Liver is the largest gland of the body that helps in more than 500 functions such as metabolism, detoxification, filtering of blood, storage of vitamins, minerals and glycogen, synthesis of protein and plasma such as clotting factors and albumin. Any damage to the liver can interfere with the functioning of the liver. Liver helps clean the blood by getting rid of toxins, breaking down medications, chemicals, making important proteins, and producing bile to help in the digestion of food. Given its importance, keeping the liver healthy is essential for overall health.. Nevertheless, liver diseases are increasing very rapidly. The adverse effects of herbs on liver function are called herbal hepatotoxicity and there are concerns about the use of herbs. However, many herbs and plants are known to cause liver injury. There are more than 300 medicines available in Indian medicine for the treatment of liver diseases such as elevated liver enzymes, Jaundice, Fatty liver, Liver fibrosis, Hepatomegaly, Liver cirrhosis including liver cancer.
Many people suffer from several liver diseases like fatty liver, liver fibrosis, hepatomegaly and liver cirrhosis etc. and liver disease causes the death of about 2 million people worldwide every year. Risk factors for liver disease include diabetes (high blood sugar levels), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), increased cholesterol levels etc. Liver disease is treated using a variety of methods, including medications, diet and lifestyle changes, immunotherapy, nutritional therapy etc.
Apart from standard treatments, many people turn to alternative treatments including herbal supplements in the hope of improving and protecting their liver health. In fact, about 65% of people with liver disease in the United States and Europe take herbal supplements.
Top Herbs for Liver Health
- Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
- Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
- Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
- Kasni (Cichorium intybus)
- Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea)
- Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)
- Kalmegh – Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) is called the king of bitter substances. It is a liver stimulant (Yakrit Uttejak). It can be found all over India and is generally called green chirata. Kalmegh contains an alkaloid called andrographis which has antioxidant, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. This indicates that Kalmegh helps protect the liver from any damage caused by harmful chemicals, toxins and inflammation. Several studies have shown that andrographis has the ability to maintain the proper functioning of the liver. It is believed to aid in the management of various liver disorders such as hepatitis and jaundice.
- Bhumi Amla - Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus Niruri) is also called Bhu-Nimba in Ayurveda. It is said to be a liver-protecting herb. The chemical components present in Bhumi Amla have hepatoprotective properties. It is considered one of the best herbs to cure liver diseases, as it helps in detoxifying the liver. Due to the flavonoids present in Bhumi Amla, it helps in maintaining the proper functioning of the liver. There are many studies that have shown that Bhumi Amla can repair liver cells that are affected due to any kind of damage.
- Punarnava - Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) helps in rejuvenation of the body. As the name suggests it is that which grows again. The punarnavine alkaloids present in punarnava have hepato-protective properties. It also helps in the regeneration of liver cells. It helps in maintaining liver health due to its antioxidant properties. It helps in detoxification and helps in the functioning of the liver.
- Kutki - Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) helps in keeping the liver healthy. Studies have revealed the benefits of Kutki in the liver. Kutki (Kutkin) extract prevents liver damage. The phytochemicals of Kutki also help in reducing liver toxicity caused due to alcohol consumption. Kutki is mainly used for liver disorders, as it protects the liver from cell damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.
- Kasni - Kasni (Cichorium intybus) also known as chicory is very beneficial for liver health. The components present in chicory (flavonoids, inulin and terpenoids) have hepatoprotective properties. It helps stimulate bile production, promote digestion and liver function. Studies show that kutki has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that are beneficial for liver health. Kutki is used in traditional medicine for conditions such as jaundice and liver enlargement. It is believed to aid in detoxification processes and promote overall liver health.
- Sharpunkha - Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is a liver protecting herb that protects against damage caused by toxins, chemicals, diet and lifestyle, alcohol and even drugs. It is a well-known liver protecting herb. It flushes out toxins from the liver and promotes natural cleansing of the liver. It also helps in improving liver functioning. It fights free radicals protecting liver cells and also helps in regeneration.
- Bhringraj - Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) is a beneficial herb for the liver. It is a herb known for liver health due to its hepatoprotective activities. It helps flush out toxins from the liver due to its antioxidant properties. It also helps reduce liver inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in detoxifying the liver and also helps in the regeneration of liver cells.
Conclusion
Liver diseases are very common nowadays and the death caused by liver disease is also increasing. To maintain liver health is the main duty because any small damage to the liver can cause so many complications. Ayurveda helps in maintaining the liver health with the ayurvedic herbs which have no side effects. Ayurvedic herbs can help in liver health by removing the accumulated toxins from the body that helps in regeneration of liver cells.