Cleanse & Detox

What Tea Is Good for Liver and Kidneys?

BY PUREHEALTH RESEARCH | January 1, 2024

If you’ve come here, you’re probably wondering what tea is good for the liver and kidneys. But first, let’s look at why the liver is such a fundamental organ. The liver is the second largest organ in the body after the skin. It is located beneath the diaphragm on the upper right side of the abdomen and weighs approximately 3 pounds. There are over 500 functions^[1] associated with the liver, making it one of the most critical organs in the human body.

The most critical function of the liver is acting as the human body’s primary filtration system by converting toxins into less harmless waste products and directing them for excretion, thus cleansing your blood. Over time, too many toxins can overwhelm your liver’s resources and ability to function; therefore, frequent detoxification is always a good idea. Regular cleansing supports proper functioning, revitalizes all organs and overall well-being, and can significantly reduce the risk of multiple diseases. 

What Is a Liver Detox?

The liver is responsible for metabolizing (converting into usable components) protein and carbohydrates and storing vitamins A, D, K, B12, iron, copper, and folate. Additionally, it acts as a filtration system for the human body. It is responsible for taking up toxic substances, such as the byproducts from the breakdown of alcohol, and converting them into harmless substances that the body then later expels. 

However, over time, the toxic substances can overwhelm this organ, causing liver toxicity^[2], which can lead to liver damage, sometimes permanent. Liver problems are associated with heart and kidney issues, chronic fatigue, foggy brain, and weight gain^[3]. Frequent liver detoxing can, however, aid in avoiding these symptoms and may promote regeneration. 

A liver detox is a program that claims to cleanse and flush toxins from the body, thus enhancing the liver’s natural detoxification processes. While juice cleanses are currently a buzz in the health and wellness industry as a way to detox, most are not FDA-approved and, therefore, could cause more harm than good. The best way to cleanse your liver is by making lifestyle changes such as:

• Avoid Toxic and Inflammatory Foods

Caffeine, alcohol^[4], processed foods with refined sugar, unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives are inflammatory foods that can damage your liver. A pro-inflammatory response of the liver reduces its functioning, allowing toxins to build up.

• Stay Hydrated

The liver and kidney work together to remove toxins from your bloodstream and turn them into water-soluble substances transported in your urine. Water helps your kidneys and liver transport toxins out of your body.

• Limit Your Exposure to Environmental Toxins

Limiting exposure to pesticides, herbicides, paints, and aerosols containing toxins is best. Where exposure to these products is unavoidable, ensure adequate ventilation and wear a mask.

• Incorporate Supplements

Dietary supplements for cleanse and detox can provide a boost of antioxidants necessary for cleansing the liver. Some key ingredients to look out for are glutathione, selenium, turmeric, dandelion root, and milk thistle. These compounds contain powerful antioxidants that can help flush out toxins by increasing detoxifying enzymes and promoting liver cellular damage regeneration.

One supplement in particular that can help in liver cleansing is the Liver Health Formula by PureHealth Research. It is a blend of over ten powerful ingredients that, clinically and scientifically, show an impressive reduction in oxidative stress and a marked improvement in liver markers and functions, helping you feel revitalized.

Why You Should Try the Liver Health Formula

Are you looking for a natural way to support your liver health? PureHealth Research’s Liver Health Formula could be just what you need. This carefully crafted supplement is designed to harmonize with your body’s natural processes, offering a blend of ingredients that are celebrated for their supportive qualities.

• Natural Ingredient Blend – It combines vitamin D3, l-cysteine, turmeric, beetroot, and more, each selected for potential liver health support.
• Liver Enzyme Focus – Includes curcumin^[5] from turmeric, explored for its effects on liver enzymes AST and ALT.
• Holistic Support – Aims for comprehensive liver health, from detoxification to cellular support.
• Diet-Friendly – Gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and soy-free, suitable for various diets.
• Easy to Use – Simple capsule form, just two a day with water.
• Positive Feedback – Users report feeling revitalized and noting health improvements.

According to Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, the Liver Health Formula can recharge your “youth battery” for raised energy, offer you a trimmer waistline, and sharpen your thinking. People who have used the product consistently report feeling revitalized and experiencing optimized weight regulation and energy levels, all signs of healthy livers.

Why Should You Cleanse Your Kidneys?

The kidneys are a pair of organs that serve as the body’s “sewage treatment plants.” They filter around a half cup of blood every minute, removing waste, extra water, and acids to make urine. Through this process, the kidneys maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals within the body, ensuring that nerves, muscles, and other tissues work optimally. They also produce hormones^[6] responsible for red blood cell production.

Kidney cleansing, or detoxification, is essential to improve kidney health and reduce the risk of developing  kidney stones and bladder problems. While some manufacturers advertise products meant to “cleanse your kidneys,” taking a more natural approach is vital. Some of the ways to consider for kidney cleansing are:

• Hydrate

Kidneys require adequate water to remove the body’s cellular waste byproducts through urine. Dehydration can lead to kidney disorders.

• Take Kidney-Cleansing Teas 

What kind of tea is good for the liver and kidneys? Teas made from ginseng, matcha, and sambong have properties that can support kidney health^[7].

• Incorporate Foods That Support Kidney Health

Research shows^[8] that fruits such as grapes contain properties that can reduce kidney inflammation, thus improving kidney health. Other foods, such as cranberries, beans, and citrus fruits, also have properties that support kidney health.

• Keep Away From Inflammatory Foods

Studies warn that ultra-processed foods (UPF) and drinks are directly linked to chronic kidney dysfunction. These foods and beverages include soda, artificial sweeteners and sugar, high-sodium foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

Which Teas Benefit Liver and Kidney Health?

Herbal teas are another natural way to cleanse the liver. But what tea is good for cleansing your liver and kidneys? Some of the best options for liver cleansing include green, ginger, matcha, dandelion, turmeric, and peppermint. 

Humans have been taking these drinks for thousands of years for refreshment and due to their restorative properties. But what tea is good for the liver and kidneys? Various herbal teas have properties that can help flush out toxins and cellular waste byproducts from the liver and kidneys. Read on to discover the best teas for kidney and liver.

1. Green Tea

Green tea can be obtained from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This option is rich in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body, diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and kidneys. Research^[9] shows that consumption of green tea may reduce the risk of liver disease. Moreover, its diuretic effect may support kidney function by boosting urine production, thus reducing the formation of kidney stones.

 How to Make Green Tea

• Boil clean water on high heat.
• Place your green tea teabag in a cup and pour the boiled water over it.
• Infuse the teabag for 4 minutes.
• Add honey to taste.
• Remove the tea bag and enjoy.
• Allow to cool, and add ice if you want to enjoy a cup of iced green tea.

Precautions

Consuming more than 8 cups of green tea per day is unsafe due to its caffeine content. The tea may also be unsafe for people with anemia and bleeding disorders.

2. Ginger Tea

So, what tea is good for the liver and kidneys? Studies^[10] show that ginger tea extracted from ginger root contains potent compounds that help inhibit inflammation and protect against cellular damage, thus supporting kidney and liver health. Like green tea, ginger tea also contains antioxidants that aid in protecting the liver and kidneys from damage caused by harmful molecules.

How to Make Ginger Tea

• Slice an inch piece of ginger root (no need to peel).
• Place in a small saucepan, and add one and a half cups of water.
• Cover and bring to boiling point over medium-high heat.
• Uncover, decrease the heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a mug.
• You can sweeten it with honey or squeeze a lemon into your tea if desired.

Precautions

According to one 2019 systematic review^[11], excessive consumption of ginger can result in heartburn, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. It’s therefore vital to take ginger tea in moderation. Ginger tea may also be unfavorable for people taking blood-thinning drugs or those who have bleeding disorders since it slows down blood clotting. 

3. Black Tea

A study^[12] in rats found that black tea might be beneficial for liver and kidney protection. Like green tea, black tea is rich in antioxidants that aid in reducing oxidative stress and damage to the liver and kidneys. The antioxidants present in this drink may also alleviate chronic inflammation, which is a factor in developing and progressing liver and kidney diseases.

How to Make Black Tea

• Boil water until it reaches between 94-100°C.
• Add 2-3 grams of loose tea leaves to a tea strainer and place it in the kettle, or add the leaves to a teacup and pour boiling water over them.
• Let the tea rest for 3 to 5 minutes per your flavor preference.
• Strain the loose-leaf tea using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
• Add sweetener of choice (optional).

Precautions

Taking more than four or five cups of black tea can cause adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting, nervousness and restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Each cup contains about 50–90 mg of caffeine – not far off the average 95 mg in an average cup of coffee.^[13][14]

4. Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea, derived from the roots of the ginseng plant, is good for kidney function. One study performed on rats showed that ginseng tea can help adjust blood pressure and reduce blood sugar^[15], which may be advantageous in the treatment of kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes. What tea is good for the liver and kidneys? Ginseng tea is one of them.

How to Make Ginseng Tea

• Boil about a cup or two of water to about 98°C.
• Add about 4-5 grams of dried ginseng root.
• Steep the roots for about 5-10 minutes, maintaining the water at 98°C.
• Remove the roots using a strainer and store them for reuse.
• Add honey for sweetening (optional).

Precautions

It’s best to avoid taking more than 0.5-2 grams of ginseng daily since it might be bad for liver health when taken in excess. Additionally, it may interact negatively with some medicines, and it’s therefore important to consult a physician before taking it. 

5. Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is another excellent tea for the kidney and liver. Like green tea, it is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plant. One study^[16] showed that matcha tea may promote your liver’s health by decreasing liver enzymes in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

How to Make Matcha Tea

• Scoop 1-2 teaspoons of matcha in powder form into a bowl.
• Add a small amount of hot water just below a boil (80°C).
• Whisk the contents vigorously in a “W” or “M” shape motion until the matcha dissolves and a frothy layer forms.
• Add more hot water if needed to achieve your desired strength and consistency.
• Add sweetener or milk for flavor enhancement.
• Serve in a cup.

Precautions

Drinking too much matcha tea may lead to difficulties when trying to fall asleep at night or tremors due to the high caffeine content. Drinking too much of this tea may also increase heart rates. As such, moderate consumption is key. 

6. Curcumin Tea

Curcumin is the name of the active compound found in turmeric. It contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it very good for renal function. A recent study^[17] found that turmeric supplementation had favorable effects on renal diseases.

How to Make Curcumin Tea

• Mix half a teaspoon of ground turmeric with 1 cup water.
• Add other ingredients of choice, such as 1 tsp of cinnamon.
• Boil the mixture to boil at 100°C
• Steep for 10–15 minutes.
• Add the sweetener of choice (optional).
• Serve and enjoy.

Precautions

Turmeric has been found to make gallbladder problems worse, so avoid taking it if you have gallstones or suffer from bile duct obstruction. It might also slow blood clotting and cause an abnormal heart rhythm when consumed excessively.

Key Takeaways

The liver and kidneys are among the most essential organs in the body. Most other body functions take a hit when these organs do not operate optimally. Due to their role in filtering and eliminating waste from the body, the kidneys and liver can get overwhelmed with toxins. The detoxification can be done through the use of teas like:

• Green Tea – Antioxidant-rich, supports liver function, and may help prevent kidney stones.
• Ginger Tea – Anti-inflammatory properties, protects liver and kidney cells.
• Black Tea – Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver and kidneys.
• Ginseng Tea – Beneficial for kidney function, especially in blood pressure and blood sugar management.
• Matcha Tea – Promotes liver health, particularly in reducing liver enzymes.
• Curcumin (Turmeric) Tea – Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, supports renal function.

While individual tolerance for tea varies, it’s best not to exceed a daily intake of 3-4 cups to avoid experiencing adverse effects. Additionally, it is recommended to consume in moderation if you are on medication. The best solution is to consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or starting new supplements.

References

[1] Liver: anatomy and functions. (2019, November 19). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-anatomy-and-functions 

[2] Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Toxic hepatitis (Liver toxicity). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17915-toxic-hepatitis 

[3] Wijarnpreecha, K. (2022). The association of weight gain with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and fibrosis detected by FibroScan in the United States. Annals of Gastroenterology. https://doi.org/10.20524/aog.2022.0687 

[4] Maher, J. J. (1997). Exploring alcohol’s effects on liver function. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6826796/ 

[5] Dehzad, M. J., Ghalandari, H., Amini, M. R., & Askarpour, M. (2023). Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on liver function in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 74, 102952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102952 

[6] Acharya, V., & Olivero, J. J. (2018). The kidney as an endocrine organ. Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal, 14(4), 305. https://doi.org/10.14797/mdcj-14-4-305 

[7] Montealegre, C. M., & De Leon, R. L. (2017). Effect of Blumea balsamifera extract on the phase and morphology of calcium oxalate crystals. Asian Journal of Urology, 4(4), 201–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajur.2016.08.009 

[8] Wu, M., Gu, J., Mei, S., Xu, D., Jing, Y., Yao, Q., Chen, M., Yang, M., Chen, S., Yang, B., Qi, N., Hu, H., Wüthrich, R. P., & Mei, C. (2016). Resveratrol delays polycystic kidney disease progression through attenuation of nuclear factor κB-induced inflammation. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 31(11), 1826–1834. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfw058 

[9] Kanlaya, R., & Thongboonkerd, V. (2019). Protective Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate from Green Tea in Various Kidney Diseases. Advances in Nutrition, 10, 112-121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6370267/pdf/nmy077.pdf

[10] Rahimlou, M., Yari, Z., Hekmatdoost, A., Alavian, S. M., & Keshavarz, S. A. (2016). Ginger supplementation in nonalcoholic fatty liver Disease: A randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled pilot study. Hepatitis Monthly, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon.34897 

[11] Bodagh, M. N., Maleki, I., & Hekmatdoost, A. (2018). Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Science and Nutrition, 7(1), 96–108. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.807 

[12] Fadhel, Z. A., & Amran, S. (2002). Effects of black tea extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced lipid peroxidation in liver, kidneys, and testes of rats. Phytotherapy Research, 16(S1), 28–32. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.793 

[13] UCLA (2022) Health (vol. November 14)
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-black-tea#:~:text=Unlike%20other%20teas%2C%20black%20tea%20contains%20caffeine%20%E2%80%94%20about%2050%20to,caffeine%20intake%20under%20400%20milligrams. 

[14] Bjarnadottir, A. (2023) How Much Caffeine in a Cup of Coffee? A Detailed Guide. Healthline Nutrition
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-caffeine-in-coffee

[15] Kang, K. S., Ham, J., Kim, Y., Park, J. H., Cho, E., & Yamabe, N. (2013). Heat-processed Panax ginseng and diabetic renal damage: active components and action mechanism. Journal of Ginseng Research, 37(4), 379–388. https://doi.org/10.5142/jgr.2013.37.379 

[16] Yin, X. (2015). The effect of green tea intake on risk of liver disease: a meta analysis. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4538013/ 

[17] Bagherniya, M., Soleimani, D., Rouhani, M. H., Askari, G., Sathyapalan, T., & Sahebkar, A. (2021). The use of curcumin for the treatment of renal disorders: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. In Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology (pp. 327–343). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_19 

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