Liver

The liver is perhaps the hardest working organ of the body. It has hundreds of tasks to perform, including detoxification of the blood. It is also a reservoir for sugar and fat and is usually congested with surfeit, so much so that average people, so-called healthy people, often use more than 60% of their livers just for storage.  A sluggish liver means fatigue and toxemia and a high risk of various chronic diseases.

There is no joy with a sick liver! The psychological symptoms associated with a toxic liver are irritability and anger. Symptoms of a clogged liver also include indecisiveness, difficulty seeing the future and planning ahead, more focus on the past than the present or future, and apathy.

Studies show that thistle protects the liver from damage caused by carcinogens as well as cytotoxic drugs. Other herbs promote liver regeneration and happiness. Since liver cells live about 18 months, a good liver program might take two years, but the major gains are in the first weeks and months so relatively rapid improvement in vitality is possible. Even when feeling better, most people should continue the program because there is a huge difference between liver cleansing and liver regenerating. Cleansing can be reasonably thorough in 2-6 months, but regenerating takes longer, sometimes several years. 

Normally, a person starts with a detoxification program, often gradual at first and then more aggressive, depending on the ability to tolerate the side effects of detoxification. There are sometimes side effects because toxins are mobilized from places where they ar relatively inactive. As they circulate, they can give rise to irritability. In most cases, it is better to start slowly and pace the detoxification with the tolerance for mobilization.

After a certain point, the task changes from detoxification to regeneration. Therefore, the herbs taken should reflect the need for rejuvenation of the liver. These herbs are more nourishing and less alkaloidal.

There is a recipe for a delicious "liver" smoothie on this site. It uses milk thistle seeds and lycium berries.

There are many products to consider. Hildegard of Bingen used yarrow, in a tea or warm wine. There are also tableted forms of milk thistle that usually contain other herbs that support liver cleansing and/or rejuvenation. Rainbow Light's Milk Thistle Plus is one of these.

 

Detoxifying Liver Formulas
	90 tablets $
	50 tablets $
	150 tablets $
Nourishing Liver Tonics
	15 oz. $
	90 tablets $
	2 oz. $

 

Lycium Berry Smoothie