The Artichoke has been used as an aid to digestion. It is a "cholagogue," and due to its cynarin content, it stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the intestines, assisting the body in blood fat metabolism and reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Traditionally, it has been helpful in treating jaundice, dyspepsia and arteriosclerosis. This highly nutritious plant is considered a diuretic and appears to be effective in improving kidney and gallbladder function, and it is frequently used to relieve excess water weight. (Click here for more information on Artichoke)
Chicory Root is considered a fine liver, gallbladder and spleen tonic. The herb
is called a "cholagogue" or substance that promotes the production of bile and stimulates its flow from the gallbladder and bile ducts, and as such, is said to help purify blood and cleanse the liver and gallbladder, which helps to release and dissolve gallstones, expel excess internal mucus and treat liver complaints, such as jaundice and enlarged liver. (Click here for more information on Chicory Root)
Milk Thistle is an antioxidant that can be considered more potent than
vitamins C and E. Milk Thistle is a unique herb containing many beneficial constituents, one of which is flavolignans (silymarin). Silymarin nourishes the liver like no other nutrient. Because the liver acts as the body's filter, constantly cleansing impurities and toxins from the blood, these toxins are trapped and accumulate in the liver. Milk Thistle's strong antioxidant properties help to rejuvenate the liver and keep it strong and healthy. Milk Thistle also regulates the digestion of fats and is beneficial in preventing arteriosclerosis and strokes, in addition to reducing the chances of gallstone formation by lowering total cholesterol and helping the liver convert low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad cholesterol") into high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good cholesterol"). (Click here for more information on Milk Thistle)
Oregon Grape Root is probably unequalled as a corrector of liver secretions. The root purifies the blood and cleanses the liver by stimulating bile flow and releasing toxins. Some American herbalists believe that while strengthening the liver, it will also alleviate liver-related symptoms, such as jaundice, headache, toxic blood, poor digestion and gallbladder complaints. Oregon Grape helps the liver to metabolize wastes and toxins and has been said to be useful in the treatment of chronic hepatitis-B. Modern herbalists use the root to cleanse the spleen, and it is also thought to lessen the size of the spleen. (Click here for more information on Oregon Grape Root)
Dandelion Root is considered a fine liver tonic that also helps the gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen (enlargement). It affects all forms of secretion and excretion from the body and is a gentle cleansing agent with almost a specific affinity for the liver and modifies and increases the secretions, removing excess water from the body in edemous conditions that result from liver problems. Dandelion is known for keeping the internal organs clean and clear. Herbalists treat kidney ailments with Dandelion, and it is also thought to improve gallbladder function, possibly even preventing gallstones (in Germany, the over-the-counter "Hepatichol" - which also includes Dandelion - is said to be proven effective against gallstones). (Click here for more information on Dandelion Root)
Fennel Seed has been primarily used to stimulate good digestion. It relaxes the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract and has helped alleviate acid-stomach, flatulence, food poisoning, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting. Fennel is an aromatic stimulant that is good for the gastrointestinal tract and relieves abdominal pain, colon disorders, gastrointestinal tract spasms and also helps to expel gas and ease infant colic. (Click here for more information on Fennel Seed)
Ginger Root is a warming herb that is thought to strengthen the function of the kidneys, bladder, uterus and liver (increasing bile production). It is also said to help increase blood circulation, including peripheral circulation (hands, feet, etc.). Ginger is said to increase the absorption and efficacy of other herbs and drugs that are taken with it. Ginger is also said to improve digestion and has been known to pep up the appetite, promote saliva production, combat dyspepsia and relieve flatulent colic (it is said to prevent flatulence if included with the meal). It is also thought to be helpful for stomach cramps, alcoholic gastritis and hangover. The shogaol content in Ginger increases the activity of the digestive tract and is particularly helpful in digesting rich, fatty foods. (Click here for more information on Ginger Root)
Parsley Leaf is a natural diuretic. The early English herbalist, Culpeper, also commented that Parsley "removed obstructions from the liver and spleen," and it is said today that Parsley helps to expel gallstones and kidney stones. Parsley is said to improve urination when it is painful or incomplete and accelerates the excretion of toxins. It is also said to help prevent the body's re-absorption of salt and to rid the body of excess mercury. (Click here for more information on Parsley Leaf)
Peppermint Leaf has been shown to lessen the amount of time food spends in the stomach by stimulating the gastric lining, and because Peppermint increases stomach acidity and stimulates the flow of bile, it helps to digest food before passing into the intestines and colon. This could make it especially useful in treating Crohn's disease. Peppermint slightly anesthetizes the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, easing the discomforts of indigestion, including heartburn, hiccups, flatulence and stomachache. Peppermint calms a queasy stomach and is good for nausea and vomiting. Peppermint is actually used in Europe as a specific medicine to cleanse the gallbladder, and it is also said to be especially calming for the lower bowel and has been helpful in relieving diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. (Click here for more information on Peppermint Leaf)
Safflower is said to improve liver function and increase the production and release of bile, thereby helping to treat jaundice. The herb has been found to have a calming effect on hysteria and panic attacks. Safflower is believed to aid good digestion. It is a bitter herb, sometimes called a soothing, digestive-tract healant that is good for heartburn, gas, diverticulitis and ulcers. (Click here for more information on Safflower)
Wild Yam is considered a liver cleaner that has been used for stagnation of the liver and gallbladder and has sometimes been called one of the best natural relievers of jaundice, bilious colic and nausea. Its hepatic qualities are thought to support and stimulate the liver, gallbladder and spleen, and increase the flow of bile (which is not only good for the liver, but also further supports good digestion). (Click here for more information on Wild Yam)
Catnip is an old and reliable support for the digestive system. The herb is said to promote gastric juices that stimulate the digestive process and the movement of food and infection out of the digestive tract. It is also said to pep up the appetite, ease dyspepsia, expel gas, calm an upset stomach, ease nervous indigestion and colic, and alleviate an acid stomach. (Click here for more information on Catnip)
Chamomile is a hardy evergreen perennial that grows in herb gardens worldwide for its aromatic and medicinal qualities. This wonderfully soothing tonic is excellent for promoting good digestion and helping the gastrointestinal canal. It is helpful in treating irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, dyspepsia, diverticulosis and flatulence. As an antispasmodic, it helps to relieve stomach cramps. (Click here for more information on Chamomile)
Cayenne is an overall tonic that is said to build up resistance to illness, sore throats, sinus infections and colds. Cayenne is called a carrier or catalyst herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. Cayenne is an overall digestive aid that stimulates the production of gastric juices, clears excess mucus from the stomach, helps to alleviate stomach ulcers from within, improves the appetite and relieves nausea from seasickness. (Click here for more information on Cayenne)
