Numerous herbs may help treat cirrhosis of the liver. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. Cirrhosis is characterized by the replacement of healthy liver tissue with scar tissue. Before taking herbs to help treat your liver cirrhosis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb that may be effective for treating your liver cirrhosis. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health problems, especially liver problems. Silymarin, which is found in the seeds, or fruit, of the milk thistle plant, is believed to be the biologically active substance in this herb that is responsible for its anti-fibrotic effect. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that milk thistle is used to treat most liver diseases, including hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis. Before taking milk thistle for your liver cirrhosis, talk with your doctor about proper dosage and possible side effects.
Licorice Root
Licorice root, which grows wild in certain parts of Europe and Asia, is an herb that may help treat your liver cirrhosis. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a flavorful herb that has been used in food and medicinal remedies for thousands of years. The root of the plant is used medicinally in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat numerous health problems ranging from the common cold to liver disease. According to Tilgner, licorice root is demulcent, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, nutritive, antioxidant, immunomodulator, mildly laxative and hepatoprotective, meaning it is a substance that protects your liver. Tilgner notes that licorice root is used for liver disorders and certain conditions in which you have abnormally high levels of liver enzymes. Before taking licorice root for your liver cirrhosis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Bupleurum
Bupleurum is another herb that may be beneficial for liver cirrhosis. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, bupleurum, also known as Bupleurum chinense, is a common herb used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Bupleurum is frequently prescribed in combination with other herbs to treat numerous health problems, including colds, fever, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders and chronic liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis. The root of the plant is used medicinally. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that bupleurum has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to treat liver disorders. The UMMC cites a study in which a formulation containing bupleurum appeared to decrease the risk of liver cancer in people with cirrhosis. Before taking bupleurum for your liver cirrhosis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
