The tradition of collecting liver cleansing herbs to use as medicine has been practiced for centuries.  In fact, it has long been a ritual among herbalists and those who practice natural medicine to use liver cleansing herbs in the spring for renewal and rejuvenation.

There has been a vast amount of information and testing with regard to herbal remedies.  Herbs like vitamins are good for your body and overall health.  Although the exact cause of why herbs have a positive effect on the body is not always known. Usually, herbs need to be taken over a long period to receive the benefits to you health.

Listed below is information about some common liver cleansing herbs.

Dandelion – This is an herb that is good for the whole body, specifically the immune system. It works to eliminate toxins from the cells in the body. It also increases bile and helps it move along. It is credited with boosting white blood cells thus strengthening the immune system.

Licorice Root – This herb has properties that work like an antioxidant, fight viruses and helps the body produce antibodies.

Cascara Sagrada – This herb works like a laxative. It helps the bowels move.

Black Walnut Hulls – This herb also works in the bowels. It works against parasites and removes them from the intestines. It also helps remove fatty material and toxins.

Garlic – Garlic is the classic kitchen-pharmacy remedy and has been used for centuries as an antiseptic. It detoxifies the gut and helps the bowels function properly. It works like a laxative in making the bowels move regularly.

Goldenseal – this herb is well known for its cleansing power. It can rid the body of toxins and help to remove obstructions.

Psyllium – This herb also works to help move the bowels.

Here are some Chinese herbs that are used for detoxification.

Lian Qiao – Lian Qiao is the forsythia flower. It has a cleansing action and helps to clear heat and toxins.

Ju Hua – Otherwise known as the Chrysanthemum. This is a pungent herb that should not be overcooked, or it will lose its potency. It has cleansing properties.

Pu Gong Ying – Pu Gong Ying is the dandelion plant. It is the parts of the plant above the root that is being used as a remedy. It is effective as a detoxification herb.

Here is a herbal formulation for the liver provided by Brigitte Mars (herbalist in Colorado) called “Puri-Tea” which consist of:

•     Peppermint, red clover, fennel, licorice
•     cleavers, dandelion, oregon grape root, burdock root
•     butternut bark, chickweed, parsley root, nettles.

Another liver herbal tea is:

•     Fennel Seed (1 part), Fenugreek (1 part)
•     Flax Seed (1 part), Licorice Root (1/4 part)
•     Burdock (1/4 part), Peppermint (1 part).

Here’s another herbal combination that is good for detoxifying and cleansing the liver:

•     Yellow Dock root, Dandelion root, Licorice root
•     Red sage, Sarsaparilla, Hyssop
•     Pau de Arco, Milk Thistle Seed, Parsley leaf.

You can make these teas yourself or look for a ready made herbal formula at a health food store. It is important to know that the main point of using liver cleansing herbs is for removing toxins from the body, usually through the bowels. Using herbs is gentler on your system than other methods and you get additional benefits from the nutrients that herbs supply.