5 Ancient Herbal Teas:
5 Ancient Herbal Teas: The liver is one of the most impressive organs in the human body—and it’s also one of the busiest. It plays a big role in your digestive system and does hundreds of jobs your body needs to function. Because it is so important, it is vitally important that you take care of it. There are modern medical remedies, but in many ancient civilizations they would turn to herbal teas to promote optimal liver function.
And these time-honored solutions, supported by tradition and now science, can cleanse, protect and rejuvenate that liver! Here, we share five potent herbal teas that have been employed for millennia to benefit liver health—including an explanation of how they function, what they can do and how to prepare them.
Milk Thistle Tea: The Liver’s Best Defender:
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Used since ancient Greece and Rome as a liver tonic. Its active ingredient, silymarin, is a wonderful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can aid the liver in protecting itself from the potential harm of alcohol, toxic substances or even certain drugs.
Studies have suggested that silymarin may help stimulate the growth of new liver cells and improve liver function in individuals suffering from fatty liver disease and hepatitis. In people with liver disease, milk thistle reduced liver enzyme levels (a marker of liver stress) according to a 2017 review article in World Journal of Hepatology.
How to Prepare it:
- Infuse 1 teaspoon of crushed milk thistle seeds with hot water for 10 minutes.
- Let the berries infuse, strain and drink 1 – 2 cups daily.
- For a bit more relish, blend with a bite of peppermint or licorice root.
Tip: Milk thistle tastes a bit bitter, so mixing it with honey or lemon can help it go down easier.
Dandelion Root Tea: Nature’s Detoxifier:
Dandelion: Often thought of as a pesky weed, dandelion from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Native American healing has been prized for thousands of years for its ability to also cleanse the liver. The root also encourages bile production, aiding the liver in ridding toxins faster.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2017) has revealed that dandelion root extract decreased oxidative stress in liver cells; indicating a protective potential against injury induced by toxins.
How to Prepare It:
- Roast dried dandelion root for deeper, more coffee-y flavor They key is dried, roasted dandelion root.
- Infuse 1 tbsp in boiling water for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Sip 1 cup in the morning to aid digestion and detox.
Bonus: Dandelion leaf tea is also a mild diuretic that’s helpful for kidney function along with the liver
Turmeric Tea: The Golden Anti-Inflammatory:
Turmeric (Curcuma longa, a mainstay of Ayurveda), which contains the active ingredient curcumin, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Persistent inflammation plays a major role in liver disorders including cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A 2020 study in Nutrients concluded that curcumin decreased both liver enzyme levels and fat storage in people with NAFLD. It has the added benefit of helping to increase the flow of bile, which aids in digestion and toxin removal.
How to Prepare It :
- Add 1/2-teaspoon of turmeric powder (or fresh grated root) to hot water.
- Then add a touch of black pepper to help with the curcumin absorption.
- If desired, mix in ginger, cinnamon, and/or honey for flavor.
Note: Turmeric has a tendency to stain, so go with a glass or ceramic cup here.
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Schisandra Berry Tea: The Adaptogenic Liver Tonic:
Adaptogen Acid: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 2,000 years, schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body resist stress. It´s especially famous for its liver-yes-protecting abilities, the ability to increase detoxification enzymes and decrease oxidative damage.
Schisandra A study published in Phytomedicine (2014) found that schisandra extract reduced liver inflammation indicators in hep moving literature in intersectioatitis patients. It uniquely balances compounds to also promote adrenal health, which then indirectly supports liver function.
How to Prepare It :
- Infuse 1 teaspoon dried schisandra berries in 1 cup hot water for 15 minutes.
- Pressure and enjoy — its taste is sour, sweet and a bit salty.
- Ideal taken in the morning or at noon.
Tip: Taking schisandra with licorice root may increase its benefits.
Peppermint Tea: Soothing Digestion & Bile Flow:
5 Ancient Herbal Teas : Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Although peptimint is best known for aiding digestion it can also help support the liver by relaxing the bile ducts which allows bile to flow more freely. This enables the liver to metabolize fats and toxins better.
A 2017 study in BioMed Research International emphasized peppermint’s propensity for reversing liver damage in rats exposed to toxins — the researchers themselves noted that the same protective properties were likely to be in effect in humans.
How to Prepare It:
- Pour hot water over fresh or dried peppermint leaves, and let steep for 5–7 minutes.
- Swallow after meal to relieve indigestion & protect liver.
Bonus: Peppermint has a cooling effect, which can help reduce stress—and stress is a major liver risk (chronic stress makes liver inflammation worse).
Conclusion:
- Although these herbal teas provide potent support, liver health hinges also on lifestyle:
- Hydration: Helps flush toxins.
- A balanced diet: No over eating processed food, no chronic drinking, or going overboard on sugar.
- Regular workouts: Increases circulation and detoxification of toxins.
5 Ancient Herbal Teas: Adding these ancient teas to your routine—along with other healthy habits—might offer some gentle, natural support for your liver. As ever, check in with a health care provider before starting new herbal treatments, particularly if you have liver disease or are on medication.
The philosophy of traditional medicine suggests that sometimes, the best cures can be found right under our noses — or steeping quietly in a tea cup.
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