Your liver is your body’s main detoxifying organ, and toxic buildup in the liver can prevent it from performing optimally, cautions naturopathic practitioner Edward Group, DC, founder of Global Healing. “To keep your liver in tip-top shape, consider doing a liver cleanse. The benefits of cleansing extend beyond the liver,” Dr. Group advises. “If you’re feeling sluggish, backed-up, or low energy, a liver cleanse may help you hit ‘reset’ on your health. When you do a liver cleanse, not only can you eliminate unwanted debris, but you may experience improved immunity, a more balanced metabolism, enhanced energy levels, and more.”
Dr. Group outlines a cleansing protocol on his website, plus outlines his top 9 herbs for liver cleansing:
Borotutu Bark contains powerful antioxidants known to help protect liver cells from damage.
Milk Thistle Seed helps with the detoxification of alcohol, regeneration of damaged liver tissue, stimulation of bile production, and digestion.
Chanca Piedra stimulates the liver to purge itself of harmful toxins and foreign particles.
Greater Celandine stimulates enzyme production from the pancreas, helps the liver eliminate foreign particles, stimulates the production of bile, helps relieve gallbladder spasms and improves a sluggish liver.
Chicory Root is traditionally celebrated for its ability to help cleanse the liver.
Dandelion Root stimulates bile flow from the liver.
Organic Turmeric helps stimulate enzymes responsible for flushing toxins from the body.
Peppermint stimulates bile flow and relaxes bile ducts, helping to break down fats.
Organic Yellow Dock Root stimulates bile production, enhances normal liver detoxification, improves the flow of digestive juices, helps the liver eliminate toxins, and has mild diuretic effects to help flush out harmful substances.
Also well-known in this space: French oak wood extract (sold as commercially as Robuvit from Horphag Research). According to Fred Pescatore, M.D., research has shown that this antioxidant works to boost the liver’s natural detox function. Dr. Pescatore explains that it has “potent liver-protective effects that help the liver recover after alcohol consumption.” It also, he explains, helps normalize liver enzymes and reduce oxidative stress. A recent study shows that supplementing with the extract improves symptoms of temporary hepatic damage, including fatigue, nausea, and mild liver enlargement.
Emerging research published in Lipids points to plant-based omega-3 oils—notably those rich in stearidonic acid (SDA)—as another liver-supporting option. In the research, SDA-rich oils were shown to exert health benefits related to gut-liver-brain protection, inflammation modulation, gut barrier function, and immune support.
Choline is important as well. As Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., reports, choline is vital to controlling fat and cholesterol buildup in the body—regulating the kidneys, liver, and gallbladder, and banishing fatigue. “As an added bonus,” Dr. Gittleman says, “choline helps form phosphatidylcholine, which is needed for proper mental functioning. Providing your body with adequate choline while you are young can help diminish memory deficits as you age. Choline can nourish your brain and your liver while it helps you lose weight. That’s quite a deal.”
Another all-star is glutathione, considered a “master antioxidant” and a key player in detoxification. Glutathione speeds the plasma membrane transport of toxins by at least four different mechanisms. It is crucial for liver detoxification, protection from damage, and overall function. A small 2023 study suggests it could help with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this Naturally Informed keynote session, Nayan Patel, Pharm.D, shares how powerful and essential glutathione is to the body’s detox system, with a deep dive into various benefits including slowing the aging process, plus how to increase levels naturally. Dr. Group also reports that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) boosts the production of glutathione.
For more natural options to support detoxification and cleansing, including chlorella, black seed oil, and more, don’t miss 40+ Superfoods, Sips & Supps for Liver Health. WF
