies, Tulsi Cleanse Tea, Tulsi Turmeric Ginger Tea, Tulsi Turmeric Chai, Organic Chocolate Moringa Latte, and Organic Spiced Turmeric Latte
- Triphala: In capsules, powder, and Psyllium Pre & Probiotic Fiber Powder Cinnamon
- Neem: In capsules
- Bhumyamalak: In our popular Liver Kidney formula and Tulsi Cleanse Tea
Take as directed on the package or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.
Looking for more cleansing wisdom? Check out the following articles and recipes:
About the Author: Kristen Boye
Kristen Boye is a freelance natural health and green living writer, copywriter, and editor. Kristen was raised on an organic farm in British Columbia which inspired her life’s work. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Health, is a Certified Natural Foods Chef, a medicinal herb farmer, natural foods advocate, and is obsessed with writing, homesteading, researching, regenerative agriculture, and words in general. Kristen lives with her husband and two children on their medicinal herb farm in Western North Carolina. Visit her online at: www.holisticwritingconcepts.com.