Natural remedies to boost liver health

Last updated Dec. 6, 2024, by Cathy Garrard
Fact-checked by Patrícia Silva, PhD

The liver is a vital organ that supports hundreds of bodily functions and, as such, it’s important to take steps to boost liver health. Also the body’s largest internal organ, the liver takes care of many tasks, such as:

removing toxins from the blood, a process called detoxification
metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fat
helping with the digestion of food
assisting with blood clotting
storing glycogen, or sugar, and vitamins for the body to use.

Natural remedies for liver health may include liver health supplements. Taking certain supplements, along with making lifestyle changes, may improve disease prognosis and help the liver recover in people who have hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and other chronic liver conditions.

Fatty liver disease is now called steatotic liver disease, or SLD, following an update in 2023. Steatosis refers to the specific type of fat accumulation that happens in fatty liver disease.

How can natural remedies boost liver health?

Natural remedies can support and improve liver health in different ways.

Some herbal therapies contain antioxidants, which can offer natural liver protection by helping neutralize harmful free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage liver cells.

Others have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce chronic inflammation, which can damage the liver and other organs.

Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating a healthy diet, can also improve liver function.

According to the book LiverTox, by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, as many as 40% of people being treated at a liver clinic also use supplements.

You should always talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements, including vitamins, for liver health. Supplements for liver health have not been proven to treat liver disease and are never meant to replace any liver treatments you may have been prescribed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration generally does not approve dietary supplements based on safety or effectiveness, or check product labels, before they are marketed. While studies show that some herbs can be beneficial for the liver, more clinical trials are needed to clarify such indications, and the dosages of specific plant products.

Milk thistle

Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region that’s used to treat liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, or irreversible liver scarring and damage.

This herb has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. It also may help lower liver enzyme levels and protect the liver from damage — what’s known as a hepatoprotective effect. Milk thistle is available in capsules, liquid extracts, and tinctures, which are concentrated liquid extracts of an herb.

A 2023 review study on the use of milk thistle for liver health reported a potential beneficial effect on liver enzyme levels, as seen in a majority of the studies analyzed. The doses tested ranged from 140 mg to 420 mg and were given for different lengths of time to people with diverse conditions affecting the liver. The study authors suggested that milk thistle shows promise as a supplement, but noted that refining dosing and conducting robust studies on specific liver diseases were essential to fully determine its potential hepatoprotective effect.

Turmeric

Turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They are used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Turmeric for liver health can be taken as a supplement, used as a spice, or sipped in a cup of tea.

However, some concerns have now been raised about turmeric benefits for liver disease. While long considered a safe herbal remedy, turmeric products have recently been involved in several cases of acute liver injury. Talk to your doctor before taking any turmeric or curcumin supplements.

Dandelion root

Dandelion root, also known as Taraxacum officinale root extract, has been used in many cultures to prevent or treat various liver diseases.

Historically, both roots and leaves were used medicinally, but today only the roots are generally used for treating liver problems. Dandelion root can be found in tinctures, liquid extracts, teas, or pill forms.

No scientific research of significant quality has been done on dandelion root for liver health. One animal study in 2020 reported that the dandelion has an antifibrotic effect, meaning it potentially could help prevent liver scarring. This may be due to its ability to help protect cells and attenuate inflammation, according to the study’s authors.

Another animal study, published in 2021, suggested that dandelion root extract could reduce liver tissue injury, supporting its potential hepatoprotective effect.

Artichoke extract

The Cynara scolymus plant — otherwise known as the artichoke — contains a high concentration of antioxidants and has an antimicrobial effect that can kill or slow the spread of bacteria and viruses. It can be consumed as food or taken in capsule form.

A 2024 review study looking at artichoke extract for liver function, as well as the use of different parts of the plant, suggested that the artichoke has a hepatoprotective effect mostly due to its antioxidant properties. Artichoke can contribute to the reduction of specific liver enzymes, which are recognized biomarkers of liver damage.

Green tea

Green tea, unlike black tea, is not fermented when it’s processed, which helps preserve its natural antioxidant properties. Green tea for liver health — as well as for many other health conditions — has long been considered an effective herbal medicine.

Studies show that regularly drinking green tea can reduce the odds of having abnormal liver biomarkers, suggesting a possible protective effect of green tea on liver function. In addition to consuming it as a tea, extracts are available in tincture and pill form.

Cases of acute liver injury and failure have been reported in some people taking green tea extract, however. The safety and tolerability of long-term use of green tea extracts are not yet well defined. As with all other supplements, make sure to talk to your doctor before starting a regimen using it.

Lifestyle changes

According to the American Liver Foundation, there are many behavioral changes that can play a role in liver disease prevention. Here are some recommendations from that nonprofit:

Try to keep your weight in a healthy zone. Being obese, or even overweight, can put you at higher risk for developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Eat a healthy diet. Diet is one of the main factors that influences how much fat is stored in the body, and the liver. When excess fat builds up in the liver, it can lead to inflammation that impacts how the organ functions. A healthy diet for liver health helps provide the needed nutrients.

Liver-friendly foods include:

fiber-filled whole grains
fruits and vegetables
lean animal protein
plant-based protein
low-fat dairy products
foods that contain so-called good unsaturated fats, like olive oil, fatty fish, and avocado.

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise for liver health can boost energy levels and help with fatigue, which is a common symptom of liver disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes, or 2.5 hours, of moderate-intensity physical activity every week, along with muscle strengthening.

Reduce alcohol consumption. Excessive amounts of alcohol can damage or destroy liver cells and scar your liver. It can also lead to liver disease, including cirrhosis and cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider about what amount of alcohol is right for you. If you already have a liver disease diagnosis, you may be advised to cut back or quit drinking alcohol completely.

Drink enough water. Proper hydration is important to promote healthy liver function. Water can also contribute to liver detox by helping the organ flush out toxins.

Stop smoking. Whether it’s cigarettes or vaping, quitting means you’re no longer exposing your body to nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can harm the liver. It also may be possible for your liver to heal from some of the damage that may already have occurred.

See your doctor. Regular appointments with your healthcare provider can help catch liver problems early, before they become more serious and harder to treat.

Pompe Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.