Liver Health Three Herbs for Liver Health By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 05, 2022 Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD Medically reviewed by Priyanka Chugh, MD LinkedIn Priyanka Chugh, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist in practice with Trinity Health of New England in Waterbury, Connecticut. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Many proponents of herbal medicine suggest using herbs to enhance the health of your liver, an organ responsible for clearing toxins from your body. Indeed, some research shows that certain herbs may help fight liver disorders like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C (causes of liver inflammation). Here's a look at several herbs that show promise as a natural means of boosting liver health. Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images Milk Thistle Milk thistle may benefit people with cirrhosis of the liver, according to a report published in 2001. Analyzing five clinical trials (with a total of 602 cirrhosis patients), researchers determined that treatment with milk thistle could lead to a significant reduction in liver-related mortality. A 2005 research review looked at several clinical trials testing milk thistle in the treatment of hepatitis B and C. Although the authors found no evidence that milk thistle can help clear any type of hepatitis virus, some research suggests that milk thistle may help curb inflammation associated with hepatitis C and protect liver cells from damage. What Is Milk Thistle? Turmeric Preliminary research indicates that turmeric may be useful in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. In a 2009 study on liver cells, for instance, scientists discovered that turmeric extract helped stop the hepatitis B virus from replicating. A test-tube study published in 2010, meanwhile, demonstrated that turmeric extract might help suppress the replication of the hepatitis C virus. Turmeric May Be a Solution For Osteoarthritis Knee Pain, Study Finds Burdock Burdock (an herb often used as a natural detox remedy) may help shield liver cells from acetaminophen-induced damage, according to an animal study published in 2000. In tests on mice, scientists found that antioxidants in burdock may lessen the harmful effects of toxic substances formed from the metabolism of acetaminophen. Other animal-based research suggests that burdock may also help protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol consumption. What Is Burdock? Using Herbs for Liver Conditions Given the lack of clinical trials to support their use, neither turmeric nor burdock can currently be recommended for treatment of any type of liver disease. Since the scientific support for milk thistle's liver-protecting effects is also limited, it's also too soon to recommend this herb as a principal treatment for liver problems. To enhance your liver health every day, the American Liver Foundation encourages following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting your alcohol intake, keeping your cholesterol in check, and washing your hands frequently (in order to prevent infection). Always remember that animal research results cannot automatically be applied to humans. If you're considering the use of herbs for liver health, make sure to consult your physician before beginning treatment. Frequently Asked Questions What are signs of liver damage? Symptoms of liver damage can include nausea and vomiting, feeling tired or weak, a poor appetite, losing weight without trying, and mild pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen. What herbs can help improve liver health? Milk thistle, turmeric, and burdock are three supplements often used to improve liver health. Of the three, milk thistle has the most evidence to support it can benefit liver health. What foods are good for liver repair? Foods that can help improve liver health include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains high in fiber. Aim for a healthy, balanced diet that includes lean protein, low-fat dairy, and unsaturated fats. What foods and drinks can harm the liver? Foods to avoid if you have liver damage include those that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. Alcohol can also contribute to liver damage. Avoid or limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day if you are a woman or two drinks a day for a man. 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Latief U, Ahmad R. Herbal remedies for liver fibrosis: A review on the mode of action of fifty herbs. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018;8(3):352-360. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.07.002 Saller R, Meier R, Brignoli R. The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. Drugs. 2001;61(14):2035-63. doi:10.2165/00003495-200161140-00003 Mayer KE, Myers RP, Lee SS. Silymarin treatment of viral hepatitis: a systematic review. J Viral Hepat. 2005;12(6):559-67. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2893.2005.00636.x Kim HJ, Yoo HS, Kim JC, et al. Antiviral effect of Curcuma longa Linn extract against hepatitis B virus replication. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124(2):189-96. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.04.046 Kim K, Kim KH, Kim HY, Cho HK, Sakamoto N, Cheong J. Curcumin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via suppressing the Akt-SREBP-1 pathway. FEBS Lett. 2010;584(4):707-12. doi:10.1016/j.febslet.2009.12.019 Lin SC, Chung TC, Lin CC, et al. Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Am J Chin Med. 2000;28(2):163-73. doi:10.1142/S0192415X00000210 By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit