7 Best Ayurvedic Herbs For Liver Repair And Detox

In the current age when pollution is on the rise and people’s lifestyles have become more toxic than ever before, it is the body’s most important processes of detoxification and digestion that bear the brunt.

It is said that the liver is a vital organ that is responsible for helping with the body’s natural detox and cleansing mechanisms. While this organ has an amazing ability to heal itself from minor damage, it may not be able to handle prolonged exposure to harmful toxins. The result is a rise in the occurrence of liver conditions and increasing demand for liver detox and repair.

The Treasure Trove of Ayurveda

Ages ago, the ancient art of medicine or Ayurveda figured the crucial role that the liver plays in the human body. Hence, it is important to cleanse and purify the organ to preserve its healthy function. In addition to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sound dietary habits, Ayurveda prescribes some herbs that help in supporting the natural cleansing process of the liver.

Here’s a list of the 7 best herbs for liver repair and detox.

1. Kutki (Picrorhiza Kurroa)

Kutki or Picrorhiza Kurroa is an ancient medicinal plant that grows in the Himalayan region of Asia and acclaimed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to its pungent properties and beneficial components called ‘kutkin’ or ‘picroliv’, this herb aids liver detox, wards off hepatitis, relieves digestion troubles, improves appetite and supports liver function.

Kutki / Katuki- Picrorhiza Kurrao
Kutki / Katuki- Picrorhiza Kurrao

An imbalance of bile or pitta in the body is the root cause behind liver ailments and disorders. Kutki is a bitter herb for the liver that helps in balancing pitta and boosts bile secretion to keep the essential enzymes at normal levels.

It shields the liver from toxins, environment and stress, facilitates detox functions in the liver, intestines and gall bladder, decongests bile and liver ducts for a healthy bile flow and improves fatty liver conditions.

In addition, the benefits of kutki also extend to keeping a check on diabetes, cholesterol and uric acid levels.

Kutki Side Effects

Kutki doesn’t have any major side effects. However, if you experience dizziness, breathing difficulty, headache, abdominal pain or vomiting, you will have to stop using this herbal remedy or check with your doctor to alter the dosage. Pregnant women, nursing mothers and children must avoid taking this medicinal supplement since it is not proven yet if kutki is safe for them.

2. Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa)

Punarnava, scientifically known as Boerhavia Diffusa, is an ancient Ayurvedic herb with a multitude of benefits for the body. Commonly known as Red Hogweed, Red Spiderling, Spreading Hogweed and Horse Purslane, Punarnava is rich in nutrition and medicinal value, and all parts of its plant (leaves, aerial part and root) are used for treatment.

Punarnava Boerhavia Diffusa
Punarnava Boerhavia Diffusa

Punarnava is an essential Ayurvedic herb for the liver. It aids the secretion of bile on a consistent basis to keep the organ healthy and functional. This liver detox herb is known to show tremendous potential in removing toxins from the liver and kidney.

Punarnava is an effective tonic for improving liver health and function and its aqueous extracts exhibit hepatoprotective benefits. The herb is known to treat fatty liver, enlarged liver and other liver-related ailments.

Punarnava Side Effects

Punarnava may not have many side effects but it can increase the blood pressure in some people, thereby impacting heart function. Avoid using this herb in case you have ethanol-related allergies. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 must refrain from consuming this herb in any form.

3. Giloy (Guduchi)

Giloy or Guduchi, with the botanical name Tinospora Cordifolia, is an Ayurvedic herb for the liver with a history of use in Indian medicine since ages. Acknowledged by doctors as a powerful antioxidant, Giloy has the ability to fight free radicals, remove toxins, purify blood and fight liver diseases and kidney infections.

Giloy Guduchi
Giloy Guduchi

Giloy has the ability to detoxify your liver and aid its proper function. It also works as a remedy for fatty liver and other liver disorders and stimulates the regeneration of the damaged liver tissue. Being among the bitter herbs for the liver, Giloy helps in removing the accumulated ‘pitta’ from the liver.

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Giloy Side Effects

Giloy does not have any drastic side effects but its long term use may cause constipation in people with weak digestion.

4. Daruhaldi (Indian Barberry)

Daruhaldi or Indian Barberry, with the botanical name Berberis Aristata, is known to exhibit medicinal properties that can help you steer clear of several conditions and boost health. Found in the Himalayas, all parts of this shrub have immense medicinal value.

Daruhaldi Herb
Daruhaldi Herb

Daruhaldi helps in promoting the flow of bile, which is a digestive enzyme that helps the body expel waste products from the blood. When bile flow diminishes, it can impair liver function and this herb initiates corrective action. Keeping the liver safe from the side effects of fever and pain-relieving drugs, it boosts liver health.

Daruhaldi Side Effects

Those with diabetes must take Daruhaldi under medical supervision as it can lower sugar levels. Pregnant women must seek medical advice before using this herb.

5. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus Niruri)

Bhumyamalaki or Phyllanthus Niruri is an Ayurvedic herb with strong liver protecting benefits. This weed found in coastal areas is known to demonstrate potent antioxidant activity on the free radicals that cause damage to healthy cells.

Bhumyamalaki Phyllanthus Niruri
Bhumyamalaki Phyllanthus Niruri

Phyllanthus Niruri helps alleviate fatty liver conditions by reducing the amount of fatty acids in the liver. The liver-protecting ability of this herb also helps it cure acute hepatitis B infections.

Bhumyamalaki Side Effects

Consider consulting your doctor before taking this herb for the liver if you have diabetes or blood clotting disorder or if you are under any medication. It shows a tendency of causing diarrhoea or upset stomach. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children must refrain from taking this herb as its safety for them is not yet proven.

6. Sinhaparni (Dandelion)

Sinhaparni or dandelion has the botanical name Taraxacum Officinale. Regular consumption of this herb is known to cleanse the liver gently every day, thereby reducing the accumulation of toxins from food additives, pesticides and environmental pollutants.

Sinhaparni Dandelion
Sinhaparni Dandelion

Loaded with antioxidants, dandelion helps in liver detox, strengthens it and stimulates the flow of bile to keep a check on indigestion and constipation. With a bitter quality, it aids the removal of toxins and supports the cleansing of the entire digestive tract. Bioactive compounds like polyphenols in dandelion help reduce inflammation in the liver.

Dandelion Side Effects

Dandelion is potentially a safe herb with little known side effects. However, it must be used with caution by people with gall bladder conditions or obstruction of bile ducts. It can cause hyperacidity in those suffering from gastritis and gastric ulcer.

7. Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba)

Known as Eclipta Alba, Bhringraj is an Ayurvedic herb that improves liver-related problems, facilitates the digestion of fatty food, protects the liver and treats conditions such as liver enlargement. Protecting the essential organ from damage due to exposure to chemicals, Bhringraj may also help in regenerating liver cells.

Bhringraj Herb Plant
Bhringraj Herb Plant

Bringraj Side Effects

Bhringraj is among the safer Ayurvedic herbs but its extract has a cool property. Avoid consuming it if you already have a cold. A higher dose of the herb can lead to a slight burning sensation.

Final Words

To get the real cleansing and detox benefits of these Ayurvedic herbs for the liver, it is essential to exercise diet constraint and make lifestyle modifications. Various factors such as body weight, diet and stress levels come at play when it comes to getting optimum benefits from herbal medicines. It is best to consult a liver specialist when the symptoms of liver disease are very drastic or if the complications are beyond control.

 
 

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Ayurvedic Herbs For Liver Repair For Detox Pinterest Image
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Top 5 Ayurvedic Magical Herbs That Help Cure Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease which is spreading faster in the world than any other health issue. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), “the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014”. Recent research also shows that 1 in every 11 people in the world has diabetes. It would be safe to assume that there will not be a single person who does not know a diabetic in their personal life, and some might know more as well. Let’s face it, all of us are tired of gulping pills after pills for back pains, neck pains, thyroid, PCOD, diabetes.. and the list goes on and on. Today in this post, I would like to discuss Top 5 Natural Ayurvedic Herbs that you can incorporate in your life and get that blood sugar level in control. Some herbs are known to even completely cure diabetes.

1. Vijaysar

Vijaysar For Diabetes
Vijaysar For Diabetes

Vijaysar or Malabar Kino or Indian Kino Tree (scientific name: Pterocarpus marsupium) is a tree native to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Its bark is known as a ‘miracle cure for diabetes’ as it has anti-diabetic and hypoglycaemic properties.

The bark of Vijaysar tree is used to make tumblers and utensils. Water kept in these Vijaysar wood tumbler overnight, when consumed by a diabetic, can control blood sugar levels along with high blood pressure, obesity and joint pain. It reduces overall cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and serum triglyceride levels in the body. It balances insulin levels. It is a kapha and pitta dosa pacifier. Vijaysar is also available in powdered form.

Apart from its anti-diabetic effects, it improves digestion, purifies the blood and also removes excess fat from the body.

Method of Consumption

Keep 1 glass of water in the Vijaysar wood tumbler overnight. In the morning, the colour of the water will change to brown. Drink it. After about a month, the water will stop changing colour. Now you can break the glass in pieces and soak 1 piece overnight. Drink the water next morning on empty stomach. Do this till all pieces are used. You will need another tumbler after all pieces are used. If you don’t want to break the glass, you can scratch the insides of the tumbler so it can be used again. Vijaysar tumblers are cheap and can be easily found online. Find it on Amazon here

Vijaysar Side Effects

There are no known side effects of Vijaysar. It is a safe herb to use and can be used long term.

2. Chirayta (Chirata For Diabetes)

chirayta kalmegh for diabetes
Chirayata For Diabetes

Chiryata (scientific name: Swertia Chirata) as known as Chirata is a herb native to the northern Himalayan region of India and Bhutan. It is bitter and pungent in taste. According to ancient Ayurvedic text ‘Charak Samhita’, Chiryata has many medicinal properties. It is specifically known for its anti-diabetic properties. It keeps blood sugar under control by stimulating the pancreatic cells to secrete more insulin.

Method of Consumption

Soak 1 spoon of Chirata in 200ml of water overnight. Remove Chirata leaves from the water in the morning and drink the remaining water on an empty stomach. Do not take more than the recommended amount.

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Chirayta Caution and Side Effects

Chirayta herb should only be used for age 10 and above. Also should be avoided during pregnancy. If you have intestinal ulcers, the use of Chirayta can make it worse so avoid. It is also not advisable to take it for very long periods.

Since it increases the production of insulin in the body, it is advised to monitor blood sugar carefully when taking Chiryata as it can cause hypoglycemia. It is generally known that Chiryata only shows an anti-diabetic effect when blood sugar is higher than normal range so there is less probability of hypoglycemia but it is recommended to not take it as medicine along with allopathic diabetes medication as it might cause blood sugar to go too low. It is always best to take the advice of a doctor before using this herb.

3. Saptarangi

Saptarangi Salacia Oblonga

Saptarangi (scientific name: Salacia Oblonga) has been used in Ayurveda traditionally for its anti-diabetic properties. Saptarangi is native to India and Sri Lanka. It contains Glycosidase Inhibitors and Kotolanol which are known for controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. Apart from having anti-diabetic properties, it is also being widely used now as a weight loss supplement. The bark of the root of Saptarangi is used for controlling sugar, serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides and it increases good cholesterol HDL. It also works in improving the liver and pancreas function and treats Diabetes in the long term.

Method of Consumption

Saptarangi root powder 1 gm per day on empty stomach.

Caution and Side Effects

If you are pregnant or nursing, don’t take Saptarangi. Also if you are going into surgery, it is advisable to stop usage at least 2 weeks before surgery as it may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. It is also advisable to not consume if for long periods of time and consult a physician before taking this medicine.

4. Gudmar (Madhunashini or Gurmar)

Gudmar Gymnema Sylvestre - Sugar Destroyer - For Diabetes
Gudmar Gymnema Sylvestre – Sugar Destroyer – For Diabetes

Gudmar (scientific name: Gymnema Sylvestre) is also known as Madhunashini which means ‘sugar destroyer’ in Sanskrit. It is a herb found throughout India but is found abundantly in the central and southern parts of India. Gudmar leaf is used in Ayurveda, Homeopathy as well as Unani Medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

When used for a long period of time, Gurmar leaves reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. It has an extraordinary quality of suppressing the taste of sweet foods. This intern diminishes the sugar cravings and suppresses the appetite. Chewing on Gudmar leaves paralyses both sweet and bitter taste.

Apart from being anti-diabetic and sweet suppressant, it also helps reduce obesity and constipation. It reduces cholesterol levels and helps remove toxins from the liver. It has a slight purgative effect and also acts as a mild aphrodisiac.

Method of Consumption

In leaf powder form, 3-5gms mixed with cow milk consumed in the morning. 1-2 fresh leaves can also be chewed in the morning every day to keep sugar in control.

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Gudmar Side Effects

If taken as a lone blood sugar lowering medicine, it has no side effects but combined with other medicines, it can have hypoglycaemic effects like lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.

5. Guduchi (Giloy)

Giloy Tinospora Cordifolia
Giloy Tinospora Cordifolia

Guduchi (scientific name: Tinospora Cordifolia) is one of the most beneficial plants for type 2 diabetes. It is found in the tropical region of India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It is also known as ‘Amrita’ which means Elixir as it has many extremely beneficial properties. An interesting thing about this plant is that it is known to never die. If you plant an ages-old Guduchi stem, it will grow again. Apart from being anti-diabetic, it is also anti-piratic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic.

Guduchi fights with diabetes by increasing the production of insulin as well as burning excessive sugar in the blood. In recent years, it is also being used abundantly for treatment of Dengue fever as it is said to increase the platelet count in the blood. Enough evidence of the same has not been found.

Method of Consumption

Fresh Giloy juice can be prepared by blending the stem, leaves and some water. Consume it every day in the morning on empty stomach. Don’t consume anything for the next 30 minutes.

Another method is to smash a small piece of the stem in a mortar and boil it in a glass of water on low heat. Boil till the water remains half. Drink slowly after cooling down a bit. Don’t consume anything for the next 30 minutes.

Giloy Side Effects

It is not recommended to take giloy before and after surgery as it affects the control of blood sugar levels.

People with auto-immune diseases should also avoid this herb as it can overstimulate the immune system. Giloy works to improve the immunity which intern can aggravate the auto-immune condition.

Note: Please take the advice of a proper Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any medicine or herb. This article is only for reference purposes.

 

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