Liver & Gallbladder
Liver Disease (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis)
Long-term liver problems such as hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver disease and cirrhosis. These need diagnosis and treatment by a doctor. Get medical help quickly for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe pain in the upper belly.
Liver and gallbladder problems need diagnosis and care from a health professional. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments. Some herbs and supplements can themselves harm the liver, and several shouldn't be used if you have gallstones. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have liver disease or take regular medicines.
9 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
BhringarajEclipta prostrataTraditionally used for jaundice in India and Bangladesh. A leaf extract protected the liver in rats; it hasn't been tested in people.
Chanca PiedraPhyllanthus niruriTraditionally used for liver problems. A Cochrane review found no convincing evidence it helps hepatitis B on its own.
ChitrakPlumbago zeylanicaNamed in Ayurveda as a remedy for liver disorders. A purified-root tea protected rats' livers, but root extracts damaged the liver in another rat study. Not tested in people.
Gold Coin GrassLysimachia christinae, Desmodium styracifoliumDesmodium styracifolium is traditionally used for hepatitis and jaundice. Its effects on the liver have only been studied in the lab and in animals.
Milk ThistleSilybum marianumTraditionally used for liver problems. A Cochrane review found no clear benefit in alcohol-related liver disease or hepatitis B or C.
SchisandraSchisandra chinensisTraditionally used for liver conditions. Small, uncontrolled studies in people are inconclusive; it can also lower liver test results.
SusumberSolanum torvumThe root juice is traditionally used for liver disease in Brazil. This use hasn't been tested in people.
Turkey TailTrametes versicolorA small trial in advanced liver cancer found no clear effect on survival; results in liver cancer are described as mixed.
TurmericCurcuma longaTraditionally used in Chinese, Indian, Islamic and Thai medicine for liver disease.