the amazing liver: main processing center

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.

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​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.
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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

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Must Have Herbs to Cleanse Liver:

#1 Milk Thistle: 

• rejuvenates the liver cells
• prevents toxins in the blood
• lowers cholesterol  
• jaundice
• cirrhosis of the liver -
• Helps with chemotherapy side effects,
• Inhibits cancer cells growth 

Can be taken in powder form or in tincture..

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#2 Turmeric:   

• Increases bile output
• Helps to prevent and dissolve gallstones
• It is a blood purifier that is often used to treat skin conditions.

Can be used to cook with, golden milk at night, tincture, or capsules

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#3 Dandelion Root:

• Increases liver functions
• helps with gallstones
•  diuretic helping Edema 
• obesity
• blood disorders 
• skin irritations 
• an excellent blood purifier 
• high cholesterol ​

Dandelion root is best used in a tincture, but can also be used in a tea

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#4 Red Clover:

• Keeps your hormonally fit
• Reduces hot flashes
• Prevents and reverses breast cancer- Red clover strengthens the immune system, improves lymphatic functioning, repairs damaged DNA
• Improves memory, clears confusion, increases energy- Red Clover is rich in iron, chromium, B vitamins and other trace nutrients necessary for good mental and physical functioning
• Relieves muscle and joint pain with its salicylic acid content (similar to aspirin)
• Prevents heart attacks and strokes with its blood thinning properties
• Skin Eruptions
• Cleanses lymph system​

Can be used as an herbal infusion and tincture
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#5 Gentian:  

• protects the liver and stimulates its function
• help regenerate its cells
•  increase the flow of bile
•  inhibits the development of viruses 
•  It has also been used for centuries to stimulate appetite, improve overall digestion, and treat a host of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, heartburn, stomach aches, and vomiting.

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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