8 traditional Indian drinks considered best for liver health and how to make them

When it comes to the hardest-working organs, the liver plays a key role. From working as a natural detoxifier to filtering out toxins, chemicals, alcohol, and waste from the bloodstream, it also supports digestion by producing bile, helps regulate blood sugar levels, stores essential vitamins and minerals, and manages cholesterol and fat metabolism. But sadly, the erratic lifestyle habits and random eating habits have placed the liver health at risk. It is said that by adding the right foods and drinks, one can help boost liver health. Take a look at these traditional Indian drinks considered best for liver health.

This simple juice is Ayurveda’s most powerful liver-healing fruit because it is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and natural detoxifying compounds. Vitamin C and polyphenols content found in amla help fight oxidative stress, protecting liver cells from damage caused by toxins, pollution, and poor diet. It is also said that amla helps reduce fat accumulation in the liver, making it beneficial for people with fatty liver. As per a study titled Hepatoprotective properties of the Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn): a review, amla is reported to impart beneficial effects on liver function and to mitigate hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome. Amla possesses protective effects against chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in animal models of study.
How to make: Take 2 amla, wash and deseed. Blend into juice along with a cup of water. Add some lemon juice and salt and drink it on an empty stomach.

Curcumin in turmeric helps protect liver cells from oxidative stress and aids regeneration. As per a YouTube video by Dr Hansa Yogendra, turmeric is a wonder spice. It helps in healing the liver from damage and also boosts enzymes and thereby reduces the load on liver cells. She suggests either you consume turmeric at night by putting it in milk or in the morning, take little honey, put little turmeric and make a paste out of it and eat it.
How to make: Boil a glass of milk and while boiling, add a pinch of turmeric to it along with pepper to get maximum benefits.

According to Sadhguru, having methi water in the morning helps regulate fat metabolism and reduces fat accumulation in the liver, which further keeps the liver related issues away. They are traditionally known to support liver function due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties. They contain compounds like flavonoids and polyphenols that help reduce oxidative stress, which can protect liver cells from damage.
How to make: Soak 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water. Cover it overnight and next morning strain and drink it on an empty stomach.

Dr. Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj has mentioned in his Instagram post that regular black coffee drinkers have less risk of liver disease, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. Coffee's antioxidants protect liver enzymes and reduce inflammation, he adds. For better liver health, he recommends having sugar-free, cream-free and milk-free coffee. The study titled Coffee and Liver Disease, states that coffee consumption is associated with improvement in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and GGTP), especially in individuals with risk for liver disease. Coffee intake of more than 2 cups per day in patients with preexisting liver disease has been shown to be associated with lower incidence of fibrosis and cirrhosis, lower hepatocellular carcinoma rates, as well as decreased mortality. The study also states that there is experimental evidence that coffee with high CGA concentrations can modulate glucose intolerance and improve/decrease nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development in obese rats.

Regular black coffee helps lower the accumulation of fat in the liver, making it beneficial for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

How to make: Boil 2 cups of water, add 1 tbsp instant coffee powder, let it brew for 5 minutes. Once done, drink it slowly.

It is packed with betalains, which are powerful antioxidants that can protect level cells and reduce fat accumulation. Dr Shubham also states that beetroot's beta lanes and nitrates activate liver detox enzymes which break down liver fat and support healing. He recommends that half a glass of fresh beetroot juice is enough. And later warns that kidney stones and low blood pressure patients should be cautious of the juice. The study titled Comparing effects of beetroot juice and Mediterranean diet on liver enzymes and sonographic appearance in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized control trials, states that beetroot juice holds potential as an effective treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
How to make: Take 2 beetroot, remove the peel wash them, and cut into small cubes. Add them to a juicer or a food processor, along with some ginger and mint leaves. Extract the juice, top it with some salt and pepper. Drink it fresh.

With context to green tea, he states that green tea contains catechins and EGCG compounds which reduce liver fat and inflammation. 3-4 cups of brewed green tea is safe and beneficial, he claims and warns to avoid high-dose green tea extract as it can increase liver stress. According to a study published by PMC and titled Therapeutic benefits of green tea extract on various parameters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, it is said that Green tea extract (GTE) therapy helps in significant improvement in metabolic, chemical, inflammatory and radiological parameters of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients who were non-diabetic and dyslipidemia. It is also mentioned in the study that green tea contains thousands of bioactive compounds out of which one third is contributed by polyphenols which are mostly flavonoids. Catechins are one of the main flavonoids in green tea has recently attracted attention for its use in various diseases due to its anti-aging, anti-cancer, anti-parkinsonism, anti-stroke, anti diabetic, anti-caries and anti anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-atherosclerotic properties.

How to make: Boil 2 cups of water, add 1 tea bag of green tea. Switch of the flame. Let it brew for 5 minutes. Now, remove the tea bag, add lemon juice and honey. Enjoy it warm.

Dr. Joseph Salhab, an expert in digestion, liver, pancreas & nutrition, states that pomegranate juice contains an antioxidant called Punicalagin, which aids liver fat processing and supports healthy perfusion. This powerful compound also helps reduce oxidative stress within liver cells, making the organ more efficient at detoxification and overall metabolic balance.

How to make: Take 2 medium-sized pomegranates, de-seed them, add in a blender and pulse for 20 seconds. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp. Pour in a glass, add a pinch of black salt and enjoy. This simple preparation ensures you get maximum antioxidants without unnecessary sugars or additives.

As per Dr. Joseph Salhab's Instagram post, curcumin found in turmeric and gingerol antioxidants of ginger help promote bile flow and help with fatty liver and keep it healthy.
How to make: Boil 1 cup of water, add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 inch ginger. Bring it to a boil and strain, Add 1 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp lemon juice. Stir and serve hot.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.