Gratitude and an Herbal Reset

Thanksgiving was never meant to be a competitive sport. It wasn’t designed for stress, frantic grocery runs, or a 72-hour cooking marathon that leaves you questioning your life choices. At its core, THANKS-GIVING—the literal act—was about honoring the earth, appreciating the people beside us, and recognizing the delicate balance between giving and receiving.

We take from the land, we give back. We nourish each other, we restore ourselves. We celebrate the season, we slow down enough to feel it.

This is the ancient rhythm most of us have drifted away from.

Modern life is… NOT gentle. Our bodies are bombarded daily with stress, processed food, environmental toxins, sleep disruption, blue-light overload, pollution, alcohol, plastics, fragrances, cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and so many other byproducts of “progress.” And while every system in the body feels that pressure, one organ takes the brunt of it every single day:

Your liver is your frontline worker—filtering, sorting, processing, metabolizing, protecting, and quietly cleaning up everything you throw at it. You don‘t thank it, you don’t high-five it, and you certainly don’t give it the week off.

So this Thanksgiving, instead of demonizing the holiday meal (you’re fine, enjoy the pie), let’s zoom out and focus on what your liver actually needs:

Below, you’ll find two powerful formulas rooted in traditional herbalism and modern practicality: a daily-use liver support tea and a potent liver tonic tincture.

These aren’t “detox gimmicks.” They’re slow, steady, supportive allies—herbs that honor the same balance Thanksgiving is supposed to remind us of.

Liver support starts with bitter roots and protective seeds—the foundational allies that help your body process, filter, and restore. These herbs have been used for centuries, and modern research continues to support the reasons why they are effective.

Each ingredient carries its own purpose:

Dandelion root: Traditionally used to support bile flow, liver/gallbladder pathways, and gentle digestion. (Li et al., 2022)

Milk thistle seed: Supported by both human and animal research for protecting liver cells and improving liver function, especially in fatty-liver disease (Sferra et al., 2025; Neelab et al., 2024). Best extracted when the seeds are lightly crushed.

Turmeric and black peppercorn: A power pairing that reduces inflammation and dramatically boosts curcumin absorption thanks to piperine (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).

Oregon grape root: Classic bitter, naturally antimicrobial, and excellent for supporting slow or sluggish digestion (Fan et al., 2024).

Ribwort plantain: A soothing, antimicrobial ally known for calming irritation and supporting mucous membranes—perfect for rounding out this blend. This sweet plant actually showed up as a random hitchhiker in our yard; I knew nothing about it until I pulled it, dried it, and studied it this past year. It turns out to be packed with magical, powerful qualities I never expected (Rahamouz-Haghighi et al., 2023).

Peppermint & lemon balm: Cooling, calming aromatics that ease gut tension and help settle a stressed system. I’ve also added it for flavor, as my family has made their feelings about my “medicinal blends” very clear. (Allam et al., 2015) – You’re Welcome!

As these herbs mingle—bitter, warm, aromatic—they create a blend that supports the liver gently but effectively, helping you find balance during a season when our bodies are asked to do more than ever.

A quick note on sourcing: not every Frontier Co-op herb is certified organic; however, I have linked the organic options wherever available. If you prefer sticking with Amazon for convenience (and to support us through our affiliate links), those are solid choices.

However, if you’re someone who absolutely needs everything certified organic, Mountain Rose Herbs is another trustworthy option. Just know you’ll be venturing outside Amazon’s cozy comfort zone, lol.

There are many ways to make liver-supporting teas and tinctures, each with its own strengths and traditions. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make the formula your own. And if you do, tag us @SixPtSurvival — I love seeing the blends you create and how you bring herbal wisdom into your home.

Dandelion root: Avoid with gallstones or bile duct obstruction.

Milk thistle: Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae; may affect liver-metabolized meds.

Turmeric & black pepper: Avoid with gallstones, GERD, or blood thinners.

Oregon grape root: Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and small children.

Ribwort plantain: Very safe; avoid if allergic to Plantago species.

Peppermint & lemon balm: Peppermint may worsen reflux; use lemon balm with caution in individuals with hypothyroidism or those taking thyroid medication.

A gentle, earthy tea for everyday resilience.

Daily detox support, digestive aid, and steady liver nourishment.

Bitter, earthy, lightly spicy.

• 1 tsp dandelion root — detox & bile flow

• 1 tsp milk thistle seed (crushed) — cell protection

• 1 tsp turmeric root — anti-inflammatory

• 2-3 whole black peppercorns — increases absorption

• ½ tsp Oregon grape root — bitter, antimicrobial, bile stimulant

• ½ tsp peppermint (and/or) lemon balm — increase palatability

• Optional: squeeze of lemon or dash of cinnamon

1. Place herbs (all but peppermint and lemon balm) in a pot with 1 quart of cold water.

2. Bring to a low simmer.

3. Reduce the heat and decoct for 20–30 minutes, with the lid partially on.

4. Remove from heat.

5. Add Peppermint (and/or) lemon balm. Warm steep for an additional 10 minutes to preserve the active compounds in the delicate leaves.

6. Strain.

7. Sip ½ cup 2–3× daily.

Seed and root extracts are best when lightly crushed and simmered for a longer period—don’t skip this step.

Strong. Targeted. Slowly restorative.

This formula is scaled down for a single 8-oz jar—making it easy, efficient, and potent.

Use an 8-oz/half-pint mason jar.

• 0.25 oz peppermint leaf

• 0.25 oz lemon balm leaf

Total herb weight: ~2.5 oz (perfect for an 8-oz jar with 1″ headspace for alcohol)

Use 80-proof vodka or brandy (40% alcohol). You’ll need 6–7 oz to fully cover the herbs.

1. Add herbs to the jar.

2. Cover with alcohol by 1 inch.

3. Cap, label, shake daily.

4. Steep 4–6 weeks.

5. Strain → bottle → label.

1. Add herbs + alcohol to a heat-safe jar.

2. Place the jar in a double boiler or water bath.

3. Maintain 120–140°F for 6–8 hours.

4. Cool completely.

5. Strain → bottle.

6. Label as: “Warm Extraction (~75–80% strength)”

⚠️ Do not exceed 150°F. High heat damages silymarin, aromatics, and mucilage.

Take 30–60 drops (1–2 mL) before meals 2–3× daily

You’ll end up with about 6 oz of finished tincture—enough for 1–2 months of support.

✨ Love these recipes? Get our printable Six Point Recipe Cards emailed to you – ready to print and brew!

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a performance. It doesn’t have to be frantic. It doesn’t have to pull you off balance.

• a return to gratitude,

• a reconnection with the earth,

• and a moment to honor the body that carries you.

Supporting your liver isn’t a trend—it’s a thank-you. A reminder to slow down, breathe, and give your body the same care you give your family and your land.

This content is for educational purposes only. We are not medical professionals, and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new herbal or nutritional regimen. Use caution when sourcing wild or foraged ingredients — avoid areas near roadsides or those that have been treated with pesticides.

Allam, S., Krueger, D., Demir, I. E., Ceyhan, G., Zeller, F., & Schemann, M. (2015). Extracts from peppermint leaves, lemon balm leaves and in particular angelica roots mimic the pro-secretory action of the herbal preparation STW 5 in the human intestine. Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, 22(12), 1063–1070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2015.08.008

Li, Y., Chen, Y., & Sun-Waterhouse, D. (2022). The potential of dandelion in the fight against gastrointestinal diseases: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115272

Samaneh Rahamouz-Haghighi, Khadijeh Bagheri, & Ali Sharafi. (2023). Antibacterial Activities and Chemical Compounds of Plantago lanceolata (Ribwort Plantain) and Plantago major (Broadleaf Plantain) Leaf Extracts. Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research, 9(3), 183–200.

Thomas J Sferra, M. P. G. D. C. (2025). Milk Thistle Clinical Trial in Pediatric NAFLD. In Pilot Study of Milk Thistle for the Treatment of Pediatric Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Ying Fan, Zhu Zhou, & Lei Zhang. (2024). Effect of Oregon grape root extracts on P-glycoprotein mediated transport in in vitro cell lines. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 26. https://doi.org/10.3389/jpps.2023.11927

Using our affiliate links helps keep our herbs harvested, our tinctures brewing, and this little corner of herbal education alive — all at no extra cost to you.

🌿 High-Quality Dried Herbs: Look for organic, single-ingredient herbs from trusted suppliers. Skip the cheap mystery blends.

⚖️ Kitchen Scale (Accurate to 0.01 oz): Essential for tincture work so your ratios stay tight and repeatable.

🥄 Mortar & Pestle: Old-school, reliable, and gives you the perfect light crush without turning everything into powder.

🌀 Hand-Crank Grinder: A simple, traditional way to break down herbs while keeping control over texture.

☕ Electric Grinder: Fast and efficient when you need roots and seeds broken down right now—just dedicate one to herbs only.

🫙 Half-Pint Mason Jars: Perfect size for 8-oz tinctures or storing dried herbs. Heat-safe if you choose the warm extraction method. I am not going to lie, I often save random glass jars from food and use whatever I have on hand. If the jar is too big, no worries; the extra headspace won’t cause any problems. Just make sure your herbs are covered. I would rather have more room than run out of space.

🔥 Double Boiler Setup: Keeps temperatures steady and prevents you from frying your herbs (and your liver medicine).

📝 Sticker Labels: Future You will thank Present You for not mixing up your jars.

If you’re just starting your herbal journey, this little lineup will save you frustration, wasted herbs, and “what jar was this again?” moments. Trust me—I’ve made every one of these mistakes, so you don’t have to.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to get outside, reconnect, and reset — this is it. The forest is calling. Your spirit knows the way.

— Courtnie, Six Point Survival

Like this? Get more. Watch us on YouTube and join the monthly newsletter for new skills, gear picks, and trip updates.

 ⬇️ Support the Adventure Here ⬇️