Definition
The hepatic plant acts on the liver. It can be hepatoprotective, regenerative, tonic or detoxifying.
Our modern diet, pollutants and overindulgence in food and alcohol have increased our need for liver-saving plants. In addition, hepatic herbs can help with hangovers, hepatitis A, hemorrhoids, and sometimes even the effects of chemotherapy.
Origin of the word hepatic
Borrowed from Late Latin hepaticus, ‘relating to the liver’.
Antidote
Note: It’s correct to include choleretic plants as hepatic plants. In fact, a choleretic plant stimulates the liver to produce more bile. I’ve preferred to group choleretic and cholagogue (which extracts bile from the gall bladder) properties together in a dedicated article on bile-draining plants.
Active ingredient(s)* in the hepatic plant.
There are many plants that use different types of active elements. I’d like to introduce a few plants whose compounds have been shown to be effective for the liver. However, when it comes to liver problems, it is often more effective to consume the whole plant in powder form than to use a preparation whose solvent (water, alcohol) is unable to extract all the compounds. In the case of hepatic plants, the totum is often more active than the sum of its component properties.
| Plant (Latin name) | Activity(ies) | Compound(s) | Compound type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) | Depurative Regeneration Tonic | Silymarin | Polyphenols (Flavoliganes) |
| Quercetol, eridyctiol, chrysoperiol, taxifolin, apigenin, naringin | Flavonoids | ||
| Artichoke(Cynara scolymus) | Depurative Cholagogue Protection | Cynarine | Polyphenol |
| 1.5 dicaféyl-quinic acid | Acid-phenol | ||
| Cynaropicrine | Sesquiterpene lactones | ||
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Protection Regeneration | Caffeic acid | Acid-phenol |
| Lianol | Essential oil | ||
| Rosemary(Rosmarinus officinalis) | Antioxidant Cholagogue Protective | Rosmanol, carnosol | Essential oil |
| Rosmarinic acid | Phenol acids | ||
| Diterpene |
Milk thistle silymarin is a star among hepatoprotective plants. In fact, it is believed to have the following functions:
Hepatic plants
Hepatoprotective
Yarrow #ref:28# , Agrimony #ref:23# #ref:9#, Artichoke #ref:28# #ref:25# #ref:21#, Burdock #ref:23# #ref:6#, Milk Thistle #ref:28# #ref:25# #ref:21# #ref:6# #ref:14# , Wild chicory #ref:14# #ref:18#, Turmeric #ref:25# #ref:14# #ref:24# , Dandelion #ref:23# #ref:21# #ref:7#, Licorice #ref:20# #ref:23#, Licorice #ref:6#, Rosemary #ref:25# #ref:21# , Schisandra #ref:23# #ref:14#
Read the associated plant data sheet to find out about preferred systems, restrictions and possible interactions.
Hepatic plants: the right uses
Issue: Hangover
Let’s take a look at the properties of plants that can soothe the morning after:
– Hepatic / Hepatoprotective, choleric / cholagogues: support and stimulate liver function;
– Anti-emetics / antivomiting : reduce nausea and vomiting;
– Digestive, aperitive: support the digestive system
– Antidotes: reduce the effect of poison (in this case, alcohol) before it is digested; – Emetics / purgatives: induce vomiting. This is the drastic route to take shortly after ingesting alcohol, before the liver has filtered it out. It’s unpleasant, but it can prevent the worst effects of alcohol intoxication.
Issue: Hepatitis A
In the event of hepatitis A, protect your liver with hepatoprotective plants.
– Anti-inflammatory: fights inflammatory lesions of the liver;
– Antiviral: since it is a viral disease;
– Immunostimulants: support the body in its battle;
– Depurative: cleanse the blood and lymph after the viral battle.
Note: although hepatitis A is generally not fatal, it is a serious infectious disease that requires prompt medical attention.
Issue: Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids can have a number of causes: heredity, venous weakness, too much pressure (sedentary lifestyle, constipation, heavy lifting…). It’s worth looking for the cause to reduce the chances of recurrence. A number of plant properties can act on hemorrhoids or their causes:
– Astringent: tightens tissues and strengthens venous membranes (applied externally for a few minutes);
– Emollient, antipruritic: reduce discomfort and pain (also externally, e.g. using an ointment or bolus);
– Laxatives: resolve constipation (which may be the cause);
– Hepatic: prevent future constipation.
Caution: consult your doctor to ensure that your hemorrhoids do not degenerate into thrombosis.
Issue: (prevention) Cirrhosis of the liver
Hepatoprotective plants are very useful when liver tissue degeneration occurs. Here are some other allied properties:
– Antioxidant: prevents the formation of free radicals that damage tissues through oxidation;
– Analgesic, soothing, antispasmodic: reduces discomfort;
– Liver depurative: cleanses the liver, which acts as a blood filter;
– Liver alterative and tonic: support healing.
Note: cirrhosis of the liver is a serious problem that cannot be treated by self-medication alone; discuss your plan of action with your doctor. Liver depurative, hepatic and antioxidant herbs are also useful for prevention.
Issue: Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy
Cancer must be treated by medical oncologists (self-medication is contraindicated; any “natural” solution that goes beyond a healthy diet must be discussed with your doctor). I offer here a few properties related to the side effects of chemotherapy but they are not medical advice.
– Antiemetics: reduce nausea and vomiting;
–Hepatoprotective: chemotherapy involves the use of highly active compounds in the blood that are filtered by the liver;
– Anti-cancer: reduce the spread of cancer cells. In vivo efficacy on humans is not always proven; studies are needed.
Note: plants may interact with medication or influence the reading of results. It is imperative not to self-medicate when undergoing chemotherapy.
I recommend the book Holistic Cancer Care #ref:255# by Chanchal Cabrera if you’re looking for more well-researched advice on the possibilities of using herbs in support.
Processing and consumption of liverwort plants
Many active hepatoprotective compounds are not water-soluble. Rosemary (fresh), agrimony, yarrow, burdock, chicory, dandelion and schisandra are good sources of hepatic teas. Depending on your needs, consider adding milk thistle seeds and powdered artichoke leaves to the herbal tea for a more resolving effect.
| Plant (Latin name) | Known active compound(s) | Hepatic use(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) | Silymarin Flavonoids | Use extracts such as @Legalon. Eat the dried, powdered seeds. Make an infusion. Use a liquid concentrate of alcohol or vinegar. |
| Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) | Polyphenol, acid-phenol, sesquiterpene lactones | Consume the dried leaf reduced to a powder(this could be put into a capsule, as its taste is very bitter). |
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Essential oil | Make yourself a hot herbal tea, taking care to collect the essential oils. Consume the liquid alcohol concentrate (which uses over 70% alcohol). 👉 Warning: the concentrated essential oil is slightly neurotoxic. |
| Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) | Essential oil, diterpene | Make yourself a hot herbal tea, taking care to recover the essential oils. Consume the liquid alcohol concentrate (which uses over 70% alcohol). 👉 Warning: concentrated essential oil is neurotoxic. |
| Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) | Tannin, terpene, flavonoids | Make an infusion or consume the liquid alcohol concentrate. |
| Burdock (Arctium lappa) | Essential oil phenolic acids, triterpenes | Simmer for 1 hour. Consume the liquid alcohol concentrate. |
| Wild chicory (Cichorium intybus) | Inulin, sesquiterpene lactones | Simmer for 5 minutes, then infuse for 15 minutes. |
| Turmeric (Curcuma longa) | Curcumin, essential oil, bitter principles | Use rhizome powder with pepper. You can choose the form in a glass of hot water, in soup, in capsules, etc. |
| Schisandra(Schisandra chinensis) | Lignans, triterpenes, essential oils | Make a decoction, then eat the rehydrated fruit . |
| Dandelion(Taraxatum officinal) | Inulin, sesquiterpene lactones | Eat young leaves as a salad. Make a decoction of roots and leaves. |
| Licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra) | Glycyrrhizin | Macerate for 6 hours in cold water. |
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.