Liver leaf was a common plant in ancient times, but fell into disuse in the late 1800s. Recently, its many health benefits and mild properties have been rediscovered. Liver leaf is sometimes called liverwort, though that name technically belongs to a different plant, Marchantia polymorpha. Liver leaf flowers early in the spring. It blooms among buds that are scaly in nature, the leftover growth from the previous year.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Europe, Western Asia, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Astringent, diuretic, detoxifier, hepatoprotective, and used to treat cough and other lung and respiratory problems including swollen mucous membranes
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
Liver leaf may be used as a tincture or tea, both of which can be beneficial for liver cleansing. The flowers and leaves can be used for all respiratory ailments, and are especially good for conditions that are slow healing. When used in large doses, this remedy can be poisonous, so it is best used in small doses.
