The Liver & Gallbladder

Introduction:

The liver is the largest organ in the body and one of the most important for overall health. It is situated under the lower right ribcage. The liver is capable of complete self-renewal at a faster rate than the rest of the body. Given this ability to restore itself via good foods, rest and herbs, its meaning, 'live' or 'life' is very apt. The liver makes and releases into the body an amazing amount of useful substances and sustains us in a myriad of vital ways. It also stores vitamins, minerals, and sugars. A lack of these are due to a congested, poorly working and under-par liver, and can contribute to a huge number of conditions, including low blood sugar levels, diabetes and menstrual and other hormonal problems. The raw material for these chemical processes comes from our food. This is the key to keeping it healthy; it absorbs food via the intestine and then releases it into the body at the necessary rate.

The gallbladder is a small organ attached to the underside of the liver. It is here that bile is stored until it is required. The job of the gallbladder is to eject bile into the duodenum when food passes from the stomach into the intestine. Its main function is to collect the bile which has been secreted by the liver (bile contains cholesterol, bile salts, lecithin and other substances). In turn the body uses this bile to help digest fats. Bile is a natural laxative because it acts as the liver's own personal eliminatory channel.

The liver creates immune substances, such as gamma globulin, and purifies and filters the blood by neutralising poisons.

During its many chemical reactions, it produces a great deal of heat that can warm the whole body. If the liver is pushed and overwhelmed with the work it needs to carry out, perhaps because of excessive hormonal demands, high levels of drugs, sugar, coffee, alcohol etc and other toxins, it can become 'overheated'. This, in turn, will deleteriously affect other organs and systems. The liver also instigates some hormonal processes and inactivates others; it plays a major role in the premenstrual phase, menstruation, menopause and other endocrine times for women. Men too have their own needs for liver and hormone activities.

Emotionally, one can feel very depressed or even angry; sad, weepy and, at worst, jealous, if the liver is overextended by one's daily input.

This cleansing, manufacturing and storage centre, through its influence on nutrient and energy supply as well as detoxification, has a direct link with the mind and its function. Fortunately, the liver is also very capable of making us feel happy, joyful, balanced, sprightly and energised when it is functioning well. Such drastic differences are often plainly seen before and after a liver cleanse.

By keeping the gallbladder working properly, the liver can work less stressfully, thus relieving the bowel, the heart and the kidneys. Raw juices are great liver and gallbladder cleansers. Blend together 60% carrot juice, 30% beetroot juice and 10% cucumber or apple juice and drink 8 to 16 fluid ounces a couple of times a week. Dr. Christopher warns that those on large amounts of carrot juice can look as if they are suffering from carotene poisoning! However, he says reassuringly that this is just the liver clearing, when bile flows out in quantity and that normal colour will soon be resumed, indicating that bile is then flowing properly into the intestinal tract. In my experience, before returning to normal, many patients have had a hard job calming down anxious friends and relatives about their skin colour, so before embarking on liver cleansing, it may be wise to give them due warning. Beet juice is also beneficial in the treatment of jaundice and hepatitis.
Fresh dandelion and chicory leaves and other spring greens are wonderful in salads. Search out dark green vegetables, seeds, nuts (especially almonds), juicy fruits, raw and steamed vegetables and fruit. Drink fresh or dried mint tea or make a herbal tea containing equal amounts of; lavender herb, rosemary herb, spearmint leaf, lime tree flowers, and hops.

Grapes activate the liver to stimulate glycogenic and bile secretions. Ripe mango is invigorating and stimulates appetite. Rosemary is beneficial in cooking or salads, due to its bitter flavour. Radishes and their green leaves can be beneficially taken daily for jaundice. Drink a glass of tomato juice mixed with cayenne pepper if you suffer from a sluggish liver. Turmeric - fresh root or dried ground root added to food - is a prime Indian liver and gallbladder cleanser. Globe artichokes contain cynarine, which promotes the flow of bile and stimulates liver cell regeneration. Keep any vegetable cooking water to drink at the time or keep it in the fridge and use the next day. However, generally it is better to steam wherever possible. All fruit, green and red peppers, carrots, sprouted grains and seeds, Spirulina, algae, Chlorella and whole seeds act as antioxidants and thereby protect the liver.

Natural Healing:

Back to top

Herbs:

Our herbal formulae are strong flavoured and effective. Our herbs enjoy a long history of use.

A large proportion of our herbs are grown in English soils, harvested using bio-chemistry analysis and many but not always, processed fresh, which heightens their remedial properties. The majority are grown organically and or sustainably wild-crafted. All manufacturing is carried out using licensed good manufacturing practice.

Please consider our A-Z of herbal products or ring our product advice line on 0845 345 3727 for support and help with your questions.