![]() The liver is the heaviest organ of the body and one of the largest. It is a resilient organ that not only rids toxins, but it is a processing center like no other. The main functions of the liver is to process nutrients, remove toxins, make bile, and build protein. Process Nutrients: Food is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces as it goes through the digestive tract. This liquid called chyme or rasa, eventually enters the blood and is transported to the liver for processing. These nutrients are used for the body's needs according to what the body is running low on. Some nutrients are stored to be used for a later need and some are used right away. According to Ayurveda, the liver is the home of the Bhuta Agnis. Bhuta means element and agni is metabolic fire. These bhuta agnis break down the nutrients into the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) so the body can be able to use the nutrients. We are what we eat. ![]() Bile Production: Old red blood cells are broken down to extract iron rich salts, which combine with cholesterol to form bile. This substance is then stored in the gallbladder for future use. When the digestive system detects fat in your small intestines, the gallbladder is triggered to release bile which emulsifies the fat. Toxin Removal: The food we eat is a combination of nutrients and toxins. The liver's job is to utilize the useful nutrients and to eliminate the harmful toxins. When someone is consistently overeating, eating junk food, the hepatic system can be come overloaded and will start to get sluggish. Building Proteins: A protein is a complex chemical that is essential to living beings. In the liver, the proteins are manufactured into substances that regulate the blood. Some of those proteins are used for blood clotting.. This is just a minute insight into the liver and its functions. Scientist say the liver has over 500 functions. Knowing the importance of this organ to your health, it is of upmost importance to keep it strong. The good news is that it is capable of regenerating itself and liver treatments are highly effective. Periodic liver flushes are a great way to keep the organ healthy. Daily regimens that strengthen the liver can also be employed. Keeping the Liver Strong: To keep the liver clean it needs sufficient oxygen (from arterial blood), proper fuel (food/toxins), fire (metabolic energy), and a healthy outlet (gallbladder/bile). Herbal remedies should include: Herbs for healthy arterial circulation Digestive spices to soften the load Lymphatic herbs to ensure the body's drainage system is unclogged Herbs that directly protect and regenerate the liver cells ![]() Must Have Herbs to Cleanse Liver: #1 Milk Thistle:
Can be taken in powder form or in tincture.. ![]() #2 Turmeric:
Can be used to cook with, golden milk at night, tincture, or capsules ![]() #3 Dandelion Root:
Dandelion root is best used in a tincture, but can also be used in a tea ![]() #4 Red Clover:
Can be used as an herbal infusion and tincture ![]() #5 Gentian:
Tinctures are best with this herb A daily Ayurvedic regimen is the best strategy to maintain a strong liver Following the five essentials is fundamental (nutrition, sleep, sun, exercise, water). #1 Nutrition: Proper timing of meals, proper food combining, doshic reducing foods #2 Sleep: Getting sufficient sleep will keep the nervous system healthy #3 Sun: Get your daily Vitamin D by getting at least 15 minutes of sun per day #4 Exercise: To ensure proper prana flow exercise is a must #5 Water: Our body's excrete 2.5 liters of water daily. Replenishing yourself with water is a must. The cells in your body are like fish, they need water for survival. We must ensure we stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Apart from the five essentials; adding digestive spices to your meals will help take the load off your liver. Another great formula to take is the famous triphala churna, which is used to tonify the digestive system and strengthen immunity. When feeling run down, tired, sick: try doing a liver cleanse, to give your body a little reset. There is much information online on how to do a liver cleanse, but it is always best to see an experienced herbalist for guidance. Namaste
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AuthorRoberto Portocarrero Archives
January 2020
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