The Best Essential Oils for Liver Detox: Cleanse your liver with these nourishing oils

Your liver performs around 500 tasks throughout the day to keep you comfortable and running.

We love taking care of the body in the form of fitness, skincare, hair treatment and other external ways.
We seldom realize that cleansing your body internally, can show a fundamental change in your everyday health. 

The benefits of cleansing your liver extend from melting away the fat in your body and eliminating harmful toxins in your blood to preventing life threatening diseases. 

Oils hold excellent potential to cleanse and detox your internal organs (especially your liver). Nature offers us a wide variety of essential oils to experiment with. Let’s find out which one fits you like a glove. 

 

 

1. Essential Oils And Liver Detox: The What And How

Using essential oils for liver detox is a powerful way to restart your liver and cleanse it naturally. We consume a variety of oils as a part of our everyday routine.

However, not all of these oils are healthy for your liver and heart. A select number of oils with the right combination of natural and vegetable extracts are good for your health. These oils provide you with the right amount of health and balance that you require to detox your liver. 

Before we start off, these few tips will help you attain the maximum benefits that the essential oils offer. 

1. Using essential oils to detox liver isn’t a standalone cure. Regular sleep, balanced diet, exercise and hydration offer the support required for your liver while cleansing it with essential oils. 
2. Be skeptical while using essential oils especially if you have allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or under medical treatment. 
3. Ensure a clear bowel before usage. 

That isn’t all. Essential Oils aren’t a new fad or the current TikTok Sensation.

As a part of ancient traditions, Essential Oils were blended and stored for almost every medicinal purpose. Plant extracts and Plant blends are one of the most famous cures from our ancient days. 

You might find mentions of essential oils in 

1. Aromatherapy 
2. Religious Ceremonies 
3. Ayurveda 
4. Ancient skincare remedies 
5. Culinary sciences

Skim through this article and you’ll find hidden treasure deeply rooted in our traditions. 

 

 

2. List Of Essential Oils For Liver Cleanse

1. Rosemary 
2. Juniper
3. Lemon
4. Grapefruit
5. Peppermint
6. Ginger 
7. Geranium 
8. Oregano 
9. Fennel 
10. Carrot Seed
11. German Chamomile 
12. Cypress 

Let’s talk about a few of these oils and how they will aid your liver cleanse. 

2.1. Rosemary

Rosemary oil is one of the most potent oils while cleansing your liver. Rosemary oil works like magic in aiding to cleanse your blood by getting rid of the harmful toxins. (1)

 

Rosemary is derived from the words ‘ros’ meaning dew and ‘marinus’ meaning sea - ‘Dew of the Sea’. Here’s why Rosemary is the absolute essential oil for cleansing your liver. 

1. Rosemary is diuretic - meaning that it helps in boosting the rate at which water leaves your body, leaving space for hydration while also flushing out harmful toxins, fat and pathogens. 
2. It helps to regulate the bile juice generation and flow within your liver. 
3. After flushing out the dangerous toxins and pathogens from your liver, it boosts the function of the organ. 

 

 

2.2. Juniper

Juniperus Communis (Juniper) berries look similar to blueberries but are richer and healthier than them.
They contain nearly 87 chemical compounds which act as antioxidants. Juniper oil is one of the key essential oils in providing a liver cleanse.

Let’s dig deeper into the benefits it offers. (1) 

1. Juniper helps as a digestive aid and for proper flow of the bile juice into your stomach
2. It naturally stimulates the natural detoxification and other bodily processes. (1)
3. Juniper is famous for its lasting impact on the skin. 
4. One of the hidden benefits is that Juniper oil stimulates weight loss. (2)

 

 

2.3. Lemon

Immunity is one of the most important factors to look out for while cleansing your liver.

Bodies with strong immune systems, automatically cleanse their livers from time to time. Here are a few benefits of Lemon Essential Oil. (3)

1. Helps in Boosting your immunity 
2. High in vitamins and antioxidants
3. Effective in promoting liver health 
4. Improves skin toning and brightening
5. Perfect solution for digestion problems and weight loss.

 

 

 

2.4. Grapefruit

Grapefruit oil is an essential oil blend for liver detox. A special mention for grapefruit.

Grapefruit essential oil is loaded with antioxidants.
Naturally, Grapefruit is known to be an antiviral and antiseptic, making it the best choice for your liver cleanse. (4)

Here are other interesting facts you might want to know:

1. Grapefruit essential oil is special because it additionally contains another primary ingredient called ‘limonene’. Limonene is known for scavenging radicals in your blood. 
   
   
2. Naturally, Grapefruit is known to be an antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic, making it the best choice for your liver cleanse. 
   
   
3. Increasing your lymphatic system circulation and hence causing toxin removal is an added benefit.
   
   
4. Enhance detoxification of your liver through skin, urinary tract, liver and lymphatic system. 

 

 

 

2.5. Peppermint 

Peppermint oil has mostly been used externally for many years (majorly to cure insect bites).
However, lately it has been prescribed for internal usage as well. One of the major components of peppermint oil is menthol. 

Interestingly, a study conducted by scientists investigated the effects of peppermint oil on rats, and the results were astounding. (5)

In a few cases, slight damage was noticed in the liver cell membrane of the rats. It was found that peppermint oil is effective only when used in moderation. 

Setting aside the study, peppermint oil has its own set of benefits to offer for liver cleansing:

1. One of the strongest essential oils to be beneficial for liver cleanse
2. Strengthens your immune system to build up resistance against liver-threatening effects of food, beverages and other factors
3. Increases Blood circulation to speed up the purification process of toxins. 
4. Eases bodily discomforts such as nausea, indigestion, gas and constipation. 
5. Internally helps in glowing up your skin by enhancing organ health.

 

 

2.6. Ginger

Ginger root contains strong compounds that benefit your liver. Let’s find out how it might help your liver. Notable compounds include: Gingerols, Shogoals and others which help to control inflammation in the Human Liver.

They slow down cell damage due to aging and other wearing off effects which might occur due to drinking. 

Ginger essential oil is beneficial to us.A few benefits of the beneficial essential oil include:

1. Oxidizing and Anti-inflammatory properties to soothe your liver during rough tides. 
2. Helps in fighting against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). (6) 
3. A one-stop solution for stomach-ache during liver damage, bowel problems and flatulence. 

Image source: The Amino Company

 

 

2.7. Clove 

Cloves are one of the finest spices in the world. What you didn’t know was that Clove essential oil works like magic for your liver detox.

Cloves promote liver health and decrease the chances of liver failure. Many say that drinking clove water improves your immune system multiple fold. It even protects against infection and a few types of flu.

Read further to know more benefits of clove for your liver.

1. Cloves contain a compound called ‘ Eugenol’ which reduces the chance of contracting fatty liver disease and even liver cirrhosis. 
2. Clove Essential oil (much like rosemary essential oil) has an iron-chelating impact on your cells which helps them preserve the DNA. 
3. Clove ranks among one of the highest antioxidant values as its capability according to a study published in 2010. (7)
4. It contains vitamins and minerals such as manganese, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium. 

2.8. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most famous ingredients for cleansing or detoxing your liver.
Turmeric is a very famous anti-oxidant which is known to purify your bloodstream to give you lasting effects - both in your liver and overall health.

Turmeric green tea is a popular recipe to try out if you’re looking to consume turmeric as a part of your daily diet. 

 

Turmeric essential oil is something special. Want to know how? Read below:

1. Turmeric essential oil contains ‘sesquiterpenes’. These are tiny molecules that help clear out the enzymatic pathways for hepatic cells. 7
   
   
2. Turmeric is well known for its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties - making it the perfect choice for liver cleanse and detox. 
   
   
3. It helps with bringing balance to your hormones and leveling out inflamed tissues in the body after regular usage. 
   
   
4. Additional benefits of turmeric include: improved digestion, reduced bloating due to gas, constipation and other effects which might occur in case of a damaged liver. 

 

Recommended Reading: How Much Turmeric You Should Take For Liver Detox?

 

 

3. How To Use Essential Oils For Your Liver?

Essential oils are an excellent solution to detox your liver and upgrade to a higher tier of health.
However, it might not be a cakewalk for everyone.

For starters, using essential oils can mean that you’re using an entirely different essential oil liver detox recipe and set of ingredients while cooking your everyday food.
To avoid this confusion, you can refer to these one of the most commonly used recipes while using essential oils. 

Essential oils can be consumed through two major means. Diffusion and topical application.. 

Diffusion

Diffusion is a way of consuming essential oils through air as a medium.
Diffusers are sold across the world which spread out the essence into the air. One or two drops of essential oil are used in the diffuser for around 30-40 mins. However, the downside of using diffusers is that inhaling too long can cause harm to your lungs. Caution is advised while using diffusers. 

External Application

Essential Oils are mostly famous for their topical application on the human body. Essential oils are applied on the abdomen (Liver region). It is very easy to locate. Massage the area with an essential oil just below your ribs towards your right hand side.
Essential oils are usually mixed with an individual carrier oil of your choice.

Directions of Usage: 

1. Mix one drop of the essential oil with one tablespoon of the carrier oil. 
2. Apply the oil on your abdomen region as guided above. 
3. If your body responds well, you’re allowed to increase the concentration of essential oil over the carrier. 

Be careful not to exceed more than two drops in one tablespoon of carrier oil. Do not consume/ingest essential oils into your body unless a doctor prescribes them. 

Check out one of the most famous essential oil blends with an added sweetener for you in the end. 

 

 

4. Essential Oil Blends for Liver Detox Recipes

 

Blend 1

1. Juniper
2. Clove
3. Thyme
4. Fennel
5. Coriander
6. Lemon

Directions of Use:

1. Take 5 drops of each essential oil and blend with 20ml of carrier oil together.
2. Make sure that the mixture is properly aligned with other oils. 
3. Apply one tablespoon at a time on your abdomen region. 

Highlights of the blend:

Enjoy the digestive specialities of Fennel paired with radical capabilities of Juniper in one blend.
Lemon essential oil as an added cherry on top aids your immune system with its high concentration of vitamins and antioxidants. 

 

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Blend 2

1. Peppermint
2. Carrot Seed
3. Rosemary
4. Ginger
5. Geranium
6. Pine

Directions of use:

1. Take 5 drops of each essential oil and blend with 20ml of carrier oil together.
2. Make sure that the mixture is properly aligned with other oils. 
3. Apply one tablespoon at a time on your abdomen region. 

Highlights of the blend:

Blissful rosemary blended with the goodness of geranium to aid your bile ducts. Carrot Seed essential oil to repair your damaged liver cells and help them regenerate. If you’re using the oils for fatty liver disease, the ginger oil will be the savior for you. 

 

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Blend 3

1. Carrot Seed 
2. Cypress
3. German Chamomile
4. Juniper
5. Rosemary
6. Geranium
7. Ginger

Directions to use:

1. Take 5 drops of each essential oil and blend with 20ml of carrier oil together.
2. Make sure that the mixture is properly aligned with other oils. 
3. Apply one tablespoon at a time on your abdomen region. 

Highlights of the Blend:

German Chamomile is magical. It is even used as a tea to calm people during anxiety hours. Cypress as a diuretic works its way by flushing out harmful toxins from your bloodstream. Juniper - a purifying elixir is the star of the show. 

 

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Special Blend

As we promised, here’s a special blend - a sweetener to cleanse your liver with a heavenly touch. 

Ingredients:

1. Carrot Seed Essential Oil 
2. Cypress Essential oil 
3. Geranium Essential Oil 
4. Rosemary Essential Oil 
5. German Chamomile Essential Oil 
6. Ginger Essential Oil 
7. Juniper Essential Oil 

Directions of Use:

1. Add 3 drops of carrot seed and German Chamomile Essential Oil, 4 drops of cypress and juniper essential oil, 5 drops of geranium and rosemary essential oil and 6 drops of ginger essential oil to an empty 1 oz bottle. 
2. Fill in the rest of the bottle with a carrier oil. In this case, oils like sweet almond and coconut oil (fractionated) are recommended. 
3. Blend the mixture gently. 
4. Spread the essential oil blend right below your right ribs and middle of your back. 
5. Preferred times of usage are:
   A. Right after waking up. 
   B. Just before going to sleep. 

 

Highlights of the Blend: 

Cell repair and regeneration capabilities of the carrot seed oil paired up with ginger oil to reduce fatty liver complications. Not to forget Geranium - to help your liver expand it’s bile ducts

We’re not done. You can try this Liver tonic to improve your overall liver function and health. 

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Liver Tonic

Ingredients:

1. Slices of Lemon
2. Chamomile Hydrolat 
3. Warm Water

 

Directions:

1. Start your day with a glass of warm water. Add a slice of lemon to boost the nutrients and give it a tangy taste.
2. Add in around 2-4 drops of Chamomile Hydrolat to a glass of water. Have this mixture throughout the day to keep your body running on antioxidants. 
3. You can alter the dosage of the essential oil depending on how much you can take in at once. Start with 2 drops and advance as you go.
4. Make sure the water is at room temperature so that it becomes easier for your body to absorb. 

 

 

5. Precautions While Using Essential Oils:

Few things to keep in mind while using essential oils 

 

Ingestion:

Most essential oils are not for internal consumption. It is advisable not to ingest essential oils into your body unless a doctor recommends you to. It requires the expertise of a trained professional to judge how much of a particular essential oil we need to consume. 

 

Dilution

Remember that too much of anything can be dangerous. Incase of essential oils, even a drop of excess essential oil can be harmful, even lethal for you. Carrier oils are used for diluting essential oils for external application in usual scenarios. 

What are carrier oils? Carrier oils are basically vegetable based oils which are blended with concentrated essential oils to increase the quantity and reduce the concentration. 

 

Patch Test

Remember that not all skins react the same way to substances around us. Doing a patch test is advisable. No matter how diluted the essential oil is. 

What is a patch test? A patch test is applying a small amount of diluted essential oil to your skin to see how your skin reacts. 

Directions to conduct a patch test:

1. Wash the area of skin you want to test. (Preferably your forearm)
2. Dry the skin with a towel 
3. Rub a few drops of the diluted essential oil you wish to apply.
4. Let it rest for 24 hours.

If you’re lucky enough to not notice any effects like blisters, swollen skin or itchiness, you can proceed to use the essential oil. 

 

Pregnancy

Not all essential oils are good for you during your pregnancy. Oils such as Camphor, Wormwood, Hyssop and Parsley seed are not good for usage during pregnancy. 

However, many studies have shown that few essential oils are good for calming anxiety during pregnancy. Pick the right essential oil and use it the right way. 

 

 Infants and Children 

Infants have very sensitive skin due to their thin layer. Consulting a healthcare professional before using essential oils is mandatory. The usual age when children can use essential oils is after they turn 2 years old. 

Even after a child is 2 years or older, their skin remains to be comparatively sensitive to foreign substances. For the same reason, it is advisable to use a much more diluted version of the same oils. 

 

 

 

6. End Note

Essential oils are a boon for us. They’re proof that ancient traditions were way more advanced than we were today.
Their nourishing properties are endless when it comes to liver cleansing and detoxification.

Popular oils offer many benefits such as liver cell regeneration, Fatty Liver treatment, Bile juice production and many more. 

However, caution is must when we’re dealing with concentrated liquids on our skin and in our body. A healthcare professional is your best friend in such cases. Remember to keep in mind that essential oils do not work the same for everyone.