If you’re looking for the best herbs for liver health, here are six that science has looked at closely: milk thistle, burdock root, dandelion root, ginseng, sarsaparilla root, and cloves.
The liver is the largest internal organ. It is a chemical factory for the body playing a vital role in producing important compounds, acting as a store for vital nutrients, and playing a central role in detoxifying the body.
The liver has multiple functions in the body. Thus, it is prone to disorders. Fortunately, it is a highly regenerative organ. Thus, it is more likely to have chronic issues rather than acute failure.
It is prone to infections, damage by substance abuse, and even due to the toxic effects of certain medications. However, the most common liver issue these days is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Infections, NAFLD, and the use of medications cause chronic liver inflammation and increase liver cancer risk (1).
Most people would have some issues related to liver health. One does not essentially need to use herbal supplements to manage liver diseases. Many are living with a sluggish liver due to obesity, dietary issues, and other reasons.
Pharmaceutical drugs may be suitable for some liver conditions like viral liver infections (viral hepatitis). However, herbal supplements have broader use, and many adults may benefit from their intermittent use. They might be used to support liver health and the body’s natural detox processes. (Daily habits matter too; here are 5 simple and healthy habits to love your liver.)
Milk Thistle: A Well-Studied Herb for Liver Health
Milk thistle has a long history of use for liver health by humans. Ancient practitioners have recommended it for ages. The botanical name of the plant is Silybum marianum. It is now among the most well-studied plants, and thus it is at the top of the list.
Generally, seed extract of the plant is used for liver health. It is rich in flavonolignans like silydianin, silychristin, and silybin, together called silymarin. Silybin is the most vital among them as it is 50-70% of silymarin. Silymarin is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, and it helps limit lipid peroxidation. It also has a mild fibrinolytic activity. Thus, it appears to be pretty good at protecting liver cells (2).
Studies suggest that milk thistle may be helpful in various liver conditions. Thus, it may help protect liver cells from toxins and even poisoning. Researchers have also looked at its role in cirrhosis. These findings come from numerous clinical trials (3).
Similarly, silymarin has been studied as a supportive therapy for those living with hepatitis. Studies suggest that regular use of silymarin/milk thistle may help support a healthy inflammatory response in the liver and the body’s natural healing processes (4).
However, more importantly, research on silymarin in chronic conditions like NAFLD, which is present in about 25% of adults, is encouraging. Prolonged use of silymarin may support lower inflammation and healthy liver function. Furthermore, studies show that its benefits for liver health are not associated with weight loss (5). You can read more in our post on milk thistle’s benefits.
Burdock Root
It is an extract of the root of plant burdock that is related to sunflowers and daisies. It has been used in Europe for several centuries to promote digestion, support the body’s natural detox processes, and other health benefits. It has also gained significant popularity in North America.
Studies show that it has an excellent antioxidant capacity, and thus it may help reduce oxidative stress. In addition, it appears to be especially good at protecting liver cells from various toxins. Although there is limited research into the herb, newer findings indicate that it is quite potent (6).
Dandelion Root
Taraxacum officinale or dandelion does not need any introduction. It grows widely in various parts of the world. It has been used traditionally for multiple health concerns since ancient times. It appears to calm inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. Many of its benefits are due to sterols and terpenes.
There are multiple ways in which it may support the liver. It has antioxidant capacity; it may also have antilipidemic action (which is why it has been studied in NAFLD). Furthermore, it has antifibrotic action, and researchers have explored its role in cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Therefore, it has been studied across a vast number of chronic liver conditions. Finally, it may be used simply to support liver function (7).
Ginseng
It is well known for boosting energy levels. Ginseng is often described as one of the most potent adaptogens. However, it also appears to be good at calming inflammation and protecting cells due to its antioxidant action.
Moreover, now researchers have understood that the herb contains more than 40 ginsenosides. These ginsenosides have many effects on liver health. For example, they are known to alter the activity of liver enzymes. Thus, they may be especially good for supporting detoxification. Additionally, they may help regulate liver function and lower inflammation, and they have even been studied in liver cancer research (8).
Sarsaparilla Root
Sarsaparilla or Hemidesmus indicus has a long history of use in traditional medicine in India. In Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine, it has been used for numerous health conditions like urinary tract infections, skin infections, impotence, and liver diseases. It seems to have potent hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties. It even appears to lower inflammation and have some immunomodulatory action. Thus, it may help support liver health and may have many other health benefits (9).
Cloves
Cloves are frequently used to flavor food and beverages. They are appreciated as they bring warmth to a body. However, cloves also have a long history of use in various medical conditions. Additionally, they appear to be quite good for liver health. Thus, eugenol in cloves may help support healthy cholesterol levels and protect liver cells from damage, and it has been studied for its role in NAFLD. Moreover, cloves are also suitable for metabolic health (10). Interestingly, early research has looked at cloves and diabetes-associated damage to the heart, liver, and even eye lens (11).
To conclude, these are some of the most well-tested and well-tolerated herbs for liver health. Needless to say, they may help even better when used in combination. Fortunately, we have compiled them all into a supplement here for you: Liver Love. Further, it is worth understanding that they have numerous other health benefits.
As with any supplement, check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or take medication.
