Ayurvedic Detoxification For Liver Health

Liver

The liver is as important as well as the largest organ in our body. The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm that controls numerous body functions like detoxification, digestion of food, filtering blood, stores energy, etc.

In different forms, toxins get into our body that will adversely affect the normal functioning of the liver.

According to Ayurveda, the liver is known as 'Yakrit'. Yakrit is closely related to Agni and pitta dosha. Aggravation of pitta dosha causes liver disorders such as Liver shrinkage and enlarged liver. Ayurveda has natural remedies to cure liver diseases.

Ayurvedic Treatments To Detoxify The Liver

Vamana and Virechana are the popular Ayurvedic remedies to detoxify the liver.

1. Vamana

Vamana is one of the Panchakarma therapies in Ayurveda. Vamana therapy aims to detoxify the body through the upper channel. Kapha and Pitta doshas are accumulated in the amashaya (stomach) from all over the body. Digestion of food starts from amashaya and digestion wouldn't take properly if amashaya is filled with aggravation of Kapha dosha. Vamana normally induces in the morning between 6.00 am to 9.00 am.
There are mainly three steps in Vamana therapy, they are:

a. Purva Karma. b. Pradhana Karma, and c. Paschat Karma.

2. Virechana

Virechana therapy is a medical purgation therapy that is another fine remedy to remove toxins from the body by cleansing Pitta dosha. Virechana therapy aims to remove toxins accumulated in the liver and bladder. Purgative substances are administered in Virechana. Virechana therapy is done after three days of Vamana therapy. Virechana can cleanse the blood, small intestine, stomach, kidneys, liver, colon, etc.

Vamana and Virechana are the traditional Ayurvedic remedies to detoxify the liver and ensure a healthy liver.

Home Remedies To Detoxify The Liver

Effective home remedies that help to detoxify the liver are

• Papaya Seeds

  Both papaya and papaya seeds are really good for a healthy liver. Papaya seeds contain various micronutrients, antioxidants, flavonoids and can detoxify the liver very easily. Also, papaya seeds contain rich fiber that can improve the digestion system very well.

• Aloe vera gel

  Aloe vera plant has numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, various enzymes, etc which helps in removing toxins, increases metabolism, and regenerates tissues. .

• Lemon

  According to studies, the liver can produce more enzymes with the presence of lemon. Consuming a glass of lime juice in the early morning improves liver health.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants which help to prevent liver damages due to toxins. Adding turmeric to your daily diet has various health benefits and improves the immunity of your body.

• Amla

  Amla is rich in antioxidants and amino acids which help to improve liver function by eliminating toxins from the body. You can take amla in the form of juice or in the raw form itself.

• Garlic

  Adding garlic to your daily diet helps to reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver and naturally flush out toxins from the body. .

• Ginger

  Ginger was found very effective in treating liver diseases. Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which protect your liver from adverse effects of toxins and reduces inflammation.

• Neem

  Neem leaf is popularly known to improve liver health. Neem contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation and detoxify your body.

• Punarnava

  Punarnava is a fine remedy in protecting the liver from the adverse effects of toxins due to its antioxidant properties. .

• Green leafy vegetables

  Including green leafy vegetables in your daily diet helps to clear toxins from the liver due to its cleansing compound contents.

• Green tea

  Consuming 2 or 3 glasses of green tea helps to eliminate liver fat accumulation and improves liver function because green tea is rich in antioxidant properties.

• Beetroot

  Beetroot is a rich source of fiber and vitamins which are considered natural cleansers for the digestive system. Beetroot helps to cleanse the blood and increases the oxygen, also helps to boost enzyme activity.

Home remedies are always advisable to follow because of the availability and easiness to follow. Consumption of papaya seeds, amla, turmeric, ginger, garlic, aloe vera, neem, beetroot, green tea, punarnava, green leafy vegetables, lemon, etc is an effective way to detoxify the liver.

Conclusion

All the information regarding detoxification of the liver was collected from ancient Ayurvedic texts. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before self-practices of herbs.

References

• Ashtanga Hridayam
• Sushruta Samhitha
• Charaka Samhita