Healing Herbs for Hepatitis

Healing Herbs for Hepatitis
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Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis is inflammation of your liver that is usually caused by one of five hepatitis viruses: A, B,C, D or E. Common signs and symptoms associated with hepatitis include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and yellowing of your eyes and skin. Before taking herbs to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an herb that may be helpful in treating your hepatitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, milk thistle has been used for centuries to treat numerous health problems, especially liver and gallbladder problems. The biologically-active component in milk thistle is believed to be a flavonoid called silymarin, which is extracted from the seeds of this plant. Milk thistle, a member of the aster family, 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, also known as Silybum marianum, is a protective and restorative herb for your liver and has been used to treat most liver diseases, including hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis. Milk thistle may also help protect your liver from various toxins. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Schisandra

Schisandra is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your hepatitis. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that schisandra, also known as Schisandra chinensis, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous health problems, including liver disease, indigestion, influenza and diarrhea. Schisandra is a shrub that is native to East Asia. Schisandra has a sour, bitter, salty and sweet taste. The fruit of this herb is used medicinally. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," schisandra is a nutritive, antioxidant, adaptogen and astringent that has been used to support healthy liver function and treat hepatitis. Tilgner notes that schisandra may also be helpful for cirrhosis, asthma, night sweats and prolonged diarrhea. Before taking schisandra to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Licorice

Licorice is an herb that may be effective in treating your hepatitis. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial plant that grows wild in certain parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice can reach a height of 7 feet and possesses a substantial branching root system. Licorice, a member of the legume family, has a sweet, nutritious taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including hepatitis. Tilgner states that licorice is a hepatoprotective, or a substance that supports normal liver function and protects your liver cells from damage. According to Tilgner, licorice may be effective for treating chronic hepatitis. If you have elevated blood pressure, you should avoid taking this herb. Before taking licorice to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Nov 12, 2010

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