Liver impairment can come about due to poor diet, allergens, pollutants and fatigue. An impaired liver is toxic, congested and sluggish. When that happens its vital functions are impaired. A liver detox has many benefits that can help keep the liver working at its best. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend the use of turmeric for great liver health.



The liver is an amazing organ that has the important role of processing and removing toxins from your bloodstream. It produces over 13,000 different chemicals and 2,000 various enzymes used in the body. In peak condition, it works quickly by filtering up to two litres of blood per minute. Liver enzymes efficiently break apart the structure of toxic molecules to reduce their toxicity. Consequences can be harmful with an impaired liver as it is often likened to be the center of vitamin, mineral, protein, fat, carbohydrate and hormonal metabolism.

A very important function of the liver in removing toxins is to produce bile. Thus, an increased bile flow is beneficial in liver detox. Turmeric helps increase bile flow making it a liver cleanser that could rejuvenate the liver cells and recharges their capability to break down toxins.

Turmeric is known in Ayurvedic medicine as the king of spices. The bitter spice helps cleanse the liver, purify the blood, and promote good digestion and elimination. It possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties but none of the unpleasant side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. It has been used for skin cleansing, colour enhancement and food preservation.

The principal chemical component of turmeric is curcumin. In addition to its liver detox use, curcumin has powerful antioxidant action that fights against viral infection, cancer, and arthritis. It stimulates the gallbladder for bile production, and scavenges free radicals. The whole herb turmeric contains lower amounts of curcumin, and is used when healing requires the application of volatile oils.

Curcumin is also helpful as a herbal remedy for the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. It enhances the liver detox process and speeds up healing. Curcumin also prevents alcohol and other toxins from being converted into compounds that may be harmful to the liver. It can reverse the adverse effects of excessive iron consumption on the liver.

Prior to the use of turmeric for liver detox, you should consult your Ayurvedic practitioner. Turmeric should also not be used in certain cases. Those with congestive heart disease whose cause has not yet been identified or those with painful gallstones, obstructive jaundice, acute bilious colic, or extremely toxic liver disorders, should refrain from using turmeric or curcumin. Also, avoid the use of turmeric over long periods of time to prevent stomach distress.