Your liver is one of the most vital yet often overlooked organs in your body. It’s responsible for over 500 essential functions that keep you healthy, yet most people don’t think about their liver until problems arise.
We hear a lot about heart health, gut health, and even brain health, but liver health is the foundation of overall well-being. A sluggish, overburdened liver can affect your digestion, hormones, skin, energy levels, metabolism, and even mental clarity.
What Does the Liver Actually Do?
The liver is your body’s main detox organ, but its role goes far beyond filtering toxins. Here are some of its key functions:
🔬 Detoxification – The liver neutralizes toxins, chemicals, and waste products from food, medications, alcohol, and the environment. These substances are then eliminated through bile or urine.
🔥 Metabolism & Energy Production – It helps convert nutrients from food into energy and stores glucose for when you need it.
🌿 Bile Production & Digestion – The liver produces bile, which is essential for breaking down fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
🩸 Blood Filtration – Every minute, your liver filters about 1.5 litres of blood, removing bacteria, toxins, and excess hormones.
💡 Hormone Regulation – It processes and eliminates excess oestrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, keeping your hormones balanced.
🛡️ Immune Function – The liver contains special immune cells (Kupffer cells) that help fight infections and remove harmful pathogens from the blood.
💧 Fluid & Electrolyte Balance – It helps regulate blood volume and maintain mineral balance in the body.
Signs of a Sluggish or Overburdened Liver
When your liver is struggling, it can’t perform these essential functions effectively. Some common signs of poor liver health include:
🔻 Chronic Fatigue & Brain Fog – When the liver is overworked, toxins accumulate in the body, leading to low energy and poor concentration.
🔻 Digestive Issues – Symptoms like bloating, nausea, constipation, acid reflux, or gallbladder problems can indicate poor liver function.
🔻 Hormonal Imbalances – If you struggle with PMS, heavy or irregular periods, mood swings, acne, or weight gain (especially around the abdomen), your liver might not be metabolizing hormones properly.
🔻 Skin Problems – A congested liver can lead to acne, rashes, eczema, and dull skin because toxins aren’t being eliminated efficiently.
🔻 Weight Gain & Sugar Cravings – The liver plays a major role in fat metabolism and blood sugar balance. If it’s sluggish, you may struggle with weight gain and cravings.
🔻 Sensitivity to Alcohol & Caffeine – If you notice that a small amount of alcohol or coffee affects you more than usual, it may be a sign your liver is not breaking them down efficiently.
🔻 Frequent Headaches & Migraines – Poor liver function can lead to toxins circulating in the bloodstream, triggering headaches and migraines.
🔻 Yellowish Skin or Eyes (Jaundice) – This is a clear sign that the liver is struggling to process bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown.
Liver Health & Women: The Hormonal Connection
For women, liver function is crucial for hormone balance. One of the liver’s main jobs is to process and eliminate excess oestrogen. When this function is compromised, it can lead to oestrogen dominance, which is linked to:
🔸 Heavy or painful periods
🔸 PMS symptoms (bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness)
🔸 Endometriosis or fibroids
🔸 Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
🔸 Increased anxiety or depression
At the same time, the liver also regulates cortisol (the stress hormone). If your liver is struggling, you may feel constantly stressed, anxious, or unable to handle stress well.
How to Support Your Liver Naturally
1. Eat Liver-Loving Foods
Your diet has a huge impact on your liver health. Focus on:
🥬 Bitter greens (dandelion, rocket, chicory) – Stimulate bile flow and digestion
🥦 Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) – Boost liver detox enzymes
🍋 Lemon & citrus fruits – Support natural detoxification
🫒 Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, flaxseeds) – Reduce liver inflammation
🫛 Sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onions, eggs) – Help detox heavy metals
🍵 Green tea – Contains antioxidants that protect liver cells
2. Reduce Liver Stressors
❌ Limit processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats
❌ Reduce alcohol and caffeine – Both put extra strain on the liver
❌ Switch to natural skincare & household products to minimize toxin exposure
3. Prioritise Hydration & Movement
💧 Drink enough water – Helps flush out toxins
🚶 Gentle movement (walking, yoga, stretching) – Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage
Herbs That Cleanse & Strengthen the Liver
Herbs have been used for centuries to support liver detoxification, balance hormones, and promote overall liver health. Some of the most powerful include:
🌿 Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – Regenerates liver cells and protects against toxins
🌿 Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) – Supports bile production and digestion
🌿 Burdock Root (Arctium lappa) – Detoxifies the liver and purifies the blood
🌿 Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) – Strengthens the liver and helps the body handle stress
🌿 Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Improves circulation and liver function
🌿 Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) – Stimulates digestion and bile flow
🌿 Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – Calms the liver and supports nighttime detoxification
🌿 Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – Powerful anti-inflammatory that enhances liver function
🌿 Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus) – Stimulates bile flow and supports fat digestion
🌿 Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) – A gentle liver tonic with anti-inflammatory benefits
Nourish Your Liver with My ‘Healthy Liver’ Herbal Tea
If you want to naturally support your liver, I’ve created a carefully formulated Healthy Liver Tea with some of the best liver-supporting herbs:
✔ Milk Thistle – Regenerates and protects liver cells
✔ Dandelion Root – Boosts digestion and detox
✔ Burdock Root – Cleanses the liver and purifies the blood
✔ Yarrow – Supports circulation and liver function
✔ Peppermint – Aids digestion and soothes the gut
✔ Chamomile – Calms inflammation and supports relaxation
Drinking this tea daily can help gently detoxify the liver, promote hormonal balance, and support digestion.
Need a Personalised Liver Support Plan?
If you’re struggling with hormonal imbalances, sluggish digestion, fatigue, or skin issues, I offer herbal consultations where we can create a custom plan to support your liver and overall health.
Email me at info.herbedies@gmail.com or visit my website to book a consultation!
Your liver works hard for you every single day—it’s time to give it the support it deserves. 🌿