11 Herbs to Naturally Repair the Liver

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in many biological functions. Keeping it healthy and protecting it from conditions like hepatitis is essential. While there are medications available for this purpose, more and more people are turning to natural alternatives. Here are 11 popular herbs that are known for supporting liver health:

1. Licorice root

Licorice is a well-known herb used in traditional medicine for various conditions. It contains "glycyrrhizin", compounds that can help detoxify the liver. Additionally, it has the potential to reduce the risk of liver cancer in individuals with hepatitis C.

However, licorice root should be used with caution, as it may have side effects such as altered blood sodium and potassium levels. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness as a liver-protective agent.

2. Phyllanthus amarus

Phyllanthus amarus, also called "gale of the wind" or "stonebreaker," is a leafy herb found across different continents. It has shown potential in the treatment of hepatitis B when used in combination with other antiviral medications. However, its effectiveness as a standalone liver-protective agent requires further investigation.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is gaining popularity as a natural supplement for various conditions, including anxiety, hyperlipidemia, and arthritis. Its main component, curcumin, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it ideal for improving muscle soreness after exercise and reducing lipid accumulation in the liver, minimizing the risk of steatosis. Curcumin’s antioxidant effects also help in reducing oxidative stress caused by alcoholic liver disease.

Milk thistle to wolfberry

4. Milk thistle

Milk thistle, also known as "silymarin," is a European plant often used as a supplement for jaundice, diabetes, and indigestion. Preliminary research suggests that it may have benefits for liver health, particularly in treating cirrhosis and hepatitis. However, more studies are needed to fully confirm these benefits.

5. Ginseng root

Ginseng root is an increasingly popular herb that boosts the immune system, reduces cancer risk, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has shown positive effects on liver health and can significantly impact conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis. Additionally, ginseng root may be beneficial for liver surgeries and transplantations.

6. Wolfberry

Lycii Fructus, more commonly known as "wolfberry," is a fruit used as a herbal remedy for the eyes and liver. It possesses various beneficial compounds that provide anti-aging, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. Wolfberry has been shown to greatly improve antioxidant activities in the liver, which helps prevent cellular damage caused by liver diseases and may also have potential in preventing liver cancer. Further studies are required to confirm these properties.

Blackthorn leaves to garlic

7. Blackthorn leaves

Blackthorn, scientifically known as Acacia mellifera, is a shrub native to Africa. It is relatively unknown in the West but has shown promise as a liver health supplement. Research indicates that blackthorn leaf extract can promote the recovery of damaged liver cells and possesses significant antioxidative properties.

8. Baobab

Baobab is an African tree known for its size and unique appearance. The nutrient-rich fruit of the baobab tree contains vitamin C and tartaric acid. The pulp of this fruit has been found to have a significant impact on liver health. It can protect against carbon-related damage and chemical imbalances in the liver due to its antioxidant, analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Garlic

Garlic is a widely used medicinal plant with numerous benefits, including its potential to prevent cancer and improve cardiovascular health. Research shows that garlic can positively impact fat buildup in the liver and reduce chemical imbalances in cases of alcoholic liver disease. It contains compounds with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to these effects.

QUESTION

Ginger to green tea

10. Ginger

Ginger root is a well-known herbal medicine that has various beneficial properties, including reducing cholesterol. Recent research suggests that it may also help treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing liver enzymes, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Like the other herbs on this list, ginger contains antioxidative compounds and reduces fat buildup in the liver. However, it typically needs to be taken for at least three weeks before these effects become apparent.

11. Green tea extract

Green tea is renowned for its many health benefits, and recent research indicates that its primary compound has powerful antioxidative properties that can help reduce the risk of hepatic fibrosis. This condition involves the excess buildup of tissue in the liver. Green tea’s antioxidative properties also make it beneficial for preventing liver cancer and cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to determine if these benefits are specific to green tea extract or if they also apply to traditional green tea consumption.

Sources:

– Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology: "Effect of Ginger Powder Supplementation in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial."

– Clinical Liver Disease: "Herbs to treat liver diseases: More than placebo?"

– Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: "Therapeutic Effects of Garlic on Hepatic Steatosis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial."

– Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Hepatoprotective Activity of Some Medicinal Plants in Sudan," "Pharmacological Effects of Ginseng on Liver Functions and Diseases: A Minireview."

– Foods: "Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health."

– Frontiers in Pharmacology: "Natural Compounds: A Potential Treatment for Alcoholic Liver Disease?"

– International Journal of Molecular Sciences: "Hepatoprotective Effects of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: A Focus on Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Activities."

– Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine: "Herbal remedies for liver fibrosis: A review on the mode of action of fifty herbs."

– Mount Sinai: "American ginseng."

– National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: "Milk Thistle."

– National Health Service: "Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)."

– One Earth: "African Baobab tree: how one plant creates an entire habitat."

– The Journal of Clinical Investigation: "Liver fibrosis."

– Tsammalex: "Species Acacia mellifera (M.Vahl)Benth. (Blackthorn)."

– Tsammalex: "Species Acacia mellifera (M.Vahl)Benth. (Blackthorn)."