Six Natural Teas That May Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease

Although you should always take your doctor's advice into account, these teas may help treat fatty liver disease.
Six Natural Teas That May Help Treat Fatty Liver Disease
Carlos Fabián Avila

Reviewed and approved by Doctor Carlos Fabián Avila.

Last update: 21 September, 2022

There are some natural teas that, due to their health properties, can help treat fatty liver disease. These include ingredients such as mint, dandelion, artichoke, fennel, and lemon, among others.

Fatty liver disease is a problem that’s related to metabolic syndrome. However, it isn’t easy to detect, as it’s usually asymptomatic.

This condition can be treated with a healthy and low-fat diet. In addition, some natural teas can be used as a complement to other treatments. Here, we talk about six of them.

Fatty liver disease: causes and symptoms

Hepatic steatosis is commonly known as fatty liver disease. It’s a condition that occurs when fatty acids and triglycerides are excessively retained in the cells of the liver.

Fatty liver disease is one of the illnesses associated with metabolic syndrome. That said, it can also be due to the deterioration that excessive and constant consumption of alcohol causes to the liver.

Most cases are asymptomatic and only manifest when it becomes a more serious problem. However, sometimes, it’s possible to detect it by the appearance of frequent headaches, slow digestion, and a sensation of inflammation in the area where the liver is located.

Treatment for fatty liver disease

In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as it’s also known, treatment usually begins with lifestyle changes. This includes exercising and eating a healthy diet and reducing fats and processed foods.

Currently, there’s no pharmacological treatment for fatty liver disease that’s been approved by the health authorities. In cases of cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic hepatic steatosis, one option may be a liver transplant.

Weight-loss surgery is also recommended for morbidly obese people. On the other hand, there are some natural remedies, such as natural teas to help treat fatty liver disease. We list six of them below.

Teas to help treat fatty liver disease

These teas to help treat fatty liver disease can be used as complementary treatments, as long as your doctor is in agreement.

1. Mint and boldo

Mint and boldo infusion may help treat fatty liver disease.

The first of the teas to help treat fatty liver disease combines the digestive properties of mint and boldo leaves. They provide a complete remedy to stimulate the elimination of fats retained in the tissues of the liver.

King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia) conducted a study that emphasized the hepatoprotective capabilities of mint. They claimed that these plants contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances. This means they protect cells and thus reduce the risk of more serious illnesses.

Ingredients

  • A cup of water (250 ml).
  • 1 teaspoon of mint leaves (5 g).
  • 1 teaspoon of boldo leaves (5 g).

Method

  • Bring the water to a boil. Add the mint and boldo leaves.
  • Reduce the heat to a minimum. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat. Let it stand for 10 minutes before straining.

How to drink

  • Drink a cup of this tea on an empty stomach every day for 3 weeks.

You should be careful as boldo has laxative properties. It’s also an anticoagulant.

You might be interested to read: Discover the Health Properties of Mint Tea

2. Artichoke tea

Artichoke has the ability to reduce the accumulation of fat in the body. For this reason, it’s one of the most recommended remedies for treating a fatty liver. This is confirmed in a study conducted by the Wilhelms-Universität (Germany).

Artichoke contains natural fibers and antioxidant substances that promote the cleansing of the liver. Thanks to its high inulin content, it prevents the accumulation of lipids in the tissues.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of water (750 ml).
  • 1 artichoke.

Method

  • Pour the water into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the chopped artichoke. Leave on minimum heat for 3 minutes.
  • Wait for the tea to infuse and serve.

How to drink

  • Drink a cup of artichoke tea before each main meal.

3. Dandelion tea

The purifying properties of dandelion tea facilitate the treatment of fatty liver disease. It also helps prevent digestive discomfort and inflammatory problems.

This is confirmed in a study conducted by Aarhus University (Denmark). However, they suggest exercising caution as, although the benefits are real, more research is needed in this regard.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water.
  • 1 tablespoon of dandelion.

Method

  • Boil the water and add the dandelion.
  • Allow to stand for 15 minutes. Strain.

How to drink

  • Drink 2 or 3 cups of this tea every day for 2 weeks in a row.

Note: This tea isn’t recommended for people with gallstones, ulcers, or gastritis. Nor is it suitable for those who take diuretics, as it can enhance their effects.

4. Fennel seed tea

Fennel seeds contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances. These are key in the treatment of fatty liver disease. In fact, fennel tea contains natural active ingredients that help reduce the accumulation of lipids

Furthermore, fennel facilitates the digestion process. In addition, a study conducted by Umm Al-Qura University (Saudi Arabia) emphasizes its hepatoprotective capacity.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of water (250 ml).
  • 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (5 g).

Method

  • Boil the water and add the fennel seeds.
  • Let it stand for a few minutes. Strain.

How to drink

  • Drink 2 cups of this tea per day for at least 3 weeks.

You also might be interested in: Natural Benefits and Remedies of Fennel Seeds

5. Lemon peel tea

Lemon peel infusion.

The natural fibers provided by lemon peel have various uses. For example, they can be used to relieve joint pain in some diseases.

On the other hand, they’re also used as a supplement to promote the digestion of lipids that accumulate in the liver. This is confirmed in a study conducted by Isfahan University (Iran).

Therefore, it’s considered that the intake of lemon tea supports the digestion process, prevents obesity, and reduces the accumulation of toxins and liquids.

Ingredients

  • The peel of 1 lemon.
  • 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Method

  • Place the lemon peel in a cup of boiling water. Allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Strain and serve.

How to drink

  • Drink a cup of this lemon peel tea on an empty stomach before each main meal.
  • Make sure you drink it for at least 3 weeks.

6. Milk thistle tea

Milk thistle is so called because of the white veins on its leaves. One of its active components, silymarin, is said to have antioxidant properties.

Researchers have investigated its benefits for treating dyspepsia and liver disorders. It’s also said to be useful in treating various types of cancers like prostate, breast, and leukemia. It appears that it treats the liver by regulating fats.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of milk thistle seeds.
  • 1 cup of hot water.

Method

  • Boil the water.
  • Add the milk thistle seeds.
  • Remove from the heat and let it stand.

How to drink

  • Drink 3 cups a day

Note: This tea isn’t recommended for diabetic and hypertensive people or pregnant women.

Care of the liver

As you can see, it’s really easy to prepare natural teas for treating fatty liver disease. Choose the one you consider most appealing and consume it according to the recommendations given.

However, don’t forget that you should consult your doctor if you’re going to try any of these teas. In addition, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to your diet. Staying away from fats is of the utmost importance.

 


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.