Your liver is one of the most vital organs and the largest gland in your body. It makes up about 2.5% of your total body weight.
It is located under the diaphragm, slightly more to the right side of the body.
The liver plays a huge role in regulatory, metabolic and digestive processes. Some of the liver’s functions include bile production, nutrient processing, detoxification, protein synthesis, mineral and vitamin storage, hormone production, blood waste disposal- to name just a few.
Thanks to this magnificent organ, we are able to clear out a huge range of potentially harmful substances. Unfortunately our liver hasn't changed for thousands of years, whilst our lifestyle has. In today’s world we are exposed to more dangerous toxins than our ancestors ever were. The food we eat is full of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. The water we drink is full of fluoride, chlorine and lead. The air we breathe is full of benzene, sulphur, lead and a lot of other nasty stuff. On top of that we take more chemical drugs, we put parabens and petroleum on our skin, we consume alcohol, we use potentially dangerous chemicals on a daily basis, we drill mercury into our teeth…we went so far that we even put neurotoxin into our chewing gum! The list is so long it can go on and on…
Some of the symptoms indicating that out liver is not very happy may include:
From holistic perspective (i.e. Homeopathy or Traditional Chinese Medicine) the liver is associated with eyes, ligaments, muscles and tendons. It is also linked to emotional states like anger, irritability, resentment and bitterness (hence the expression 'feeling liverish'). Unacknowledged and unexpressed anger causes depression and shame- the background for most addictions. But on the contrary, a healthy liver encourages enthusiasm and inner strength.
There are many natural ways to support your liver. First of all you need to minimize your exposure to toxins. Secondly, ensure that you have enough nutrients in your diet. There are a number of great herbs and homeopathic remedies to aid detoxification as well as toning-up the liver. Some of the most commonly used herbs are:
I always recommend using herbs or homeopathic remedies under supervision of a qualified practitioner.
So be good to your liver and remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
It is located under the diaphragm, slightly more to the right side of the body.
The liver plays a huge role in regulatory, metabolic and digestive processes. Some of the liver’s functions include bile production, nutrient processing, detoxification, protein synthesis, mineral and vitamin storage, hormone production, blood waste disposal- to name just a few.
Thanks to this magnificent organ, we are able to clear out a huge range of potentially harmful substances. Unfortunately our liver hasn't changed for thousands of years, whilst our lifestyle has. In today’s world we are exposed to more dangerous toxins than our ancestors ever were. The food we eat is full of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. The water we drink is full of fluoride, chlorine and lead. The air we breathe is full of benzene, sulphur, lead and a lot of other nasty stuff. On top of that we take more chemical drugs, we put parabens and petroleum on our skin, we consume alcohol, we use potentially dangerous chemicals on a daily basis, we drill mercury into our teeth…we went so far that we even put neurotoxin into our chewing gum! The list is so long it can go on and on…
Some of the symptoms indicating that out liver is not very happy may include:
- tiredness and sluggishness
- constipation
- skin symptoms such as acne, boils or abscesses
- sleep disturbances
- poor concentration
- frequent colds and flu
- joint pains and muscle aches of no apparent cause
- mood changes
From holistic perspective (i.e. Homeopathy or Traditional Chinese Medicine) the liver is associated with eyes, ligaments, muscles and tendons. It is also linked to emotional states like anger, irritability, resentment and bitterness (hence the expression 'feeling liverish'). Unacknowledged and unexpressed anger causes depression and shame- the background for most addictions. But on the contrary, a healthy liver encourages enthusiasm and inner strength.
There are many natural ways to support your liver. First of all you need to minimize your exposure to toxins. Secondly, ensure that you have enough nutrients in your diet. There are a number of great herbs and homeopathic remedies to aid detoxification as well as toning-up the liver. Some of the most commonly used herbs are:
- Carduus marianus (milk thistle)- liver tonic which stimulates the flow of bile and strengthens the liver.
- Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)- liver and kidney tonic with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)- tonic which strengthens and invigorates liver, supports immune system. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
- Nux vomica- No. 1 liver remedy. Indicated after overindulgence in food and drink. Major remedy for hangover, headache, irritability and indigestion.
- Lycopodium- supports liver, indicated for flatulence, bloating, acidity, constipation and ailments from eating too much sugar.
- China officinalis- liver remedy indicated for ailments from food poisoning, indigestion, flatulence, loss of vital fluids and general weakness with dehydration.
- Chelidonium majus- indicated for liver pains, right-sided headaches, jaundice, stomach pains, fatigue and irritability.
- Phosphorus- remedy indicated for weakness of the liver, headaches, vomiting or flatulence. There is characteristic sensitivity to all external impressions- noise, light, etc.
I always recommend using herbs or homeopathic remedies under supervision of a qualified practitioner.
So be good to your liver and remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!