Herbs for a Fatty Liver

Herbs for a Fatty Liver
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Numerous herbs may be helpful for treating your fatty liver. According to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, fatty liver, also called steatosis, is the term for excessive amounts of fat inside your liver cells. If you have a poor diet or abuse alcohol, you have a greater likelihood of developing fatty liver. Before taking herbs to treat your fatty liver, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an herb that may help treat your fatty liver. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 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 as a remedy for numerous health problems, especially liver problems. The seed of the plant is used medicinally. Milk thistle has a bitter taste. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that milk thistle is an antioxidant. Milk thistle protects and restores the health of your liver, and is used for many liver conditions, including fatty liver, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your fatty liver, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that may be beneficial for treating your fatty liver. Turmeric is a perennial plant that grows in the tropical regions of Southern Asia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, has been used for 4,000 years to treat numerous health problems. Turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases and wounds. Turmeric is used medicinally and as a spice. Turmeric gives Indian curry its distinctive flavor and color. According to Tilgner, turmeric is an antioxidant, hypotensive, cholesterol-lowering agent and hepatoprotective, or a substance that protects the health of your liver. Before taking turmeric to help treat your fatty liver, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Globe Artichoke

Globe artichoke is an herb that may be effective for treating your fatty liver. According to the Botanical website, globe artichoke, also known as Cynara scolymus, is one of the world's oldest cultivated vegetables, grown by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Globe artichoke has also been used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, especially liver problems. The leaves of this plant are used medicinally. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that globe artichoke belongs to the daisy family and contains cynarin, which is the active ingredient in this herb. Mitchell notes that globe artichoke is an effective liver antioxidant and can help you regenerate your diseased liver. Before taking globe artichoke to help treat your fatty liver, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Nov 10, 2010

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