3 herbs your liver will love!

Did you know that the liver has an estimated 500 functions? It plays many essential roles in the daily running of your body, and it can even regenerate itself! Its functions include detoxification and waste removal, storing vitamins and minerals, aiding digestion, and supporting immune system function.¹

Many herbs have been studied and traditionally used to support the liver. Let’s examine three popular herbs for their hepatoprotective effects, detox support, and outcomes for liver diseases.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)

Native to the Mediterranean, milk thistle is the most researched herb for treating liver diseases.² A tall plant with purple flowers, the seeds are used to extract the active component, a group of flavonolignans called silymarin.³⁴

Milk thistle has traditionally been used as a liver tonic to “open obstructions of the liver and spleen”.⁵ It was also used to cure jaundice and reduce inflammation in the biliary ducts.⁶

Modern research shows that milk thistle may have hepatoprotective effects, protecting the liver from damage as it contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulating compounds. ⁷ It is also being studied as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with promising outcomes. ⁸

Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus)

We all know artichokes as a vegetable that is popular in Mediterranean cuisine. Yet, artichoke hearts and leaves have been used since around the 4th century BC as a food and medicinal remedy.⁹ The leaves are predominantly used in infusions and extracts, such as capsules or tinctures.¹⁰

Used over centuries as a treatment for liver and gallbladder conditions, artichoke leaf was also used as a digestive aid, particularly as an antidote to fatty foods and wine.¹¹

Recent research has shown that artichoke leaf may help improve outcomes for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). A 2018 study found that artichoke extract supplementation reduced total cholesterol and showed beneficial effects on ultrasound liver and serum liver parameters in those with NAFLD compared to the control group.¹² It may also have hepatoprotective effects and increase bile production, helping remove liver toxins.¹³

Dandelion root and leaf (Taraxacum officinale)

Often dug up and thrown away by gardeners, dandelions don’t have the best reputation, but they have been used for centuries in many cultures for their medicinal qualities. Both dandelion greens and the roots can be prepared for eating and used in teas and tinctures. You can find dandelion root at Chuckling Goat in our popular detox-supporting Gut Cleanse Tea!

Dandelions contain many compounds, such as phenolic compounds, saccharides, flavonoids, and triterpenoids, with studies showing antibacterial and antioxidant effects.¹⁴

Traditionally used to aid digestion and help the body remove toxins from the liver and bloodstream. The bitter root was believed to stimulate salivary and gastric juices and improve bile flow.¹⁵ It has a long history as a treatment for liver and digestive problems.¹⁶ A recent study on rats with liver failure showed that dandelion root helped prevent liver damage. The study proposed that this was due to reduced oxidative stress from taking the dandelion.¹⁷¹⁸

Want to learn more about the liver? Check out this article – How to support your liver: your body’s natural filter!

Please note – always check with your GP or a medical professional before incorporating new supplements into your regimen. We recommend checking with your GP for contraindications for any medications you may be taking.

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