Food & Herbs That Help With Liver Function

Specific herbs can help with liver function; some of these include turmeric, ginger, dandelion and burdock. Foods such as garlic and cruciferous vegetables also support healthy liver function. Apples and lemon juice are also useful when used to cleanse the liver. Before adding specific foods or herbs to aid in liver functioning, consult your physician.

Herbs

• Turmeric is an herb that can also fall into the food category. Often used in Indian food, it helps protect the liver against damage and eases inflammation in the liver. It also aids in the digestive process by increasing the flow of bile, and it can help with detoxification. It can easily be added to chicken or rice dishes. As a tea, boil 1 tsp. of the dried herb in one cup of boiling water for five to 10 minutes, strain and drink three times a day.

  Ginger is commonly used in cooking and has many medicinal properties, including the ability to protect the liver. It aids in the digestive process by stimulating the secretion of bile, along with containing potent antioxidant components. You can easily incorporate ground ginger into your cooking. Make a tea with ginger, by grating a small amount and boiling in one cup of water for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink a couple of times a day. Sweeten with honey if desired.

  Dandelion root is an herb along with being a food with medicinal properties. It helps boost bile flow in the liver and can also alleviate some symptoms associated with hepatitis. Aim to drink three cups of this tea per day. Simmer 1 tsp. of dried dandelion in one cup of water, strain and drink.

  Burdock improves liver function by acting as a blood purifier and strong antioxidant. It is also beneficial in treating gastrointestinal issues. Make a tea with burdock by boiling one cup of water with 1 tsp. of dried burdock for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

Foods

• Garlic contains a powerful component called allicin, which helps in the process of liver detoxification. It helps the body rid itself of mercury. It also helps the liver process food additives and excess hormones. Simply add a few cloves of crushed garlic to your daily diet to have a healthy affect on your liver.

  Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussel sprouts contain components called glucosinolates that enable the liver to produce enzymes it requires for the detoxification process.

  A teaspoon of lemon juice in an 8-ounce glass of water every morning can help the liver function optimally. It helps cleanse the liver, aiding in detoxification. It also aids in the production of bile in the liver.

  The pectin contained in apples helps the body eliminate accumulated metals through excretion in the intestines. This takes some of the burden off of the liver, enabling it to function in a normal fashion.

  While herbs and some foods can sometimes benefit liver function, check with your physician before implementing a new health regime. Herbs in particular can cause serious reactions.