Liver Cleanse
The Way to Gently Detox the Liver:
There are many types of liver detox protocols- but unfortunately most can be very harsh on the body, especially the liver and gallbladder. The detox protocol that should be incorporated should be gentle enough that will focus in lowering the toxic load in the body. A gentle detox method that includes holistic dietary and lifestyle changes to support overall liver function to give one the best results. Holistic detoxing isn’t about harsh cleanses or deprivation. It’s about:
Nourishing and supporting the body’s natural detoxification systems.
Creating flow and release—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Addressing root causes rather than chasing symptoms.
Both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Holistic Medicine look for the root cause of symptoms rather than use conventional elimination processes. The liver system’s root cause of the body’s inability to eliminate toxins must be looked into. Overburdened toxins in the body at one time can result in excessive toxicity due to several factors, including an overloaded and blocked detoxification pathway, immune function imbalance, and endocrine disruptions.
In TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine – the liver is the body’s main organ of detoxification. Its primary function is to regulate the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and blood throughout the body. When there is an imbalance and the liver Qi is stagnant, a person can experience many discomforts and issues, such as headaches, irritability, dizziness, dry, red eyes, other eye conditions, and tendonitis.
Functional Holistic Medicine – Follows a similar approach; however, it takes an additional step in including daily lifestyle and nutritional changes that will help release the toxins that the body’s exposed to on a daily basis. Detoxification programs should be tailored to your specific needs.
The Detoxification System- The body systems keep us healthy through the immune system that incorporates built in detoxification system.
The detoxification system is responsible for clearing the body of harmful chemicals and unwanted organisms as well as eliminating waste. The five major organs that are responsible for this elimination/detox cycle are known as our Detox Pathways and they include: Skin, Lungs, Kidneys, Colon and Liver.
One should evaluate their drainage pathways to determine what specific detox protocol would be most fitting for the body's needs.
The Detox Pathways
skin lungs kidneys colon liver
I. Detox via Skin
The skin excretes toxins that have found their way into your body, and it also protects you from bacteria, viruses and other chemicals/toxins from entering your skin. The skin is the largest elimination organ in the body and because of this, it is quite susceptible to toxic exposure through products that contain harmful ingredients that end up getting absorbed into the bloodstream.
Signs of toxin buildup: Acne, rashes, excessive sweating, dull complexion.
Support Methods:
Dry brushing to stimulate lymph and exfoliate.
Infrared sauna or hot baths with Epsom salt for toxin release.
Natural skincare—free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance.
Hydration + antioxidants to repair and protect.
The most natural skin detox method is to sweat. The body's detox system is like a funnel, a lot can enter the body and the exit pathway is quite narrow. It is extremely important to remove the toxins that are circulating in our bloodstream with an ability to move them out. Sweating is a very useful method to actually move those toxins out of the body that are moving from various areas of the body to another. Infrared Saunas are useful in stimulating this detox pathway through the skin.
II. Detox via Lungs
Your lungs constantly filter the air you breathe and help maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide balance.
Through exhalation, the lungs expel carbon dioxide and volatile toxins. The respiratory tract also traps and clears airborne particles, pathogens, and pollutants using mucus, cilia, and coughing.
Signs of imbalance: Shallow breathing, respiratory issues, fatigue, sadness/grief.
Support Methods:
Deep breathing exercises and breathwork.
Use of essential oils (eucalyptus, peppermint, frankincense).
Air purifiers, salt lamps, and houseplants to improve air quality.
Emotional healing to release suppressed grief.
III. Detox via Kidneys
Kidneys keep your internal environment clean by filtering your blood 24/7.
They remove waste, excess water, and toxins (like urea and ammonia) from the bloodstream and excrete them through urine. Kidneys also balance minerals and regulate blood pressure, which is vital for long-term detox health.
Signs of stress: Puffy eyes, urinary issues, fatigue, lower back discomfort.
Support Methods:
Increase filtered water and herbal teas (nettle, parsley, corn silk).
Avoid excessive protein, caffeine, and soda.
Eat kidney-supportive foods: cranberries, asparagus, watermelon.
Energy practices to support flow through the water element.
**The Adrenals can be overburdened and overworked due to high stress and any trauma inducing a fight, freeze, or flight response in the body.
This leads to what is labeled: Adrenal Fatigue and a Dysregulated Nervous System that continuously pumps out adrenaline. This misalignment will cause one to suffer with: depression, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, sleep disorders and fatigue.
Strengthen adrenals with nutrients such as zinc, B vitamins and vitamin C. Homeopathy and herbal remedies as well.
Acupuncture and Meditation with breath work- this will rewire the nervous system and assist in reversing adrenal burnout.
IV. Detox via Colon
The colon is the most recognized of the elimination organs that disposes solid waste, playing a direct role in daily toxin removal.
It compacts and eliminates undigested food, metabolic waste, and harmful bacteria. Regular bowel movements are essential to prevent reabsorption of toxins into the bloodstream.
Signs of toxicity: Constipation, bloating, skin issues, brain fog.
Support Methods:
High-fiber diet: chia, flax, leafy greens, root veggies.
Gentle colonics or enemas (under guidance).
Fermented foods for microbiome balance.
Emotional detox: let go of "stuck" beliefs or resentments.
V. Detox via Liver
The liver is responsible for: over 500 essential functions, including hormone processing, fat metabolism, and detoxification of nearly every toxin we ingest, inhale, or absorb. It's the most overburdened organ in modern life—and the most crucial to detox holistically.
ROLES in: detoxification, hormonal balance, nutrient storage, digestion, enzyme activation, blood sugar control, cholesterol detoxification, immune cell function
While you may not be experiencing severe symptoms, there are tell-tale signs that your liver may need some maintenance. Some signs that you may need a natural liver detox would include:
Fatigue and Irritability
Inconsistent Bowel Movements
Skin irritation
Hormonal Imbalances
Heightened Anger/Frustration
Sugar cravings
Sleep interruptions
Changes in body odor
Stress and Anxiety
Gas
Bloating
Constipation
TIP: Start each day with warm water with lemon to stimulate bile production. As well as eating bitter herbs/salad/ greens such as arugula, dandelion, mustard greens, radicchio, etc.
WHAT IS THE LIVER DETOX SYSTEM-
Our liver system’s primary responsibility is to filter the blood sent from the large and small intestines. Liver cells contain enzymes that detox any substances in the blood coming from the intestines. The body has two phases of detoxification:
Phase 1 Detoxification
The liver breaks down fat-soluble toxic chemicals that enter the body during this phase, where the liver produces enzymes to metabolize the toxic load:
Microorganisms
Food Toxins
Drugs/Alcohol/Pharmaceuticals
Environmental Toxins/Chemicals
Pollutants/ Heavy Metals
During Phase 1 Detoxification, the body converts toxins into less harmful chemicals. Your liver cells then create a chemical reaction that helps to release toxins in your body and filter your blood.
Phase 2 Detoxification
The liver cells add a substance to toxins to make it less harmful to the body. These substances include cysteine, glycine, or sulfur molecules that help convert the fat-soluble toxin into water-soluble waste that can then be excreted from the body through the bile in the gallbladder or urine in our bladder.
THE HOLISTIC LIVER CLEANSE GUIDE:
1. Food as Medicine
Emphasize:
Bitter greens: dandelion, arugula, mustard greens
Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage (boosts phase 2 detox enzymes)
Beets: enhances bile flow and helps break down toxins
Lemons and limes: alkalizing, supports liver enzymes
Garlic and onions: rich in sulfur for liver detox pathways
Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, enhances liver function
Avoid:
Alcohol
Refined sugar and flour
Processed foods and seed oils
Artificial additives and preservatives
2. Herbs for Liver Detoxification
Milk Thistle : Protects liver cells and regenerates tissue
Dandelion Root: Stimulates bile flow, aids digestion
Artichoke Leaf: Supports fat digestion and bile production
Schisandra Berry: Adaptogenic liver protector
Burdock Root: Blood purifier and liver cleanser
Use in teas, tinctures, or capsule form. Work with a holistic practitioner for guidance.
3. Liver-Loving Lifestyle Habits
Morning warm lemon water: jumpstarts digestion and bile flow.
Intermittent fasting or early dinners: gives liver a metabolic rest.
Gentle movement: walking, rebounding, or stretching aids lymphatic and liver circulation.
Castor oil packs over the liver: deeply healing and detoxifying.
Digital detox: reduce overstimulation which contributes to liver stress energetically.
4. Energy Healing for Liver Health
The liver is the seat of repressed anger and frustration in Chinese Medicine. Energetic detox includes:
Acupressure on liver meridian points
Liver Meridian Massage along the rib cage (clockwise motion)
Color therapy: Visualize green light (liver's associated color) during meditation.
EFT (Tapping) Affirmations:
“I release all anger and frustration with love.”
“I allow peace and ease to flow through me.”
BRRT™ or other energy-based modalities: to release emotional and energetic imbalances stored in the liver field.
A Gentle 7-Day Liver Reset
A Weekly Detox Plan
Your body is wise. It wants to heal, restore, and thrive—but it needs you to listen, support, and align with it. A liver-focused holistic detox is not just a cleanse, it's a return to balance—physically, emotionally, and energetically.
You are your family’s healer. Begin with the liver—the queen of detox—and the rest of the body will follow. It is one of the most important areas to address when dealing with imbalances internally. To speed up healing, I have had much success with Energy Medicine and working with the subconscious in boosting the wiring between mind and body to realign and detox most efficiently with using alternative techniques and tools that I teach in the BRRT™ method. I offer guidance on using your own innate powers to heal and empower others to take charge of their healing capabilities.
