Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum)*

Contains silymarin flavonoid complex which is an antihepatotoxin used to prevent and treat liver damage from chemical, agricultural, viral or mushroom poisoning. It is indicated for cirrhosis of the liver, psoriasis and hepatitis A, B, C and D. Milk Thistle also acts as a cholagogue and a galactogogue (stimulates bile flow and breast milk flow).

Dandelion fresh root (Taraxacum officinalis)*

An excellent bitter tonic that stimulates hydrochloric acid, bile, liver, pancreatic and small intestine enzymes. It is indicated for chronic constipation due to poor digestion—clay colored stools, poor fat metabolism and sluggish liver function. A rich source of inulin and fructoligerosaccharides (FOS), Dandelion root stimulates the growth of healthy bowel flora.

Blessed Thistle fresh herb (Cnicus benedictus)*

An intense bitter that acts as a digestive stimulant, cholagogue and febrifuge. It increases stomach, small intestine and liver activity, and in this capacity is especially useful for the convalescent elderly. Blessed Thistle is effective in treating liver stagnation, poor fat metabolism and rebellious qi (hiatus hernia, regurgitation of bile, hiccoughs).

Watercress fresh herb (Nasturtium officinale)*

An aquatic plant, is a nutritional powerhouse. A rich source of carotenoids, minerals, vitamin C and antibacterial mustard oils, Watercress is a cholagogue stimulating liver and gall bladder function and activity. It is used for stagnant liver qi, biliousness and poor fat metabolism. Watercress also strengthens the lungs, acts as an antiseptic expectorant and antiasthmatic agent.

Turmeric fresh rhizome (Curcuma longa)*

Useful as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic in treatment of arthritis, colitis, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. It is also an antihepatotoxin, cholagogue, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Turmeric lowers blood pressure and acts as an emmenagogue for use in amenorrhea.

Oregon Grape root (Mahonia nervosa)*

A good digestive bitter, liver tonic and cholagogue used to increase digestion and absorption especially of fats and oils. It is indicated for dyspepsia, dysbiosis, jaundice, elevated bilirubin levels and poor bile formation. Oregon Grape is also anti-bacterial/fungal/viral so it is indicated for urinary tract infections, strep and staph infections, intestinal viruses and skin conditions such as psoriasis and acne.

Bibliography:

Bartram, T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, Dorset, 1995

Ellingwood, F.  New American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919

Handa, Sharma and Chakraberti  Natural Products and Plants as Liver Protecting Drugs, Fitoterapia vol. LVII #5, 1986

Moore, M.  Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West, Santa Fe, NM, 1993

Vogel, A.  The Liver, Switzerland, 1962

Weiss, R.  Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield, 1988