Best Tea for Liver Support and Repair

The liver is vital for keeping health in balance. Finding ways to support and repair it is essential for people with liver conditions or those seeking to enhance their liver health. 

Herbal teas and some of the true teas offer a natural way to promote liver function and recovery. 

This article will explore the best teas for liver support and repair and discuss whether tea can detox the liver.

What Tea Is Good for the Liver?

There are a few teas that are proven to affect the liver positively.

Milk Thistle (Silymarin) Tea

Milk thistle, also called silymarin, is a famous herb used for over two millennia for treating liver and bile duct issues. Studies indicate silymarin can protect the liver, encourage cell regeneration, decrease inflammation, and bolster liver health (1, 2, 3, 4). Other studies, however, indicate it is no more effective than a placebo (5, 6, 7).

Regardless, this herb is considered safe and has at least the potential to benefit your liver.

Ginseng Tea

Ginseng, a common herbal supplement, is recognized for its strong anti-inflammatory features. Research has demonstrated ginseng’s antioxidant properties, which may defend against liver damage from viruses, toxins, and alcohol (8). Ginseng tea may boost liver cell regeneration and improve liver function, making it an excellent choice for those seeking liver support (9, 10).

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially the polyphenol compound known as EGCG. Green tea extract has been found to potentially aid in treating liver disease and defending against various liver-related conditions. Drinking green tea regularly is considered safe for most people and can provide liver-protective benefits (11, 12, 13).

Interested in trying green tea? Here are the best options available.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb, is connected to many health advantages. Turmeric tea, created from root or powder, might help treat NAFLD and alleviate liver inflammation (14, 15). Though turmeric is usually safe, some liver injury cases have occurred, so consulting a healthcare provider before regular consumption is crucial (16).

Interested in trying turmeric tea? Here are the best options available.

Ginger Tea

Ginger root is a popular ingredient in both culinary and medicinal applications. Research has revealed that ginger supplements can reduce liver damage and decrease cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation in NAFLD patients (17, 18). Ginger tea, made from fresh or dried ginger, is safe for most people and can support liver health.

Interested in trying ginger tea? Here are the best options available.

Danshen Tea

Danshen, or Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, is a traditional Chinese medicine herb known for its potential positive effects on liver health. Animal studies have shown that danshen may protect against alcohol-related liver disease and promote liver tissue regeneration (19, 20, 21). While more research is needed, danshen tea may offer liver support and repair benefits.

Ginkgo Biloba Tea

Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement linked to improved liver health (22). While most research focused on ginkgo biloba injections, the tea form might also protect the liver. The herb is not explicitly linked to liver injury, making it a safe liver-support option.

Branded Tea Blends for Liver Support & Repair

The herbs and tea extracts mentioned above can be consumed as standalone teas or as part of tea blends. Many brands offer “liver detox teas” that combine herbs to provide liver support and repair benefits. When choosing a “liver detox tea,” it is essential to select a reputable brand and consult your healthcare provider before consumption.

Does Tea Actually Detox Your Liver?

No single tea or herb can fully “detox” the liver, despite some having liver-protective properties and supporting liver health. The liver naturally detoxifies harmful substances and removes toxins from the body using its own mechanisms. Teas and herbs can support these processes and promote liver health. Still, they should not be relied upon as the sole solution for liver detoxification.

Final Thoughts

Teas and herbal extracts can provide valuable support for liver health and repair. Milk thistle, ginseng, green tea, turmeric, ginger, danshen, and ginkgo biloba tea show potential for liver protection. Additionally, numerous branded tea blends are available for liver support and repair.

While teas can help support liver function, they should not be considered a standalone solution for liver detoxification. For optimal liver health, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, consult a healthcare professional, and follow their guidance. 

Adding liver-supportive teas to your daily routine can be a helpful way to promote a healthy liver and overall wellness.