The Liver and Gall Bladder
The liver plays a key role in most of our metabolic processes, particularly detoxification. It is constantly under attack from interal and external toxins. Almost 2 quarts of blood pass through the liver every minute for cleansing, and filtration of toxins is essential. When the liver functions properly about 90% of bacteria and toxins are cleared from the blood before it recirculates into our bodies. The liver produces about 1 quart of bile for secretion every day- if not properly secreted, due to lack of fiber and other issues, toxins are reabsorbed into the body. The primary purpose of the gall bladder is to store and secrete bile that is produced by the liver. When bile secretion is inhibited, by cholesterol, toxins stay in the liver longer and can lead to gallstones. Some practical tips for preventing these issues: eat foods high in fiber, emlimated food high in saturated fat and animal protein, eliminate refined sugar, restrict calorie intake, coffee and alcohol.
Hormonal imbalane is a sign of liver imbalance. Stress is a big factor in this. The 2 most significant elements that impact the liver and gall bladder are our lifestyle and medications. Be mindful to eat foods high in fiber, high in antioxidants, fresh fruits, foods in the cabbage family, foods rich in Vitamin B and C, and high sulfur content foods like eggs, onions, beans and garlic. Common herbs that aid are milk thistle, turmeric, cumin, dill, caraway seeds, cinnamon, licorice, burdock, yellow dock and dandelion.
There is an emotional component to our liver and gall bladder- it is the seat of our anger and fear. It teaches us to process our emotions and learn to LET GO. We need to embrace life, our purpose, be generous to others, expand our minds, practice gratitude, take risks, focus on the good and live our truth!
Burdock ~ Arctium ~ "The Truth"
This plant is also very edible and known as gobo when buying in the market. This is bitter and robust, an anti-bacterial, anti-arthritic, demulsan, vulnery nutritive and tonic. Good for skin erruptions like eczema and psoriasis, diabetes, boils, cancer, chemical exposure, PMS, kidney issues, toxic build up, addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking, and much more. When using Burdock emotions that were pushed down come to the surface- this is why it is called the Truth. This plant is used for clearing up issues we have and can be very transformative. Slowly but surely, it gets to the root of the problem.
Dandelion ~ Taraxacum Officianale
Also known as Lion's Tooth and Wild Endvie, is a great plant for detoxification and eaten as a local, common dish in Greece. This is fantastic sauteed as a side green with olive oil, lemon, garlic. Also great to drink on a regular basis at the change of seasons as a detox tea. The root can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute as well. This plant is a diuretic, helps increasing production of and secretion of bile, a tonic, laxative, and very cleansing, nourishing and supportive. The leaves in tea are great for water retention and heart problems and the root good for hypoglaucoma, chronic jaundice, auto intoxification, liver congestion, inflammation of the bile duct, gaut, eczema, adult onset diabetes, animia, nutritional deficits, PMS, allergies and emotional repression. This should NOT be used with prostate or bile duct cancer, intenstinal obstructions or acute stomach inflammation. Dandelion assists us in speaking our truth from a place of compassion and ridding ourselves of what does not serve us anymore. Great for chronic "do-ers" who do not take time for themselves.
Yellow Dock ~ Rumex Crispus
The root of this plant is used and is great for Hepatitis B, skin cancer, eczema, chronic eruptive skin disorder, sluggish liver and digestive system, jaundice, anemia, pregnancy, hemmoroids, retention of urine, irregular menstration, ring worms and ulcers. This plant is thought to be grounding as the root is dug out very deep, and it is said to harmonize mind and body. Used for fertility and to attract money.
Milkthistle ~ Sillybum Marinarum
This is the best known liver protector. It increases T cell production, regenerates, is an antioxidant, hepatic, altrative, stimulant, antidepressant, antiviral and anti- cholesterol. This is great for congestion of the spleen, kidney, pelvic region, all liver conditions, alcoholism, mushroom poisoning, Tylenol posioning and chemical exposure. There are no contraindications as it is not toxic at all.
Hormonal imbalane is a sign of liver imbalance. Stress is a big factor in this. The 2 most significant elements that impact the liver and gall bladder are our lifestyle and medications. Be mindful to eat foods high in fiber, high in antioxidants, fresh fruits, foods in the cabbage family, foods rich in Vitamin B and C, and high sulfur content foods like eggs, onions, beans and garlic. Common herbs that aid are milk thistle, turmeric, cumin, dill, caraway seeds, cinnamon, licorice, burdock, yellow dock and dandelion.
There is an emotional component to our liver and gall bladder- it is the seat of our anger and fear. It teaches us to process our emotions and learn to LET GO. We need to embrace life, our purpose, be generous to others, expand our minds, practice gratitude, take risks, focus on the good and live our truth!
Burdock ~ Arctium ~ "The Truth"
This plant is also very edible and known as gobo when buying in the market. This is bitter and robust, an anti-bacterial, anti-arthritic, demulsan, vulnery nutritive and tonic. Good for skin erruptions like eczema and psoriasis, diabetes, boils, cancer, chemical exposure, PMS, kidney issues, toxic build up, addictions to drugs, alcohol and smoking, and much more. When using Burdock emotions that were pushed down come to the surface- this is why it is called the Truth. This plant is used for clearing up issues we have and can be very transformative. Slowly but surely, it gets to the root of the problem.
Dandelion ~ Taraxacum Officianale
Also known as Lion's Tooth and Wild Endvie, is a great plant for detoxification and eaten as a local, common dish in Greece. This is fantastic sauteed as a side green with olive oil, lemon, garlic. Also great to drink on a regular basis at the change of seasons as a detox tea. The root can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute as well. This plant is a diuretic, helps increasing production of and secretion of bile, a tonic, laxative, and very cleansing, nourishing and supportive. The leaves in tea are great for water retention and heart problems and the root good for hypoglaucoma, chronic jaundice, auto intoxification, liver congestion, inflammation of the bile duct, gaut, eczema, adult onset diabetes, animia, nutritional deficits, PMS, allergies and emotional repression. This should NOT be used with prostate or bile duct cancer, intenstinal obstructions or acute stomach inflammation. Dandelion assists us in speaking our truth from a place of compassion and ridding ourselves of what does not serve us anymore. Great for chronic "do-ers" who do not take time for themselves.
Yellow Dock ~ Rumex Crispus
The root of this plant is used and is great for Hepatitis B, skin cancer, eczema, chronic eruptive skin disorder, sluggish liver and digestive system, jaundice, anemia, pregnancy, hemmoroids, retention of urine, irregular menstration, ring worms and ulcers. This plant is thought to be grounding as the root is dug out very deep, and it is said to harmonize mind and body. Used for fertility and to attract money.
Milkthistle ~ Sillybum Marinarum
This is the best known liver protector. It increases T cell production, regenerates, is an antioxidant, hepatic, altrative, stimulant, antidepressant, antiviral and anti- cholesterol. This is great for congestion of the spleen, kidney, pelvic region, all liver conditions, alcoholism, mushroom poisoning, Tylenol posioning and chemical exposure. There are no contraindications as it is not toxic at all.