Hepatobiliary System

The liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts — detoxification, bile production, and the processing of fats, hormones, and drugs.

General herbal approach

Hepatoprotectives such as milk thistle and schisandra shield liver cells and support their regeneration. Cholagogues and choleretics stimulate the production and release of bile, improving fat digestion and the clearance of waste and excess hormones, while bitters prime the whole upper-digestive and hepatic response. Gentle alteratives (dandelion root) support the liver’s role in elimination. Because the liver metabolises medicines, CYP450 interactions are always worth checking here.

Key herbal actions

The actions most often called on for the hepatobiliary system: Hepatoprotective, Cholagogue, Choleretic, Bitter, Hepatic, Alterative. Each links through to the herbs that carry it.