The liver is considered the body's "detoxification factory", performing hundreds of important functions, the most prominent of which is the elimination of toxins. However, because of this role, the liver is also susceptible to damage and "poisoning" due to frequent exposure to alcohol, drugs, processed foods, heavy metals or hepatitis viruses.
At this time, many people think of herbs that can detoxify the liver. However, not all types should be used regularly and not all are suitable.
Principles when using herbs to detoxify the liver
According to BSCKII Nguyen Thi Diem Huong, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3, herbs can support the detoxification process, but should not be considered an alternative to medical treatment.
If used incorrectly, for a long time or in inappropriate combinations, these plants can cause side effects, affecting the function of the liver and other organs.
Some principles to keep in mind when using herbs for detoxification include:
- Do not use continuously for more than 1-2 months without professional guidance.
- Avoid overuse with people who may have a cold, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Not a substitute for primary treatment in chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B, C.
- When using, liver function should be monitored if used for a long time, especially when combined with antiviral drugs, statins, blood pressure medications or antibiotics.
5 herbs to support liver function
Artemisia capillaris Thunb
The plant contains many beneficial active ingredients such as essential oils, coumarins (scoparone, scopoletin), flavonoids and phenolic acids. Research shows that compounds from this plant help inhibit hepatitis B virus, protect the liver from fibrosis and cancer, and stabilize liver enzymes, blood lipids and blood sugar.
According to traditional medicine, the herb has a bitter taste, cool properties, and is used for the liver and gallbladder meridians. This medicinal herb is often used to clear heat, promote bile secretion, detoxify, promote urination, and reduce phlegm, and is used to treat hepatitis, jaundice, cholecystitis, and poor appetite after giving birth.
People can use 10-15g of Chinese clematis root per day in decoction form. However, Dr. Huong also notes that people should not use it for a long time as a daily drink, and should avoid combining it with licorice. Pregnant women and people with a weak and cold constitution should be careful.
Phyllanthus urinaria
Phyllanthus urinaria has long been used by folk medicine to “cool the liver and detoxify”. Modern research shows that this plant has antioxidant properties, protecting the liver from damage caused by viruses, alcohol and drugs such as paracetamol. In addition, it also has the potential to fight many types of cancer and stabilize blood sugar.
According to Oriental medicine, Phyllanthus urinaria has a slightly bitter taste, cool properties, and affects the liver and kidney meridians. It is often used to treat hepatitis, jaundice, acne, painful urination, frequent urination, and snake bites.
Phyllanthus urinaria is a familiar herb that can help detoxify the liver (Photo: Institute of Traditional Medicine).
Phyllanthus urinaria can be used fresh or dried, decocted and drunk at a dose of 20-40g/day. This herb can also be crushed and applied externally for ulcers and insect bites.
Solanum procumbens (Solanum procumbens)
Solanum procumbens is a native plant that contains many active ingredients such as alkaloids and steroidal saponins. According to domestic studies, the plant can reduce the viral load of hepatitis B, improve liver enzymes and systemic symptoms in patients. Solanum procumbens also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.
Traditional medicine believes that Solanum procumbens has a bitter taste, warm properties, and is slightly toxic. It is often used to treat rheumatism, cirrhosis, dry cough, allergies, and periodontitis.
People can boil Solanum procumbens to drink to detoxify the liver with a dose of 16-20g/day. However, people with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or taking chronic medication should be careful and should not use this type of water.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
Artichoke is a familiar herb, often used in tea form. Compounds in artichoke such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and saponins help increase bile secretion, aid digestion, improve liver function, prevent gallstones and cholecystitis.
Artichoke can be used in the form of dried or fresh leaves 8-10g/day or in the form of liquid extract 2-10g/day.
In Vietnam, artichoke is often prepared as tea for daily drinking (Photo: Unsplash).
Dr. Huong also noted that this herb can interact with anticoagulants, blood pressure medications or diuretics, and should not be used at the same time without professional advice.
Eurycoma longifolia
Not only known as a male enhancement herb, Euryale is also proven to protect the liver, reduce bilirubin and support the regeneration of damaged liver cells.
Traditional medicine classifies Euryale in the group of blood and qi tonics, spleen and kidney warming, treating weakness, poor digestion, yang deficiency, malaria, and alcohol detoxification.
Euryale can be used to soak in wine or decoction with a dosage of 8-16g/day. This herb is absolutely not for pregnant women. In addition, using high doses or combining them arbitrarily can cause headaches, nausea, and low blood pressure.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nhung-loai-thao-moc-quen-thuoc-ho-tro-giai-doc-gan-20250713111556285.htm
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