Natural_Medicine_Magazine_Issue_145_July_2017

emedies
LIVER-
CLEANSING HERBS
The liver is the largest organ in the body and functions as an
enormous filter and detoxification centre. It is also involved in the
metabolism of a range of essential nutrients required by the body
such as specific proteins and bile acids.
The liver has several important roles to play
and although it is a very forgiving organ, it
requires nurturing in order for us to enjoy optimal
health.
entering the body today is truly an astonishing feat.
However, this biotransformation can be overloaded
or malfunction, leading to tissue injury or interference
with other organs and systems in the body.
DR BERNARD BROM,
MB CHB (UCT), CEDH
(HOMEOPATHY,
FRANCE), DIP ACUP
(SINGAPORE),
www.naturalhealthalliance.
co.za
www.creatinghealth.co.za
Dr Brom started his practice
in 1976 using a holistic
approach incorporating
natural medicines, homeopathy,
herbal medicine,
nutritional medicine and
lifestyle management. His
special interests include
energy medicine, integration
of the art and science
of medicine, development
of intuition, questioning
the nature of health and
healing, and a deeper understanding
of the nature
of Spirit in the practice of
medicine. He has recently
released his book, Healthy
Medicine – the Philosophy
and principles of Natural
Medicine.
SEVEN MAIN FUNCTIONS
1. Storage of carbohydrates, vitamins and
minerals
2. Metabolism of hormones, endogenous wastes
and foreign chemicals
3. Synthesis of blood proteins
4. Formation of urea
5. Metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates
6. Formation of bile and gamma globulins
7. Assimilation and storage of fat-soluble vitamins.
Because of its size and multiple functions, the liver
requires a good supply of oxygen carried by the red
blood cells and nutrients brought to the liver in the
blood. It also constantly receives the products of digestion
passing from the gastro-intestinal tract.
The liver has the remarkable ability to remove chemicals
absorbed into the blood. This function is essential
and ongoing. The body is constantly producing
poisons as a result of metabolism and these
poisons must be removed. Poisonous substances
are also constantly entering the body from the environment
or are even ingested in the food eaten
or from drugs taken orally or inhaled. That the liver
can do this despite the enormous load of chemicals
DETOXIFICATION PROCESS
The detoxifi cation process in the liver has two phases.
During the first phase some very reactive intermediate
metabolites are formed which may be even
more reactive and toxic than the original poisonous
substance the body is trying to eliminate. It is important
therefore that substances activating phase one
also enhance phase two clearance of the reactive
intermediates.
Functional liver stress is an enormous problem today
due to poor diet, alcohol consumption and
general toxic overload. Because of the central role
of the liver in so many functions it is essential that
optimum function be maintained. If one lives in a
toxic environment or subjects the liver to a heavy
burden, either because of poor food choices or
excessive alcohol intake, then it is even more essential
to support the liver. One of the ways of
doing this is with herbs that infl uence and support
the liver.
REASONS FOR TAKING LIVER-CLEANSING AND
SUPPORTING HERBS
1. Excess alcohol intake: Clearly one should reduce
consumption but anyone taking more than two
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