Some people think herbs offer amazing healing benefits and others think they are the reason for their “sudden onset” of health problems. The latter thinking begs the question, “Do these people exhibit caution or go in full force when using herbal remedies?” Also, “Are the herbs they are using appropriate for their body’s needs?”
Health history needs to be taken into account, especially if a person has liver damage or another health problem.
If herbs are implemented in gradually and one considers the herb’s potency, a tea can add liver support to many. However, it is extremely important to know about the specific herbs used and to take into account toxin removal.
There are many detox drinks on the market. But I would think twice before randomly drinking something that is labeled detox. It is important to know the ingredients in it and how the ingredients work together synergistically.
An herbal tea may not be ideal for everyone, but traditional Chinese medicine has used herbal products for years to treat ailments such as liver problems. Drinking tea for liver support can be very beneficial to many people.
Best herbal teas for liver health and their benefits
Burdock Root tea
- Burdock root reduces lipid deposits in the liver. An overaccumulation of certain lipids on the liver is harmful, causes inflammation, and can contribute to fatty liver disease.
- It contains antioxidant properties which are important for lowering oxidative stress
- It is also high in nutritional compounds and replenishes the body with vitamins and minerals, in particular, micronutrients (critical nutrients important for the body to receive in small amounts to function optimally)
- Burdock helps with the detoxification process
- It removes toxins and waste products from the blood lowering the workload on the liver.
- Also beneficial for lymph flow which is important because the liver contains lymphatic vessels.
- This herb helps to heal liver cells that are damaged by too much alcohol consumption
- Also it has been found to be helpful in kidney disease prevention
Dandelion Root Tea
- This herb contains polysaccharides that support liver health.
- It increases the production of bile in the liver. Bile is important for proper digestion and a healthy working digestive system.
- Dandelion root is hepatoprotective – combats hepatoxins that damage the liver. Therefore, dandelion root can support healthy liver function.
- It also prevents liver fibrosis (the formation of scar tissue on the liver from chronic health conditions or heavy alcohol consumption).
- Dandelion is combative against oxidative stress.
- This herbal tea has an anti-inflammatory effect which is helpful for inflammation in the liver.
Licorice Root Tea
- Contains the active ingredient glycyrrhizin. This compound may have hepatoprotective effects that protect the liver against harmful chemicals and give licorice its slightly sweet taste.
- The saponin Glycyrrhizin contained in this herb is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and antimicrobial.
- Licorice has been found in studies on mice to have a protective effect against the risk of liver disease.
- Licorice root has the potential of increasing the effects of other herbs when used in an herbal tea blend, therefore, caution should be used when using this herb together with other herbs. Additionally, licorice root may interfere with some prescription medications.
Red Korean Ginseng
- Red Korean Ginseng helps with the prevention of hepatotoxic injury in the liver (exposure to toxic elements in the liver).
- It strengthens immune system function.
- Also, it helps with oxidative stress and reduces the effects of stress on the body.
- The herb is high in antioxidants and has great anti-inflammatory effects.
- Red Korean Ginseng lowers lipids and lipoproteins in the blood which creates less stress on the liver.
- Also, it has neurocognitive preventative effects as well as protects the heart and lungs from disease.
- Clinical data has shown Ginseng to have possible “adverse reactions” with other drugs, therefore, exercise caution if using medication for a medical condition.
A great liver cleanse tea
This tea includes milk thistle, burdock root, and red Korean ginseng. I specifically find these herbs to be beneficial in cleansing the liver. Dandelion root can be substituted for the milk thistle. However, using all of the herbs together at once is quite powerful. Adding in a gentler tea cleanse helps the body not get too bombarded at once with a release of toxins.
Liver Cleanse Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. Milk Thistle Seeds (ground)
- 1/2 tsp. Burdock Root
- 1/4 tsp Korean Red Ginseng
- 1/2 tsp. Honey
Instructions
- Heat 2 cups of water. Do Not bring it to a boil but instead take the pan off the heat when it begins to slowly simmer.
- While the water heats up, add 1 tsp. of milk thistle seeds to a mortar bowl. Use a pestle to grind the seeds into a powder.
- Take one tsp. of the ground milk thistle and add it to an unbleached tea bag.
- Add a 1/2 tsp. dried burdock root to the tea bag.
- Add a 1/4 tsp. of ginseng into the tea bag.
- Take the hot water and fill a mug with about a cup of water.
- Immerse the tea bag into the water.
- Let the tea bag soak for 10 minutes.
- Take the tea bag out and add in a 1/2 tsp. of honey to cut through the bitter taste of the milk thistle. (This is optional)
Notes
Alternatively, you can add all of the herbs to a tea strainer or tea filter instead of a tea bag.
The honey should be added to the tea after it has cooled slightly to get the best benefits from the honey.