Michael Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., A.H.G.

The liver is one of the most important detoxifying organs of the body. With hepatitis C on the rise and patients who have been exposed to a wide variety of environmental toxins, or have had to undergo chemotherapy, doing a liver flush once or twice a year is highly beneficial. Accompanying the liver flush, do a course of Planetary Formula’s Bupleurum Liver Cleanse and Turmeric Extract of each two tablets three times daily is a way of helping to maintain normal liver function. Do not do this program longer or more frequently unless under the direct supervision of a qualified herbalist or medical doctor.

To do a liver flush take 8 ounces of distilled water with 8 ounces of apple juice in which is blended 1-4 cloves of garlic and a hunk of fresh ginger and 1-4 tablespoons of olive oil. Take this each morning on an empty stomach for four days in a row. Follow with a cup of tea made with fennel seed and dandelion root.

It is a good idea to accompany a liver cleansing program with plenty of green vegetables or a warm apple juice fast to which is dissolved a teaspoon of agar agar flakes per glass of warm apple juice. Cayenne pepper should be taken in capsule form or stirred into a little water, at least three times daily. Begin with two 00 sized cayenne capsules or a half teaspoon of cayenne powder.

The best times to do a liver flush are in the spring or summer. It is invaluable for dredging and removing stored toxins and fat accumulated from a sluggish liver stored throughout the body. For many, it has been found to be effective for safely expelling gallstones but you might want to check with your herbalist, doctor or another qualified health practitioner before undergoing such a program.