Whether or not you have chosen to engage in some kind of scaled back consumption in January, we can all use some kind of liver support. The liver is an essential unappreciated organ that filters all of the toxins that enter our body. For many of us, it’s ofter working over time and has been for quite a while. This tonic will support its function and give it a boost to keep doing its important job.

I first consumed a similar herbal concoction of red raspberry tea and nettle as prescribed from the midwife during my pregnancies. I would boil and steep the herbs in the evening, leave them overnight, then strain and consume the “tea” throughout the day.

There are several versions of this recipe and the herbs may vary slightly. I have found this one to be my preference and the ingredients easy to find at a local shop. I found the taste quite tolerable. It’s grassy and earthy in a good way. The earthiness flavor is a lot like Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes). You can steep it for 5 minutes or let it steep longer or overnight to extract more potency from the herbs. While these are mild herbs and generally safe for consumption, I encourage you to do your own research to be sure this is right for you.

Liver Detox Tonic
(makes 500 ml or 16 oz)

Ingredients:
1 teaspoon dried burdock root
1 teaspoon dried dandelion root
1 teaspoon dried dandelion leaves
500 ml (approx.16 oz.)boiling water

Directions:
If using a teapot, place herbs in a two-cup teapot in cover with boiling water. Steep 5 minutes or more.
If using a stovetop pot, add herbs to the pot, then add water and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover and steep for 5 minutes or more.
Strain and and enjoy immediately or throughout the day. Add honey to taste if you prefer.

Burdock Root
Burdock root is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American medicine. The Cherokee in North America “use Burdock as a tea to eliminate poisons in the stomach and stimulate the secretion of bile for cleaning the liver,” as described in Medicine of the Cherokee by J.T. Garrett and Michael Garrett.  A mild tea is considered to be good for an upset stomach. Interestingly it is also used to treat sores and abrasions of the skin and even to treat poison ivy and rattlesnake bites. Now that’s a powerful detoxant!
In addition to its detoxifying effect in support of the liver and stomach, burdock root is also used as a blood purifier. It is an adaptogen that contains iron and B-vitamins. It is known to be antibacterial, anti-fungal and is used to lower blood sugar, support the lymphatic system, reduce cholesterol, and to treat acne and eczema due it its detoxifying properties.
* Avoid burdock root if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have tendencies to plant allergies, or are taking diuretics, blood thinners or diabetic medications.*

Dandelion Root
Typically in nature, a remedy will be near, and the fact that dandelion is everywhere is an indication of how powerful it is. The Cherokee consider dandelion to be a “once a day” plant. The bitter leaves can be eaten in a sauté or added to soups and stews. The dried leaves are used for herbal tonics. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dandelion aids in balancing the functions of the liver and the stomach.
Both the root and the leaves of the dandelion plant are used. They contain different properties and when used together you have a real powerhouse. Dandelion is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and specifically support the liver and gall bladder. It promotes the discharge of bile and stimulates circulation. It is anti-rheumatic and antiseptic and supports the elimination of plasma cholesterol. Dandelion leaves are antacid, antioxidant and restorative.  Dandelion root is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, detoxifying and calming as well as acting as a diuretic. It is used to treat high-blood pressure, weight-loss, hypoglycemia, indigestion, and muscular rheumatism just to name some of its many uses.
*Talk to your medical practitioner before using dandelion root. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by your provider. Do not use if you are taking antibiotics, psychiatric medications, Tylenol, diuretics or any product that interacts with liver function or if you have a history of allergies to plant.