The 10 Best Herbs for Liver Health
As a vital organ performing up to 500 functions daily, the liver is easily one of the most important organs for our overall health and well-being. Fortunately, there are many natural ingredients that can support it.
Herbs have a long and storied history of being used for natural remedies. For centuries, traditional medicine systems across the world have harnessed the potent power of herbs to support the human body and promote overall wellness.
From the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to Native American healing traditions, herbs have been at the forefront of natural wellness solutions.
Here at Dose, we deeply respect this rich history of herbal medicine and are committed to bringing its benefits to you. Our mission is to support your health and wellness journey by harnessing the power of these potent herbs in our products.
Today, we’re going to explore a few examples of herbs that are most beneficial for your liver.
Why Is Liver Health Important?
The liver is located just under the right rib cage and weighs around four pounds, and it works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your body in balance. It's the body’s largest internal organ, and it's responsible for up to 500 different functions every single day.
So, what exactly does it do, and why is its health so crucial to our overall well-being? Let's dive in and explore a few of the most crucial functions:
Filtration
The liver acts as our body's primary filtration system, as it sifts through everything we consume, separating the beneficial nutrients from the unwanted elements. This process ensures that only the good stuff, the nutrients our bodies need to function optimally, make it into our bloodstream.
Bile Production
The liver also plays a crucial role in digestion by producing bile, a fluid that’s essential for breaking down fats and neutralizing stomach acid.
When your liver is healthy, it produces enough bile to support efficient digestion, which can help you avoid discomfort and make the most of the nutrients in your food.
Nutrient Processing
The liver is a nutrient-processing plant as it takes the good nutrients from our food and converts them into substances our body can use. For example, it helps convert glucose into glycogen, which our bodies can store and use for energy later.
Hormone Regulation
The liver helps break down estrogen and other hormones, preventing them from reaching excessively high levels in our bodies. This function aids in maintaining hormone balance, which can influence everything from mood to metabolism.
Energy Production
The liver helps to process and store nutrients that our bodies use for energy, like fats and sugars. This means that a healthy liver can naturally support your energy levels, keeping you feeling vibrant and ready to tackle your day.
Maintaining liver health is essential because an overworked or stressed liver won’t be able to perform these crucial functions properly. As a result, a stressed liver could lead to a wide range of health complications. If left untreated, these conditions could progress and seriously jeopardize your overall health and well-being.
Which Herbs Support Liver Health?
The world of herbs is vast and varied, offering a plethora of natural ingredients that can support your overall health, including the health of your liver.
Here, we'll explore some potent herbs that are known for their beneficial effects on liver function, including:
1. Boldo
Boldo is a small evergreen tree native to South America that’s recognized for its aromatic leaves and unique flavor. Boldo's flavor profile is unique, with a slightly bitter yet refreshing taste, often used in teas and infusions.
In traditional medicine, particularly in Chile and Peru, Boldo has been used for centuries due to its various health benefits. One such benefit is that Boldo can support liver function by assisting in the body’s natural filtration process. It does so by promoting the production of bile, which can then be used to support digestion and remove unwanted elements from the body.
2. Burdock Root
Burdock root is a hardy biennial plant with a rich history of use in various cultures for its health benefits. Particularly in Japan, Burdock root, or "Gobo," is a staple in their cuisine and traditional medicine, valued for its deep, woody flavor. Culinary uses of Burdock root include its addition in soups, stews, and stir-fries for its crunchy texture and sweet, mild flavor.
Burdock Root supports the liver by acting as a natural diuretic and supporting the body's filtration process by aiding in the removal of unwanted elements. Burdock root also plays a role in maintaining healthy liver enzyme levels that help to promote an overall properly functioning liver.
3. Chicory Root
Chicory root is a woody, herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its robust flavor and health benefits. It’s been used as a coffee substitute in various cultures, particularly during coffee shortages, due to its similar flavor profile
Chicory root can help the liver remove unwanted elements, which supports its overall function and health. Chicory root can also play a significant role in supporting digestive health, promoting healthy gut bacteria, aiding digestion, and easing feelings of bloating.
4. Dandelion
Dandelions, while often dismissed as simple garden weeds, are a treasure trove of health benefits. Dandelions have been shown to support healthy liver enzyme levels and assist the liver in its natural filtration process.
The dandelion's roots and leaves have been used for centuries in various culinary applications, from salads to teas, making it a versatile addition to any wellness routine. Its bitter, earthy flavor is not only a unique culinary experience but also a testament to its potent properties.
5. Licorice Root
Licorice root is a potent plant with a rich history in traditional medicine. Known for its sweet flavor, it's found intense popularity as being a primary candy ingredient. However, it’s more than just a sweet taste — it’s also valued for its health benefits.
For instance, licorice root contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which may help support the liver during exposure to irritants and support its overall ability to function properly. Additionally, licorice root may support the body’s natural filtration process and help the liver cleanse itself.
6. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, with its distinctive purple flowers, is more than just a visually appealing plant. This potent, effective ingredient has been used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years to support liver function.
Its active ingredient, silymarin, is known for its ability to assist the liver in its vital role of filtering out unwanted elements. It can also support liver cell regeneration, help support liver health during exposure to various toxins, and maintain the liver's overall function.
7. Peppermint
Peppermint, with its refreshing flavor and invigorating scent, is an aromatic herb that plays a significant role in aiding digestion and easing bloating, which can make it a great addition to your wellness journey.
Peppermint is a rich antioxidant, which means that it may help support your liver during exposure to oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Not only that, but it may also support the flow of bile, which supports digestion, and the menthol found in peppermint can have a soothing effect on liver enzymes.
8. Schisandra
Schisandra is a unique plant known for its taste that includes all five of the basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Its unique taste and role in traditional Chinese medicine make it a fascinating addition to a health routine.
Schisandra supports liver function by aiding in the body's natural filtration process. It also may help to support the proper growth of new liver cells and support the liver during exposure to free radicals and other toxins.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric, recognized by its vibrant color, is a potent plant with a rich cultural significance. Its vibrant color and role in traditional Indian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine make it a fascinating addition to a wellness routine.
Turmeric provides a wide range of beneficial abilities that can support the function and longevity of your liver. As a potent antioxidant, it can help protect the liver from free radicals. It can also support healthy liver enzyme levels, promote liver regeneration, and improve the overall function of your liver.
10. Yellow Dock Root
Yellow dock root has long been used in Native American medicine due to its various health benefits. It’s also been a key part of traditional dye-making practices, making this herb quite an interesting addition to this list.
When it comes to supporting your liver, yellow dock root is a potent antioxidant that can protect the liver. It can also support the liver’s natural filtration processes and stimulate bile production as well.
How Can You Incorporate These Herbs Into Your Daily Routine?
Incorporating these potent herbs into your daily routine doesn't have to be a complex task. In fact, it can be as simple as incorporating Dose For Your Liver into your routine.
Our liver support supplement is expertly formulated with a potent blend of 300 mg of turmeric, 70 mg of milk thistle, and 30 mg of dandelion. Each of these ingredients is clinically-backed and plays a key role in supporting healthy liver function and aiding digestion.
Here at Dose, all of our supplements are designed to be routine-oriented, making it an easy and convenient way to get your daily intake of these potent, effective herbs. It's a simple, hassle-free solution that fits seamlessly into any lifestyle. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious parent, or someone simply looking to support their overall wellness, Dose can easily be layered into your existing routines.
The beauty of Dose lies in its simplicity and efficacy. You don't need to worry about sourcing these ingredients individually or figuring out the right proportions. Our team of scientists has done that work for you, ensuring each shot delivers the optimal amount of each herb. This means you can trust that you're getting a clean, effective dose every time without any of the guesswork of doing it on your own.
So, if you're looking to support your liver health, aid digestion, and embrace a holistic approach to wellness, Dose For Your Liver is the best way to incorporate these powerful herbs into your daily routine.
The Bottom Line
The importance of liver health cannot be overstated. As our body's largest internal organ, the liver carries out up to 500 functions daily, acting as our body's filter and helping to remove unwanted elements from our system. Incorporating potent, effective herbs into your daily routine is a practical and holistic way to support this vital organ.
We encourage you to consider adding Dose For Your Liver to your daily routine. It's a simple, enjoyable way to support your liver health, aid digestion, and naturally boost your energy. Remember, achieving balance is a daily pursuit, and Dose is here to support you on that journey.
So why not give Dose a shot? Your liver will thank you by providing it with the potent herbs found in our supplement.
Sources:
Liver: Anatomy and Functions | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Liver Disease: Signs & Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Treatment | Cleveland Clinic
Chicory: Understanding the Effects and Effectors of This Functional Food | PMC
Antioxidant Activity of Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus L., Polygonaceae) Fruit Extract | NCBI Bookshelf