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Tips For Life 14/05/2025 15:34

The 10 Best Herbs for Liver Health: Benefits and Precautions

Liver health is crucial to overall well-being, and several herbs may help support and protect the liver. Here are the 10 most effective herbs for liver health, along with the necessary precautions.
Liver disease is a global health concern, with conditions such as cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cancer, and hepatitis affecting millions of people worldwide. Each year, nearly 2 million deaths are attributed to liver disease. Factors such as heavy alcohol consumption, high blood sugar, obesity, high blood pressure, and viral infections contribute to the risk of liver damage.



While conventional treatments, such as medication, surgery, and liver transplant, are essential, many people also turn to alternative therapies, including herbal supplements, to support liver health. Research has shown that approximately 65% of individuals with liver disease in the U.S. and Europe use herbal supplements. Below are 10 herbs known to support liver health, along with important precautions.

1. Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Milk thistle, a well-known herb in traditional medicine, has been used for over 2,000 years to treat liver and bile duct conditions. The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, is known for its strong antioxidant effects. Studies suggest that silymarin may help protect liver cells, reduce inflammation, and promote liver regeneration.

Some studies have shown that silymarin can help slow the progression of liver disease, improve quality of life in people with cirrhosis, and protect the liver from further damage. However, results from human studies have been mixed, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Precaution: Milk thistle is generally considered safe, even at high doses. However, always consult with your healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you're on medication.

2. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that ginseng has antioxidant effects and may protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, viruses, and alcohol. It may also promote liver cell regeneration after surgery.

A 2020 study found that men with elevated liver enzymes who took 3 grams of ginseng extract per day for 12 weeks had significant reductions in liver damage markers, including ALT and GGT.

Precaution: Ginseng is generally safe, but it may interact with medications, which can lead to liver injury and other side effects. Always check with your healthcare provider before using ginseng supplements.

3. Green Tea
Although not technically an herb, green tea and its active polyphenol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), are often included in herbal treatments for liver conditions. Several studies suggest that green tea extract can improve liver function and reduce liver damage markers in people with liver diseases, particularly NAFLD.

A 2016 study found that 500 mg of green tea extract per day significantly reduced ALT and AST levels, key markers for liver damage, in individuals with NAFLD.

Precaution: Green tea is generally safe, but in rare cases, green tea extract has been linked to liver injury. Drink green tea in moderation and consult a healthcare provider if you're using green tea extract supplements.

4. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice root has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and liver-protective effects. The active compound, glycyrrhizin, has been shown to help protect against liver damage caused by alcohol. Studies have suggested that licorice root extract can improve liver function in individuals with fatty liver disease.

Precaution: Long-term use of licorice can lead to high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and other side effects. Use licorice root in moderation, and consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have a history of hypertension or low potassium.

5. Turmeric (Curcumin)
Turmeric, specifically its active compound curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Curcumin has been shown to reduce liver fat content, improve liver function, and reduce levels of liver enzymes in individuals with NAFLD.

In studies, curcumin supplementation has led to significant reductions in ALT, AST, and LDL cholesterol levels. Curcumin also has potent antioxidant effects, which can help protect the liver from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Precaution: Curcumin is generally safe, but high doses may cause digestive issues. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using high-dose curcumin supplements.

6. Garlic
Garlic is widely used for its health benefits, including supporting liver health. Garlic is rich in sulfur compounds like allicin, which help detoxify the liver and reduce oxidative stress. Studies have shown that garlic supplementation can significantly reduce ALT, AST, and triglyceride levels in people with liver disease.

Additionally, raw garlic consumption has been linked to a lower risk of developing fatty liver disease and liver cancer.

Precaution: Garlic is generally safe but may cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. Concentrated garlic supplements have been associated with liver injury in rare cases.

7. Ginger
Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can support liver health. Studies have shown that ginger supplementation can reduce liver damage markers, decrease fat accumulation in the liver, and improve overall liver function in individuals with NAFLD.

Ginger may also protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol and other toxins.

Precaution: Ginger is safe for most people, but high doses may interact with blood-thinning medications. Consult your healthcare provider if you're taking medication or have a liver condition.

8. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Danshen is a traditional herb used in Chinese medicine to treat liver conditions, including liver fibrosis. Some studies have shown that danshen can help protect the liver from alcohol-related damage and promote liver tissue regeneration. It may also improve liver function when used in combination with other herbal remedies.

Precaution: Danshen may interact with medications, especially blood thinners. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using danshen.

9. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to improve cognitive function, but it also has liver-protective effects. Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba can reduce liver fibrosis and improve liver function, particularly in people with liver disease caused by toxins or alcohol.

Precaution: Ginkgo biloba may cause mild side effects like headaches or dizziness. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are taking medications for liver disease.

10. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
Astragalus is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine for immune support and liver protection. Studies suggest that astragalus can help protect against fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis, and it may help improve liver function when used with other herbs.

Precaution: Astragalus is generally safe but may interact with certain medications. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before using astragalus, especially if you're taking medication.

Precautions
Before using any herbal remedy, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have liver disease or are taking other medications. Some herbs can interact with medications and cause liver injury or other side effects. Additionally, herbal supplements can be contaminated with harmful substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, which can be harmful to liver health.

Conclusion
Several herbs, such as milk thistle, turmeric, garlic, and ginger, have shown promise in supporting liver health and improving liver function. However, it’s important to remember that not all herbs are safe for everyone, and they can interact with medications or cause side effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before incorporating herbal supplements into your routine to ensure they are appropriate for your liver health and medical conditions.

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