The Best Herbs for Detoxing the Liver

The liver is such an super important system for all of us! It’s responsible for detoxification and cleaning out all the gunk that goes through our body — I like to think of it as being similar to a car filter. And, a car filter needs changing sometimes so that it works normally and does everything it should do. 

Although we can’t just change out our liver, we can take good care of it and make sure it is clean and tidy all of the time so that our bodies can function at their best!

In this post, we will be talking about fatty liver disease and the best herbs for liver health. You will learn about the best herbs for detoxing the liver as well as the best herbs for maintaining your liver health after detoxification. We will also be sharing a recipe for our favorite herbal tea for the liver: our very own hibiscus spiced liver support tea!

The Legal Stuff

This blog is provided by St. Fiacre's Farm LLC for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, and you should always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please note that we may earn a small commission on any purchases you make through our affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Fatty liver disease is a condition in which excess fat builds up inside the liver. This build-up is a problem as it causes inflammation that can ultimately lead to serious liver damage. 

Sometimes, fatty liver disease can go undetected because of a lack of clear symptoms, but as it progresses, some of the more common symptoms include abdominal pain and extreme fatigue (Source).  

When left untreated, it can worsen over time and contribute to the development of other harmful health conditions. Fatty liver disease should definitely be taken seriously, and the good news is that you can use natural herbs to detox the liver and support your liver on its way back to a healthy state.

The differences between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other liver diseases

One thing that we want to clarify is that there are different types of liver diseases that can be caused by a number of factors. Some liver conditions are caused by alcoholism, but this is not always the case. 

Conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can affect people who drink very little or even no alcohol. There is no one cause that explains exactly why people develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it’s often associated with insulin resistance or high cholesterol. 

Symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may also include fatigue, digestive issues (such as bloating, constipation, and acid reflux), weight gain, a sense of heaviness, irritability, and sluggish metabolism, often linked to imbalances in the body and poor digestion.

The Best Herbs for Detoxing the Liver

As a general rule, if you want to keep something clean, it has to be clean in the first place! So, in order to maintain a healthy liver, you may have to start by detoxing it first. 

Detoxing the liver involves a cleansing process that’s meant to flush out built-up toxins. The purpose of a liver detox is to improve its ability to function properly, which helps reduce inflammation and boost your overall health.

If you ever find yourself feeling sluggish and tired, getting sick all of the time, or maybe not digesting just right, it could be because your liver is plugged up and needs a little bit of lovin’.

Here's a little secret: cleansing your liver can actually support your weight loss journey, but it’s not about shedding pounds first—it’s about giving your liver the proper care it needs. The truth is, you don’t need those gimmicks. Instead, herbal remedies for liver health can work wonders, helping to naturally support your body’s metabolism and detoxification process.

See below for some of our favorite herbs for fatty liver disease: 

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is the king of liver herbs! Silymarin, a key ingredient that can be extracted from the milk thistle plant, has antioxidant properties that help promote liver cell regeneration and fight against the inflammatory effects of fatty liver disease (Source). 

Milk thistle’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a great herb to support and maintain your liver health. While milk thistle can be used in teas and a variety of other products, we believe it is best consumed in capsule form.  

We recommend buying milk thistle in bulk, then using our farmhouse capsule machine and either our gelatin capsules or plant fiber vegetable capsules to make your own.

Dandelion

Dandelion supports liver health by helping with bile production and digestion, as well as by repairing liver cells that have been damaged. Dandelion also is a great source of the prebiotic fiber inulin, which supports a healthy gut.

Chicory Root

This herb is a natural purifier. It helps to improve blood circulation in the body and boost your overall liver health. Chicory root is one of the best herbs for detoxing the liver because of the way it produces and releases bile, helping the body break down and digest fats. 

You can enjoy the benefits of these herbs by adding a cup of our DIY mushroom coffee or dandelion tea to your day!

Fennel

Fennel is a soothing herb that supports liver health by promoting bile production and aiding in the digestion of fats. Its natural detoxifying properties help cleanse the liver while reducing bloating and gas.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a vibrant flower known for its liver-supporting properties, as it helps detoxify the liver and promotes healthy bile production. Rich in antioxidants, hibiscus also helps reduce inflammation and protect the liver from oxidative stress.

The Best Foods for Liver Health

Once you have detoxed your liver, you must prioritize keeping it clean. Maintaining your liver will keep it healthy and strong by preventing more excess fat build-up and inflammation.

Our diet is the most important way to keep our livers clean. We need to keep the junk out and the good foods in! Some of those foods happen to be herbs like milk thistle and turmeric, but also other foods like beets and artichoke. Using herbs for fatty liver disease prevention is not only an effective but also affordable way to protect your liver health, as you can grow these sources of natural medicine in your very own garden. 

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of our all-time favorite herbs for liver health. It’s an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb believed to help reduce fat tissue growth (Source). This ultimately contributes to a reduced risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Beets

Beets are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help detoxify the liver by supporting its ability to process and eliminate toxins. While you can enjoy beets fresh or roasted, we recommend incorporating them into your routine through smoothies or homemade juices for maximum liver-supporting benefits.

Artichoke

Artichoke is a powerful herb known for its ability to promote liver function and improve digestion by stimulating bile production. You can reap the benefits of artichoke by adding it to your meals or enjoying it in a soothing cup of artichoke tea for a daily liver boost!

Black Radish

Black radish is a natural detoxifier that supports liver health by helping to break down fats and improve bile production. To enjoy its benefits, you can add black radish to salads, juices, or even make a homemade black radish tea for a refreshing liver cleanse!

Ginger

Ginger is a potent root known for its ability to stimulate digestion, reduce inflammation, and support liver detoxification. Whether consumed fresh, in teas, or as a spice, ginger can help the liver break down fats and eliminate toxins more efficiently.

Lemon

Lemon is a powerful fruit that supports liver detoxification by stimulating bile production and enhancing digestion. Its high vitamin C content also helps protect the liver from oxidative stress while promoting overall detoxification.

Easy Herbal Tea for Liver

This simple recipe for hibiscus spiced liver support tea makes approximately 1 quart and includes a variety of helpful herbs for liver support. 

Herbs for Detoxing the Liver Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to detox the liver with herbs?

The liver detox timeline can look different from person to person. It depends on multiple factors, including individual health and lifestyle. Detoxing could take weeks for some people, or months for others.

Can liver detox herbs be taken daily?

Most herbs that support liver health can be taken regularly without any adverse side effects, but there are some herbs that should be taken in cycles rather than on a daily basis. As always, you should consult a medical professional before adding any new herbs to your health routine. We also always recommend looking up the monograph for each herb you intend on using you understand their contraindications and who should or should not use them.

Who should avoid using herbs for detoxing the liver?

If you are taking certain medications, we recommend that you avoid using herbs for fatty liver disease. This is because the herbs will just clean them right out! Did you know that even pharmaceuticals get cleaned out through our liver? That’s right! If we make our liver work better, the chemicals get filtered faster. As always we recommend a good herbal monograph on any herb you intend on using that has a safety section.

The Importance of a Clean Liver

Detoxing your liver and keeping it clean is an important part of taking care of your well-being. Natural herbs and herbal teas are packed with benefits that promote healthy liver functioning. Getting rid of the toxins in your body will help you feel your best making it easier to fulfill the vocation that God has chosen for you. It's a foundational piece of health that helps us build healthier systems over all. What things do you plan to do to love on your liver?

If you love herbal tea as much as we do, be sure to sign up for our FREE 6-day email workshop that will teach you how to turn common herbs into powerful medicines!

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