Herbs For Liver Health And Healing Liver Disease

The liver may be second only to the brain in the diversity of functions which it is responsible for. We only have one liver. We cannot live without it.

Unfortunately, as the liver is the major detoxifier of the body, it is subject to several illnesses. Many of them are increasingly common and serious.

Hepatitis is a major threat to the liver. The term, hepatitis, means inflammation of the liver. Inflammation of any organ is not healthy. Inflammation of the liver can be very serious or deadly.

Fortunately, herbs for liver health are abundant. I consider many of the best to be simple herbal foods and culinary ingredients. The health of the liver is closely linked to the health of the gallbladder and digestive tract.

The Herbal Soup

I make a soup for people with liver disease, and those who have a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or interferon treatment for hepatitis C. I also recommend it for anyone interested in protecting the health of the liver. It is a dark, broth rich soup. Add any vegetables that you desire to add additional flavor and nutrients to the soup.

In a large pot, place an organic turkey carcass or marrow bones. Add enough water to cover them. This usually requires about three quarts of water. Add 1 ounce of organic astragalus root, 1 ounce of dried shitake mushrooms, and four ounces of dried reishi or maitake mushrooms. I like to include a wild mushroom, called turkey tails, as well. All of these woody textured mushrooms support the health of the liver and enhance immune health too.

Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric and 1 ounce of codonopsis root. Include at least two ounces of dried burdock root. Add as much burdock as you like. It is one of the best herbs for the liver and is mild tasting.

Cook the soup in a crock pot for three days. You may eliminate the bones to make a vegetarian version if you are using the soup to promote general liver health; however, if you are using the soup to treat a problem with the liver, gallbladder, or immune system, I recommend including the bones.

After three days, add two organic carrots, a bunch of fresh nettles or dandelion greens, and two stalks of celery. Add additional fresh or dried herbs and vegetables as desired. Cook for one additional hour. Strain the soup. Store it in the freezer in ice cube trays.

Consume one heated ice cube daily as an herbal medicinal soup which benefits the health of the hepatic (liver and gallbladder) and immune systems. This soup is a deep immune tonic. The herbs are building and nourishing herbs which promote the health of the liver and entire body.

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