The Wisdom of the Liver
The liver is often referred to in many ancient wellness systems as a place where anger, frustration, and stagnation can be held or processed. This is not a scientific-medical explanation, but rather an energetic way of understanding how emotions can be felt in and influence the body.
Right now, I’ve been experiencing a lot of personal inner rage at the state of the world. I know I am not alone in feeling this. It feels like many of us are carrying more than we can easily process. Therefore, I find myself returning to a simple practice, that of taking care of my liver.
The liver is the body’s largest internal organ and one of its most vital processing centres. It performs over 500 functions, including filtering blood, producing bile, supporting metabolism, and helping the body process medications, hormones, and environmental pollutants. It is located in the upper right side of the abdomen and holds a significant portion of the body’s blood supply at any given moment.
One of the most remarkable things about the liver is its ability to regenerate. Even after significant injury or partial removal, it has the capacity to regrow and restore its function over time. In fact, it can regenerate much of its mass within weeks to months, depending on its condition and overall health. The human body is truly extraordinary.
From a scientific perspective, the liver already has its own detoxification systems built in. However, we are living in a world where our livers are constantly processing a wide range of inputs—from highly processed foods, alcohol, medications, stress hormones, and environmental pollutants. The intention here is not to overwhelm or “fix” the body, but to support it where we can.
One gentle nightly ritual I return to is a castor oil pack over the liver area. Castor oil has been used in Ayurvedic and other long-standing healing systems for centuries as a supportive external practice. While research is still limited and it is not considered a medical treatment, many people use it as part of their self-care rituals for rest and relaxation.
We also need to be mindful not to dismiss plants and ancestral plant knowledge as “woo woo” simply because modern science has not studied every aspect of them. At the same time, it is important to hold both respect for traditional use and clarity about what is scientifically established.
The liver is also deeply connected, in many traditional systems, to the energetic season of Spring—associated with expansion, growth, and movement. This is a time when many people feel a desire for change, release, and renewal.
When liver energy feels out of balance in these systems, it is often described as showing up as irritability, frustration, or feeling emotionally “stuck.” From a physiological lens, when the liver is under strain, it can also impact energy regulation, digestion, and overall vitality.
Supporting the liver doesn’t have to be complicated. Gentle movement like yoga twists, walking, and deep breathing practices can support circulation and relaxation in the body.
Alongside castor oil packs, I also work with herbal support. I take a tincture from St. Francis Herb Farm called Hepato DR. It is quite bitter—and I’ve come to understand bitterness in food as something deeply supportive for digestion and bile production. Bitter plants have long been used to stimulate digestive secretions and support the body’s natural processing systems. We live in a culture that often avoids bitterness, but there is something important about it. It wakes the body up. It supports digestion. It brings us back into balance.
There is also a growing conversation around practices like Intermittent Fasting. I notice that my own body responds differently than what is often recommended. For me, fasting can feel activating in a way that is not supportive, so I’ve learned to listen to that. Some forms of gentle time-restricted eating feel okay, but I no longer force practices that disconnect me from my body’s cues. If Intermittent Fasting works for you, by all means, use this as a way to support your liver health.
We don’t need to overwhelm ourselves with extremes in order to be well. Sometimes the most powerful medicine is learning to listen more closely, soften our approach, and return to simple, consistent care. The body is not something to conquer—it is something to be in relationship with. And when we begin to support it with presence, patience, and respect, we often find that it has been working for us all along.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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