![Liver - The Organ](https://www.planetayurveda.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/healthy-liver-1.jpg)
Liver – The Organ
The liver is the largest glandular organ of the body. It needs regular natural liver cleanse to keep working at optimum levels. It weighs about 3 lb (1.36 kg). It is reddish brown in color and is divided into four lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Blood is carried to the liver via two large vessels called the hepatic artery and the portal vein.
The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta (a major vessel in the heart). The portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine. These blood vessels subdivide in the liver repeatedly, terminating in very small capillaries. Each capillary leads to a lobule. Liver tissue is composed of thousands of lobules, and each lobule is made up of hepatic cells, the basic metabolic cells of the liver.
What is its Major Function?
The liver is the most hard-working organ in the human body. It performs many functions that are vital to life. It plays an important role in digestion (breaking nutrients down) and assimilation (building up body tissues). It is the storage site for many essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, copper, B12, vitamins A, D, E and K. Red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body, are also produced in the liver.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body when it comes to detoxifying or getting rid of foreign substances or toxins, especially from the gut. The liver plays a key role in most metabolic processes, especially detoxification. The liver detoxifies harmful substances by a complex series of chemical reactions. The role of these various enzyme activities in the liver is to convert fat soluble toxins into water soluble substances that can be excreted in the urine or the bile depending on the particular characteristics of the end product.
The liver has many functions. Some of the functions are: to produce substances that break down fats, convert glucose to glycogen, produce urea (the main substance of urine), make certain amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), filter harmful substances from the blood (such as alcohol), storage of vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, D, K and B12) and maintain a proper level or glucose in the blood. The liver is also responsible for producing cholesterol. It produces about 80% of the cholesterol in your body.
The liver’s job is to remove toxins from the body. When the liver continually is bombarded and overloaded, it fails to do its job. Toxins are then free to roam the body. Toxins can cause symptoms of disease, which is very harmful for the overall health of the body.
Diseases of the Liver
Several diseases states can affect the liver. Some of the diseases are Wilson’s Disease, hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver), liver cancer, and cirrhosis (a chronic inflammation that progresses ultimately to organ failure). Alcohol alters the metabolism of the liver, which can have overall detrimental effects if alcohol is taken over long periods of time.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It detoxifies the body, creates biochemicals that are vital for digestion, stores extra blood and creates bile, which breaks down fats, filters the blood and helps the body maintain water and electrolyte balance. The liver is an irreplaceable organ, and we cannot function without it. That is why many people seek ways in which they can get their liver to function at its optimum level. Detoxification diets are widely popular with people who feel the need to “cleanse” their body and organs.
When optimum nutrition is provided the liver operates efficiently. A great many people however, do not eat the right kinds of foods to provide the liver with everything it needs for the elimination of the extra toxins bodies are exposed to daily. If nutrition is compromised through poor dietary and lifestyle habits, this will impede detoxification processes, and other organs will suffer as the body retains these toxins.
Filtering the Blood
One of the liver’s primary functions is filtering the blood. Almost 2 quarts of blood pass through the liver every minute for detoxification. Filtration of toxins is absolutely critical as the blood from the intestines contains high levels of bacteria, bacterial endotoxins, antigen-antibody complexes, and various other toxic substances. When working properly, the liver clears 99% of the bacteria and other toxins during the first pass. However, when the liver is damaged, such as in alcoholics, the passage of toxins increases by over a factor of 10.
Bile Excretion
The liver’s second detoxification process involves the synthesis and secretion of bile. Each day the liver manufactures approximately 1 quart of bile, which serves as a carrier in which many toxic substances are dumped into the intestines. In the intestines, the bile and its toxic load are absorbed by fiber and excreted. However, a diet low in fiber results in inadequate binding and reabsorption of the toxins. This problem is magnified when bacteria in the intestine modify these toxins to more damaging forms.
Impairment of bile flow within the liver can be caused by a variety of agents and conditions. These conditions are often associated with alterations of liver function in laboratory tests (serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, LDH, GGTP, etc.) signifying cellular damage. However, relying on these tests alone to evaluate liver function is not adequate, since, in the initial or subclinical stages of many problems with liver function, laboratory values remain normal.
Among the symptoms people with Enzymatic Damage complain of are:
- Fatigue
- general malaise
- digestive disturbances
- allergies and chemical sensitivities
- premenstrual syndrome
- constipation.
Detoxifying your liver can be a vital step in improving the overall health of your body. Your liver works as the body’s detoxifying agent by ridding excess fat and waste from your system. But sometimes, for various reasons, the liver does not work as effectively as it should. It can often be helped along by detoxifying it with herbs, a process which helps maximize the liver’s ability to carry out its work. Many people believe that toxins come into their body through their environment and some of the foods they eat, such as meat, sugar, alcohol, dairy products, caffeine and a few types of grains. People feel cleaner and lighter after detoxifying. Here are some of the most effective herbs used for liver detoxification – Kutki, Punarnava, Kalmegh, Makoy, Kasni, Brinjasipha, Jhavuka, Himsra, Haritaki etc. Liver Detox Formula Capsules contains extracts of all these potent herbs in following well researched combination.
Liver Detox Formula
- Helps to maintain healthy liver in people of all ages
- 100% Natural & Pure Vegetarian Formula
- Supports and maintains healthy digestive system
- Free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers etc.
Dosage:- 1 to 2 Capsules twice a day 30 minutes before or after meals with lukewarm water.
Note: Should not be used for treating kids under five years.
Ingredients of Liver Detox Formula Capsules
Sr. No. | Indian Name | Botanical Name | Quantity |
1. | Kutki | Picrorrhiza kurrao | 200 mg |
2. | Punarnava | Boerrhavia diffusa | 100 mg |
3. | Kalmegh | Andrographis paniculata | 50 mg |
4. | Makoy | Solanum indicum | 25 mg |
5. | Biranjasipha | Achillea millefolium-Yarrow | 25 mg |
6. | Jhavuka | Tamarix galluca | 25 mg |
7. | Himsra | capparis spinosa | 25 mg |
8. | Haritaki | Terminalia chebula | 25 mg |
9. | Kaasni | Chicorium intybus | 25 mg |
Herbs Used in Liver Detox
1. Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
Kutki is highly beneficial in treating cirrhosis of the liver among adults. Its root is given in powdered form. A teaspoon of the powder, mixed with an equal amount of honey, is administered thrice daily in traditional healthcare system of India. The liver detox capsules contains Kutki and other herbs which are very useful for liver conditions.
Kutki is used with good results in the treatment of ascites, a disease characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. About 50 grams of the herb is boiled in 200 ml of water till three-fourth of the water has evaporated.
Kutki is one of the major drug useful in jaundice. It is beneficial in the treatment of dyspepsia. It strengthens the stomach and promotes its action, while improving appetite and stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. Kutki ( Picrorhiza kurroa) is useful in constipation. It induces active movement of the bowels and serves as a mild purgative.
2. Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa )
Common name Indian hogweed – Sanskrit Punarnava, Family (Nyctaginaceae)
Punarnava means ‘one that renews the old body’. Its rejuvenative action works via its opening and cleansing activity allowing effective nourishment to reach the tissues. It is a superb diuretic and it benefits the heart.
Bio-Medical Action
Diuretic, Cardio-tonic, Digestive
Indications
Heart Fluid congestion, Cardiac edema, General edema from heart function deficiency, Labored breathing from the resultant congestion in the chest is eased. By clearing the excess of kapha from the chest and stomach it clears the channels of obstructions. It is especially beneficial for allowing rasa and rakta, the circulatory fluids, to flow unimpeded.
It increases the digestive fire and is useful in a sluggish digestive system. It absorbs fluids from the digestive system. It prevents intestinal spasms and pain helping to treat flatulence, bloating and worms. Also traditionally used for treating the kapha type of anaemia where kapha obstructs the raktadhatavagni resulting in low quality and quantity of blood.
Diabetes Punarnava’s ability to reduce medas-dhatu and normalize mutravahasrotas is utilized in the treatment of diabetes.
3. Kalmegh (Andrographis Paniculata )
Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh is used extensively in the Indian traditional system of medicine as a hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative agent and has been reported to have antioxidant effects against different hepatotoxins.
Benefits of Kalmegh
Kalmegh is a blood purifier, so used to care torbid liver, jaundice, dermatological diseases, dyspepsia, febrifuge and anthelmintic.
Kalmegh acts to dispel heat and remove toxins. It is used in loss of appetite in infants and also used as a febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, alterative, anthelmintic,antispasmodic etc. It is chiefly used in viral hepatitis, diminished appetite and drug induced liver damage.
Kalmegh acts as antibacterial. It appears to have beneficial effect in reducing diarrhoea and symptoms arising from bacterial infections.
4. Makoy (Solanum nigrum) – (Black Nightshade)
Makoy leaves are effective in the treatment of digestive disorders and stomach disorders like flatulence, colitis and peptic ulcers. An infusion of the plant is useful in dysentery and other stomach ailments. The fruits or the beries of the plant is beneficial in treating asthma and also yields beneficial results in fevers. It is useful in the treatment of dropsy. It increases the secretion and discharge of urine. The plant is good in healing chronic skin diseases such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
5. Kasni (Cichorium intybus)
“What is chicory?” some may ask. Chicory may be best known as a caffeine-free coffee substitute with all the warnings about how bad caffeine is for you today. Many people are trying to avoid caffeine and have turned to this easily obtained herb as a replacement that offers a rich, mellow taste without the caffeine. Chicory is a member of the daisy family that has pretty, blue flowers that have an internal clock causing the flowers to open in the morning and close in the early afternoon. It is native to Europe but was brought here to the States in the late 19th century where you can now find it growing wild on roadsides, riverbanks and in fields. Chicory also has many uses as an herbal remedy. The roots can be roasted and ground as a coffee substitute or dried and used for herbal remedies, while the leaves can be used in poultices or added to salad. The flowers can also be used in salads or in potpourris.
Benefits of Chicory
Chicory contains chicoriin and intybin which help stimulate the appetite and promote digestion and also contains inulin which aids in digestion. It relieves arthiritis pain and gout and acts as a liver tonic by helping to clear up toxins in the blood. This detox effect helps clear up acne. Chicory can be used as a mild laxative and as headache reliever or externally as a compress for arthritis as it helps to reduce inflammation.
Uses Of Chicory
Chicory tea can be used to improve digestion by simmering one teaspoon of the dried root in one cup of water for ten to fifteen minutes and then strain and drink one cup one half hour before mealtimes. This effect can be enhanced by adding equal parts of dandelion root and St. John’s Wort. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb blend per one cup of hot water as above.
6. Biranjasipha (Achillea millefolium) Common Name : Yarrow
It is good for almost everything. It is especially good for treating and managing the symptoms colds, flu, and fever. Here are a few things it is quite good for: relieving nosebleed and other bleeding, healing cuts, and relieving bruises. Yarrow has a long history stretching right back to Ancient Greek mythology, where the warrior Achilles used it to help injured soldiers in the Trojan War.
Yarrow is a Powerful astringent, Wound healer, Strengthens blood vessels and veins, Ceases bleeding, Stimulates perspiration, Improves digestion and brings down fever.
Yarrow is often used as a tea that is drunk to relieve the symptoms mentioned above. Drink the tea when it is hot, as it promotes sweating and then cooling. Sweating reduces fever and cleanse toxins from the body.
Yarrow improves appetite and digestion, plus it helps diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
This herb is beneficial in curing irregular menstrual cycles and can also decrease the amount of menstrual bleeding.
Yarrow improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the small blood vessels or capillaries.
It is also helpful in treating varicose veins.
Yarrow is commonly taken in Tea, Tincture and Capsule form.
7. Jhavuka (Tamarix Gallica)
Because of its mild and sweet taste, it is used to move the bowels in children as well as in bleeding disorders like menorrhagia, bleeding per rectum and epistaxis.
8. Himsra (Capparis Spinosa)
The plant is credited with anti-tubercular property. The root bark is extensively used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The bark is bitter, diuretic and expectorant. It is given in spleen, renal and hepatic complaints. The bruised leaves are applied as a poultice in gout. An extract of the plant is one of the constituents of Liver Detox Formula Capsules administered to treat preliminary cases of acute viral hepatitis and cirrhosis of liver; and has shown encouraging results against viral infection in men. The plant extract is also useful in treating senile pruritis, itching and other ailments associated with old age and anxiety neurosis.
9. Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
History
According to Indian mythology, this plant originated from the drops of ambrosia (Amrita) which fell on the earth when Indra was drinking it. It is known in Ayurveda as an adaptogen and anti-ageing agent. This plant was known to early Arabian writers and through them to the Greek writer – Actuarius, who mentions five kinds.
Indications
The fruits are credited with laxative, stomachic, tonic and alterative properties. It is also a known adaptogen and anti-stress, hepato-protective drug.
So Liver Detox Formula Capsules is a product containing all these wonderful herbs, well described in Ayurveda as the best herbs for liver detoxification as well as complete body detoxification.
Pregnant women and breast feeding mothers should avoid this combination.
To buy Liver Detox Formula, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/liver-detox-formula