Good liver function is essential, as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body. The liver filters the impurities in the blood to aid the body in functioning normally. Supplemental herbs can increase liver function for those who have a liver disease or want to keep their liver healthy.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant commonly found growing along roadsides and is often referred to as a weed. Historically, milk thistle dates as far back as 2,000 years. The 17th-century pharmacist Nicholas Culpepper used the herb.
The dried fruit of the plant contains silymarin, an antioxidant. Milk thistle aids in the blocking harmful toxins from the liver and helps remove toxins.
Milk thistle is a recommended supplement for alcohol-related diseases of the liver. It counteracts the alcohol's toxic effects on the liver. However, alcohol consumption must stop for the liver to be able to repair itself.
Dosage recommendations include 420 to 600 mg daily. You can take milk thistle long term as well.
Bupleurum
Bupleurum is an Asian plant that resembles fennel or dill weed. The plant is part of Chinese Traditional Medicine and has been used for thousands of years for liver function. Clinical studies suggest that bupleurum aids in the fight against the growth of liver cancer cells.
Bupleurum aids in reducing the symptoms of poor liver function, cirrhosis and hepatitis. In some cases, bupleurum is a recommended treatment in conjunction with Interferon, which is a treatment for hepatitis.
Dosage recommendations for bupleurum are 500 to 2,000 mg three times daily.
White Peony
A lesser-known herb, white peony, aids in reducing muscle spasms associated with cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis causes the muscles to spasm as toxins build up and the liver hardens. White peony is an ancient Chinese herbal medicine. White peony is one of three peony plants used in herbal medicine. The color white does not refer to the flower's color, however. The other peony plants have different uses.
In mythology, Paeon treated the Greek god Pluto with the peony plant to cure him. When the great physician Aesculapius learned of this, he became jealous and wanted to kill Paeon. Pluto saved Paeon by turning him into a peony.
Take white peony in dosages of 1.5 to 4 g three times daily.
It is important to note that you should take white peony only under the care of a professional trained in the use of herbal medication.
Tags: liver function, aids reducing, Dosage recommendations, herbal medicine, Milk thistle, milk thistle