Background

Liver flushing is a method claimed to remove gallstones, which accumulate in the gallbladder and/or liver. Liver flushing may be considered a subset of detoxification therapies. Detoxification is a broad concept that encompasses different modalities and substances used in cleansing the body's systems and organs. It is an ancient practice to promote health and has roots in various cultures. Detoxification is not commonly used in conventional Western medicine but is a mainstay of naturopathic medicine and other traditions such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and Western herbal medicine.

Safety Safety definitions

Pregnancy And Lactation: There is insufficient reliable evidence about the safety of liver flushing in pregnancy and lactation. Avoid use.

Effectiveness Effectiveness definitions

There is insufficient reliable evidence about the effectiveness of liver flushing.

Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Dosing & administration

Adverse effects

General: A common adverse effect of liver flushing is diarrhea, which is claimed to have therapeutic purposes.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

None known.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

None known.

Interactions with foods

None known.

Interactions with lab tests

Interactions with diseases

Mechanism of action

Liver flushing results in diarrhea. Advocates believe that this diarrhea may force out as many as 2,000 gallstones.

Proponents of liver flushing claim that parasites and/or bacteria may create gallstones too small to be seen with X-rays. These stones are thought to interfere with the healthy functioning of the gallbladder and liver and result in symptoms such as bursitis and a sluggish metabolism.