Essential Oils For Liver Detox

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD

The liver plays a vital role in the health and function of the digestive system. It is the largest solid organ in the body and produces bile, a fluid that aids in digestion. The liver also assists in the detoxification process and helps stimulate the chemicals that help digest food.

Unfortunately, we often overlook caring for the liver. For example, diets lacking fruits and vegetables or those high in sweets and starches could strain the liver. This article discusses how important the liver is to the digestive system and how essential oils could help keep it healthy.

What Essential Oils Are Good For Your Liver

Finding Quality Essential Oils

Our Essential Oil Blends For Liver Support

Final Thoughts

What Essential Oils Are Good For Your Liver

Essential oils are compounds derived from plants. They have been used for centuries to improve health in several ways. Essential oils can be inhaled (aromatherapy) or absorbed through the skin. The liver can hold onto various emotions, including grief, anger, hate, and negativity. Essential oils can ease stress and relaxation, which could potentially benefit the liver as well. Here are some of the top essential oils for the liver:

 1. Geranium

Geranium helps to detox the liver functioning by assisting in the dilation of the biliary ducts. Also known as bile ducts, these long tubes carry bile, which is key for the healthy digestion of food.

 2. Rosemary

Rosemary has been used for centuries to help the body produce bile. In addition, Rosemary may help decrease signs of oxidative stress in the liver and prevent liver glycogen depletion, which is the liver’s energy storage molecule.

3. Oregano

Oregano helps detoxify the liver by stimulating bile flow in the digestive organs. In addition, the liver is the only solid organ that can fully regenerate itself. Oregano might help in this process as well.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil helps to increase antioxidant liver enzymes. Peppermint might protect the liver from oxidative damage.

5. Ginger

Ginger may help decrease inflammation in the liver, reduce oxidative stress, and lower insulin resistance. Each of these aids the liver detoxification process by allowing it to function correctly.

6. Juniper

Juniper helps to purify the blood and remove free radicals and other harmful substances from cells. This purification could lessen the liver’s detox workload.

7. Fennel

Fennel helps the body absorb nutrients, prevent flatulence, and stimulate urine production. Fennel also contains vitamin C and fiber, which help protect the liver from harmful chemicals.

8. Carrot Seed

Carrot seed oil has been used to improve the health of the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys for centuries. Carotol and alpha-pinene are 2 of the main ingredients in carrot oil, extracted from dried carrots. Both assist in detoxifying the liver by stimulating bile flow, which helps remove waste.

9. Helichrysum

Helichrysum essential oil comes from the Helichrysum italicum plant. The high antioxidant levels in the helichrysum may be the reason for its ability to detoxify the liver.

10. Cypress

Cypress essential oil contains caffeic acid, cosmosiin, and p-coumaric acid. These compounds have hepatoprotective properties, which is the ability to prevent damage to the liver.

Finding Quality Essential Oils

There are several things to look for when purchasing essential oils:

• Cost. Good quality oils are more expensive: It can take many plants to make a small amount of oil. Avoid cheap essential oils, which are probably of lower quality.
• Labels. Essential oils should be unsprayed and organic. In addition, they should have the following info on their labels:
  • Botanical name
  • Country of origin
  • Expiration date
  • Chemotype (if applicable)
• Membership. Essential oil manufacturers should be a member of NAHA, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy.
• Testing. Most quality essential oils have undergone GC/MS testing.

H3: How To Use Them

There are two primary ways to use essential oils (diffused and topical).

• Diffused. Diffused essential oils are dispensed through the air. In addition to making a room smell good, they can cleanse the air and provide health benefits by inhaling them. Essential oil diffusers typically consist of simply adding water to the diffuser and adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
• Topical use. Many essential oils can be applied directly to the skin. When applied topically, dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil. Popular carrier oils include the following:
  • Olive oil
  • Almond oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Avocado oil

Once applied, essential oils are absorbed through the three layers of the skin and muscle tissue. From here, they enter the bloodstream and eventually reach the joints, intestines, heart, brain, liver, and other organs. The closer essential oils are applied to the area that needs attention, the better for best results.

Note: When applying essential oils to the skin for the first time, apply a small amount to ensure no allergic reaction.

Our Essential Oil Blends For Liver Support

Many essential oils are synergistic, meaning they work well with each other when mixed. In addition, one essential oil can help to balance out the weaker points of another. Many experts also believe essential oil blends can provide a more powerful solution when using only one oil.

Liver Detoxing Blend

You can combine the following to help detoxify the liver:

• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Lemon
• Peppermint
• Carrot Seed

Instructions:

• Diffusion: Add one drop of each essential oil to the diffuser. Leave on for 30-45 minutes.
• Topical blend: add 1-2 drops of each essential oil into one teaspoon of your preferred carrier oil. Apply directly on your liver via massage, rollerball, or compress.

Final Thoughts

The liver is the body’s largest solid organ. It produces bile, which plays a crucial role in digestion and the detoxification process in the body. Unfortunately, a poor diet and other environmental factors can harm the liver’s health. Therefore, make a conscious effort to take better care of your liver by eating a healthy diet and trying some of the essential oils described in this article.

 

 

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended to share knowledge and information. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD, for accuracy of the information provided, but we encourage you to make your own healthcare decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.