The heart has become the focus when it comes to our overall health. And while the heart is vitally important, there is one organ that is often forgotten and ignored: the liver. It is believed that the word liver is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “to live”. And rightfully so because there is no life without the liver. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is believed to house the soul and is the origin of many of our most turbulent emotions like anger, frustration, and bitterness. Once I learned about the liver and its functions, from both a physical and spiritual perspective, I developed a deep appreciation for the liver and have made a commitment to always take good care of my liver. It became a priority.

Functions of the liver

The liver is a very large organ with more than a thousand functions! And while I won’t go through them all, I want to focus on one particularly important function of the liver. The liver is the master detoxifier. Everything that we eat and drink (including medications) is first metabolized and processed by the liver before being distributed throughout the body. The liver is responsible for removing toxic substances and metabolic wastes from our bloodstream. The health of the entire body is dependent on the health of the liver.

Toxic Overload

If the liver becomes overburdened with toxins and wastes from the food that we eat, the beverages we drink and the medications we consume, the liver will be unable to remove toxins from our system. These toxins and waste will re-circulate in our bodies and wreak havoc on our other systems, particularly the woman’s reproductive system.  Dr. Catherine Kousimine has found that when the liver isn’t able to detoxify the system the body will develop cysts and fibroids to serve as a “second” liver to store toxins.

Signs and symptoms of the liver not functioning properly are feeling over fatigued, lethargic, and lacking motivation and mental clarity. Other symptoms include feeling overly anxious, frustrated, or angry. Hyperpigmentation in the skin, feeling nauseous, increasing PMS symptoms, and more aches and pain will also manifest when the liver is overloaded with toxins. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then it is time to detox the liver. Here are three simple yet effective ways to remove toxins from the system and regenerate the liver.

Detoxing the Liver

1. Increase your water intake and add lemon. Water is nature’s healing elixir. Water clears toxic waste from different parts of the body and takes to the liver and kidneys for disposal. Adding lemon alkalinizes the blood and helps to flush the toxins out further.
2. Intermittent fasting allows the body to have a much-needed rest from digestion. Instead of digesting, the body then focuses on eliminating toxins from the liver allowing regeneration to occur and the liver will begin to function properly again. 16/8, 18/6 and 20/4 are all great intermittent fasting regimens that will bring healing to the liver.
3. The Melanin Rich Wellness 2-week Liver Detox Herbal Tea regimen will remove built-up toxins from the liver and cleanse the blood. It will energize the body, clear the skin, and bring stability to the system. To purchase the Liver Detox Tea and begin your journey to liver health, click here.

The liver is the seat of life. It is time for you to come on in and sit a spell.

Kathleen is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, Certified Vaginal Steam Practitioner, Certified Yin Yoga Instructor, Herbalist, Intermittent Fasting Specialist and Hoodoo Practitioner.