Hepatitis C is a chronic infection of the liver caused by HCV, or hepatitis C virus. Most people infected with HCV have no symptoms during its early stages. Signs and symptoms of liver damage could be first noticed many years following exposure to the hepatitis C virus. Patients with chronic hepatitis C often turn to Ayurvedic herbs for treatment, but always consult your doctor before taking any herb or herbal supplement.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a common herbal product that has long been used medicinally. The fruits and seeds of milk thistle are the medicinal parts of the plant. Milk thistle has been reported to enhance liver function and increase survival in patients with chronic hepatitis C, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The major functional ingredient of milk thistle is silymarin, which is believed to be responsible for the herb's medicinal qualities.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a family of plants. The two most commonly used species are Asian ginseng and American ginseng. Ginseng species are widely used for their purported therapeutic effects in the prevention and treatment of liver and bile ailments. The current biological findings of ginseng also suggest that ginseng can interfere with the growth and proliferation of hepatitis C virus when given intravenously, but more research is needed to support these claims, according to National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, a family of steroids named steroidal saponins, which are suspected to be responsible for its pharmacological actions against hepatitis C.
Licorice
Licorice, also known as "sweet root," has been used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages for thousands of years. Licorice-based products are said to treat a great variety of illness ranging from sore throat to liver disease, according to the University of Michigan Health System. There is some evidence that some of the chemicals in licorice root may be beneficial in treating hepatitis C, but more research is needed before reaching any conclusions. The healing properties of licorice root are attributed to its major functional component, which is glycyrrhizin.
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