A healthy liver helps a human body function well and in an optimised manner. But, today with our stressful lives and eating habits, the liver gets affected easily, which is why it’s important to keep it healthy and detox it once in a while. We often tend to forget that the liver is one of the most vital organs needed for our day to day function. It is liable for eliminating toxins from the body, battling contaminations, controlling cholesterol levels, and helping digestion.
According to Ayurveda, liver is a part of Pitta dosha and is a important place for transformation (Pachan). Liver problems bring in extreme aggravation of Pitta Dosha and Aam due the imbalanced diet. Pitta resides in the liver, therefore when Pitta is irritated, it inhibits liver function and subsequently vitiates other doshas.
Here are a few herbs that can used in daily diet, to keep live healthy.
- Turmeric
Turmeric or Curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and benefits. The active compound in turmeric, can help protect the liver from damage.
- Ginger
Adding ginger in your daily diet can reduce oxidative stress in the liver and prevent inflammation. Ginger can be added in meals or in tea. To make fresh ginger tea, add a few slices of fresh ginger in water and boil for 5-10 minutes, after which you can strain the tea and add honey.
This can be had twice a day
- Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can boost liver function and reduce liver damage. You can have fresh amla juice daily by taking small pieces of amla and putting in a blender, and then straining it. This juice should be had every morning on an empty stomach. Amla juice is also very good for skin.
- Dandelion Root
Dandelions are very nutritious and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. This herb is known to promote liver health and detoxify it. You can consumer this in tea, eat it raw or have it as supplements also. Along with being beneficial to the liver, dandelion roots also help in decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol in humans.
- Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is another lesser known herb used in liver treatment. This herb contains silymarin, which has been shown to protect liver cells from damage. It can be consumed as a supplement or in tea form.
- Neem
Neem is a very common herb and easily available. This herb is used very much in our day to day meals. Neem leaves reduce inflammation and boosts immunity. It has compounds like azadirachtin and nimbidin in it which supports liver health.
- Triphala
Triphala is yet another common herb used in Indian household. It is a commonly used in Ayurvedic medicines as it has a lot of benefits, that help with fatty liver disease. You can have one spoon of thriphala powder in warm water and drink before sleeping.
- Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera plants are loaded with Vitamins that and work wonders towards liver health. They have properties that protect the liver from oxidative stress and help in detoxification. It is a natural liver cleanser that helps reduce inflammation and improves liver function.
You can consume this juice daily in morning.
- Papaya Seeds
Papaya Seeds help reduce inflammation in liver. You can crush a handful of papaya seeds, mix them with a small amount of honey and have this mixture on empty stomach.
These are some simple and easy home remedies for good liver health. One should also keep in mind that along with good food and diet, having a daily routine and sleep schedule is also very important. Include yoga or meditation in our lifestyle for a more vibrant health.
(Authored By Ayurveda Practitioner, Vaidya Smita Naram)
