The liver plays an important rle in maintaining health, vitality and nergy levels. Our livers are responsible for daling with the constant onslaught of txic chemicals that are in our bdy and the environment. These toxic chmicals are in the air we brathe, the water we drink, the fod we eat and the personal hygene products and cosmetics we use. Sme of the toxic chemicals that pss through the liver include:

• Heavy mtals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and luminium.
• Solvents such as formaldehyde, toluene and cetone.
• Polycyclic hydrocarbons which are components of vrious pesticides and herbicides - including DDT, doxin, 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D.
• The halogenated compounds PCB and PCP.

We knw that our exposure to chemicals is prbably high as the yearly production of synthtic pesticides exceeds 1.4 billion pounds in the Unted States alone. Also the United Sttes dumps 600,000 tons of lead nto the atmosphere each year. This mans that it is difficult to void being exposed to chemicals. The lver of each individual will have a cntinuous load of chemicals to process. The bility of our livers to process thse and other chemicals will determine our halth and therefore also the health of our mmune systems.

How can the liver's function be spported?

It is important to look fter our liver as it is vtal to our health. It is vtal (among other functions) for the rmoval of toxic chemicals from our bdy and for the production of chmicals needed by our immune system. Keping our colon's clean so that txic material is not absorbed into the blodstream and to be removed by the lver is one important step. Taking a god vitamin and mineral supplement is ssential for dealing with toxic chemicals. Vtamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E are mportant for protecting the liver from dmage and also for helping in the dtoxification process. The B group vitamins, clcium and trace minerals are also mportant for the elimination of heavy mtals from the body.

There are lso some herbs which help to prtect the liver from damage and hlp improve liver function. These herbs nclude:

burdock

calendula

cinnamon

dandelion

garlic

mlk thistle

rosemary

turmeric

yellow dock

In ths article we will consider milk thstle, dandelion, burdock and yellow dock.

Mlk Thistle ( Silybum marianum ) - is very effective at promoting good liver functioning as it helps protect the liver from toxins and pollutants by preventing free radical damage. It also stimulates the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder for digesting fats. Bile is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and helps to assimilate calcium. Milk thistle nutritionally supports the liver's ability to maintain normal function. It has shown positive effects in treating nearly every known form of liver disease, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug and alcohol abuse. Milk thistle works due to its ability to inhibit the factors responsible for liver damage, coupled with the fact that it stimulates production of new liver cells to replace old damaged ones.

There are no known contra-indications to mlk thistle. However, there is a cution for HIV patients, because many mdications taken by individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS - sch as protease inhibitors and non-nukes are prcessed by the liver enzyme which is dcreased by milk thistle. If milk thstle is taken by someone using prtease inhibitors or non-nukes, it has the ptential to change the blood levels of thse drugs. This should not be a cncern as long as levels of thse drugs are monitored closely and dsage is adjusted to reach the dsired levels.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ) Dandelion root helps stimulate healthy liver function. It is a blood cleanser that is very rich in vitamins and minerals and promotes healthy circulation and stimulates bile flow. Dandelion is famous for its general detoxifying bitter tonic. Dandelion increases the elimination of toxins, wastes and pollutants through the liver and kidneys and thus cleanses the blood and tissues. The bitters in both the root and leaves assist the digestive system and liver. It can be used for liver disease, including jaundice and hepatitis and for problems associated with a sluggish liver, such as, tiredness, irritability, skin problems and headaches. It can also be used in gallbladder infections.

Burdock Root ( Arctium lappa ) Burdock Root promotes healthy blood and skin. It is an excellent blood and lymphatic purifier, and promotes healthy liver and kidney function. It cleanses the blood by detoxification and hastening the removal of toxins from the body. The roots, leaves and seeds are all bitter which stimulates the digestion and liver action and pancreas activity. They can be used to strengthen the digestion, relieve wind, distension and indigestion and act as a mild laxative. It assists with the re-establishment of healthy bowel bacteria and is a remedy for bacterial and fungal infections particularly in the bowel. This aspect also makes it useful in dry, scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis (chronic skin conditions can only be healed from within using internal remedies). The treatment needs to be carried out over some period of time.

It is best to start with small doses of burdock and build up the levels as appropriate as excessive use can lead to a severe release of the toxins into the blood stream.

Yellow dock ( Rumex crispus ) is used extensively in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis. Yellow dock has a powerful cleansing effect on the body. It promotes a bowel movement within a few hours of taking the herb. It does this while also reducing any excess activity of the digestive tract and soothing any irritation of the intestinal wall. This makes yellow dock a gentle cleanser for long term treatment of a sluggish bowel and the treatment of constipation. It is also used for bowel infections and the treatment of peptic ulcers and contains bitter glycosides which stimulate the liver and gallbladder which aids digestion and can be used for bowel distension and flatulence. The tonic effect on the liver also means that it is useful as a revitalizing remedy for general debility, mental lethargy, headaches and convalescence. It has the effect of mobilizing congested blood and lymph and removing toxins from the tissues.

Our liver is a very important organ for health. It is vital (among other functions) for the removal of toxic chemicals from our body and for the production of chemicals needed by our immune system. Without an effectively functioning liver our bodies are prone many diseases. You need a healthy diet and lifestyle and it is recommended that you take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement daily and use herbal treatment to detoxify your liver. The herbs milk thistle, dandelion, burdock and yellow dock are all excellent herbs for detoxifying and supporting your liver. You can find out more about these from healthproductssite.com.

The article Herbal Liver Cleansers was Submitted by Dr Jenny Tylee through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Dr Jenny Tylee is an xperienced health professional who is passionate bout health and wellbeing. She blieves that health is not just bsence of disease and seeks to ctively promote vitality and wellness thrugh empowering others. She encourages people to mprove their health by quit smoking , cleansing their body, taking essential, non contaminated vitamin and mineral supplements (from healthproductssite.com) and many other methods, including herbal remedies. She also owns Healthy Living blog.

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