'We need to negotiate with the liver' this is a quote often heard by myself when I am advising on congestion of the skin and menstrual issues. Believe it or not the liver plays a huge role in menstrual health.

The liver has a multitude of functions, we know it purifies the blood and supports bile production from the Gall Bladder but it is also a major organ that stores the blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine the liver also has connections with sinews and muscles, eyes, skin (in the form of congestion) and it houses what is known as the Ethereal Soul (more on this later).

Energetically, the liver supports the intestines and the spleen (another organ linked with female health). The liver's emotions link with anger, frustration, resentment and bitterness - all that can cause inflammation and physical weakness in the systems and organs mentioned above.

The liver nourishes sinews, muscles and the skin. Stagnation in the liver will reflect on the skin, after all it is also one of the major elimination organs, if overloaded it will throw out in the skin.

The Ethereal soul is responsible for plans, motivation and direction in life , it is also facilitates kindness towards oneself and others- a person whom has no direction or motivation is thought to have a weak Ethereal soul - a weak liver energy.

One of the many issues clients come to me for to advise is, Menstrual issues including Endometriosis, PCOS, PMT, Amenorrhoea etc These are not clear cut symptoms in energy medicine as there are so many underlying contributions including miasma, pathogens, diet but the liver is the one of the most important things to negotiate with when treating these conditions.

For example stagnation in the liver links with scanty flow and amenorrhoea, excessive fire/heat in the liver links with heavy, painful flow with clots (this along with frequency pathogen relationships are key when understanding why this is happening).

How hormones metabolise through the liver is another factor, including xenoestrogens ( external synthetic or natural plant hormones). The classic quote ' I have hormonal acne' is not particularly true - it is more about the biological terrain of the lymphatic system and the hormonal metabolites from the liver that is the cause. Things are not as clear cut as they seem and it takes more than a topical cream to make things right!

The skin is a barometer of the internal terrain and treating from within is fundamental to overall wellbeing.

So how do we negotiate with the liver?

A diet that includes food to heal and protect the liver are advised - Click here for a link to foods advised from Medical News

Liver Rescue is one of MRL Hero products a beautiful and gentle liver detox and cleanse with a selected blend of herbal extracts and powders, plus vitamins – choline, biotin, artichoke, garlic, burdock root, parsley leaf, N-Acetyl L- Cysteine, beetroot, liquorice root, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), fennel seed, turmeric, ginger root, cayenne and dandelion root. - a stunning concoction of liver goodness!

Milk Thistle is another popular herb to tonify and support the liver function as well as being a great liver protector.

There are also some amazing liver homeopathic remedies that I recommend for specific concerns but these are only available via prescription so a consultation will be needed.

Clearly looking at your lifestyle is another key factor, alcohol, recreational drugs and medication bypass the gut and go directly to the liver so limit what you are placing in your body (unless prescribed meds) but also support with Liver Rescue and Milk Thistle.

Hydration is also key, especially intracellular hydration - Spectramin and Rehydration are my go to ionic duo!

Breath work is also key - energetic forces from the lungs feed the liver, also as explained above the liver houses the ethereal soul but the lungs house the corporal soul the pair together are our energetic and spiritual essence. Keeping a check on your emotions and breathe.. connect with nature and step away from digital stress!