6 Essential Oils for a Healthy Liver

Most people are familiar with using essential oils for their bath and beauty benefits, but few are aware of the profound healing properties of oils. Pure essential oils, extracted without the use of harsh solvents or diluted with cheaper quality oils, are among the most powerful natural medicines available. They can even help protect and heal the liver, which is involved in over 500 different functions in the body, from regulating hormones to filtering toxic substances, and even helping with weight management. Here are some of my preferred essential oils for a healthy liver:

COPAIBA

A tree found in the Brazilian rainforest, copaiba has been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to its beta-caryophyllene (BCP) content. Research in the British Journal of Nutrition found that BCP helps protect the liver against damage. For this purpose, copaiba essential oil is taken internally, usually 2 drops 2 to 3 times daily. Of course, be sure that the essential oil you select is suitable for internal use since most are not. And, choose a variety that is sustainably harvested through tapping the copaiba trees, rather than chopping down these important rainforest medicines.

GERANIUM

Not just beautiful flowering plants for your garden, geranium also provides a fragrant essential oil that has many healing properties, including stimulating the function of the liver. It can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied topically to the liver region (see Ledum for details). 

LAVENDER

According to aromatherapy expert and author of Advanced Aromatherapy, Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD, lavender normalizes the blood sugar output by the liver. He recommends one or two drops taken internally about 15 minutes prior to a meal to achieve these results.

LEDUM

Also known as Greenland Moss, Ledum (Ledum groenlandicum) contains a couple of compounds known for the liver detoxification and regenerative properties: dipentene and beta-selinene. Ledum is best used in a blend with geranium, peppermint and lemon essential oils, and diluted in a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, and rubbed over the liver area a few times daily for a month. The liver is situated just under the lower ribs on the right side of the body.

LEMON

Lemon essential oil has been used by aromatherapists for many years to help cleanse and protect the liver from harmful free radicals. It can be incorporated into a blend that is diluted with a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil and rubbed onto the liver region a few times daily for a month.

PEPPERMINT

According to French medical aromatherapy, peppermint is beneficial for strengthening and regenerating the liver, making it an excellent choice. For this purpose, one or two drops are traditionally used on the tongue. Because it is used internally, it is important to select an essential oil suitable for internal use, for which many are not.

Using Essential Oils

There are many ways to use essential oils, including diffusing them or mixing them with water and spraying into the air for the purpose of inhalation, applying topically, or ingesting. In my more than 25 years of experience, I have found that topical and ingestion of one or more of the above oils tends to yield the best results for liver health. However, not all oils are suitable for ingestion so please use only those indicated above for oral use. Additionally, use only oils that clearly indicate their suitability for internal use. Oils like copaiba and peppermint tend to be good choices for this purpose.

Regardless which method you choose, make sure you select high quality, pure, undiluted essential oils. While you may end up diluting the oils yourself, most of the oils on the market are diluted in less-than-desirable oils. High quality oils cost more than the cheap varieties on the market but are worth the increased price. Many cheap varieties can also contain synthetic versions of the oils, which offer no therapeutic value and may actually be harmful. But, worse than that, many cheap oils are adulterated with solvents used during the extraction process or toxic pesticides used in the growing process of the herbs from which the oils are extracted.

After diluting the oil in carrier oil, always conduct a 48-hour patch test on a small inconspicuous part of your skin to determine whether you have any sensitivity to the essential oils. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications without the guidance of your physician. Use essential oils with caution and the advice of a qualified natural health practitioner during pregnancy.