Herbs have become increasingly popular as a means to detoxify the body. Proper detoxification in a holistic sense is about gently optimizing the function of the liver to move unwanted toxins and waste products safely out of the body. Other organs of the body that help eliminate waste include the bowels, skin, lungs, and kidneys. Specifically, this discussion will focus on herbs that support the liver.
Many herbs can potentially support the liver, but some of the best options include Burdock (Arctium lappa), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and Green Tea (Camellia sinesis). Here is a brief introduction to all three!
Burdock root helps to stimulate digestion while also acting as a liver tonic. This stimulator effect also promotes the circulation of blood and lymph to help clear metabolic wastes. Burdock also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study demonstrated that the constituents in Burdock may protect liver cells from lead toxicity by attenuating oxidative damage and inflammation, while also preventing DNA damage [1].
Dandelion is a great bitter herb that also helps to stimulate digestion as well as the liver. Don’t let this garden weed fool you! Dandelion leaves can be eaten raw as part of a salad and the root can be ground into a capsule or made into a tea. Dandelion can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes as well as potentially offer global protection to the GI system. Protective constituents include taraxasterol, glucosides, and polysaccharides [2]. These constituents offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which protect the liver and GI system.
Green Tea is best known for its antioxidant properties as well as being a healthy beverage. The main antioxidant compounds in green tea are known as catechins. Catechins can act as metal ion chelators, which may help slowly rid excess copper and iron from the body. Green tea is also a nutritious plant, containing trace nutrients such as Vitamin B2, B3, and magnesium as well as other cofactors that support the liver and promote gentle detoxification [3].
Before using any of these herbs for detoxing, it is recommended to speak with a naturopathic doctor or other qualified practitioner to see if these herbs are right for you. Have you ever used herbs to support a gentle detox? Book a FREE Meet & Greet today!
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Author: Dr. Kellyann Tomko, ND
References
Alhusaini A, Fadda L, Hasan IH, Ali HM, El Orabi NF, Badr AM, Zakaria E, Alenazi AM, Mahmoud AM. Arctium lappa Root Extract Prevents Lead-Induced Liver Injury by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Activating Akt/GSK-3β Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Nov 24;8(12):582. doi: 10.3390/antiox8120582. PMID: 31771282; PMCID: PMC6943639.
Li Y, Chen Y, Sun-Waterhouse D. The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022 Jul 15;293:115272. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115272. Epub 2022 Apr 8. PMID: 35405251.
Musial C, Kuban-Jankowska A, Gorska-Ponikowska M. Beneficial Properties of Green Tea Catechins. Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Mar 4;21(5):1744. doi: 10.3390/ijms21051744. PMID: 32143309; PMCID: PMC7084675.
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.