Herbs for Liver

Question 1

Key herbal actions for the liver

Answer 1

• Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver e.g., milk thistle.
• Choleretic: Increases bile production by the liver e.g., dandelion root.
• Cholagogue: Increases release of stored bile from the gallbladder e.g., artichoke.

Question 2

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus)

Answer 2

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus):

• Part used: Leaves.
• Energetics: Cool, bitter.
• Key constituents: Cynaropicrin (bitter principle).
• Actions and uses: Hepatoprotective (increases antioxidants), choleretic, cholagogue, bitter, hypocholesterolaemic; liver disease / damage, sluggish digestion (esp. from rich, fatty foods), nausea, dyspepsia, gallstones, chronic constipation, high cholesterol and / or triglycerides. Enhances digestion and absorption.
• Intake: ½–1 tsp. infused x 3 daily. Use bitter herbs before meals.
• Safety: Avoid in pregnancy. Caution with statins — additive effects

Question 3

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)

Answer 3

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale): * Part used: Root.

• Energetics: Cool, bitter.
• Key constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones.
• Actions and uses: Bitter tonic, choleretic, cholagogue, mild laxative, mild diuretic; dyspepsia, constipation, appetite loss, flatulent colic, gall stones, cholecystitis. Increases liver AO enzymes.
• Intake: Decoction 1–2 tsp dried herb per cup, 3 cups / day.
• Safety: Avoid in bile duct obstruction and in allergies to plants of the asteraceae family.