Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your liver inflammation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, liver inflammation, or hepatitis, is inflammation of your liver that leads to liver cell damage and destruction. There are two principle types of hepatitis: acute and chronic. Before taking herbs to help treat your liver inflammation, 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 liver inflammation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a plant native to the Mediterranean region, although it now grows throughout the world. Milk thistle has been used for centuries in various healing traditions to treat numerous health problems, including liver problems such as hepatitis. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that milk thistle is hepato-protective, or a substance that protects your liver from toxins and damage. Milk thistle is also a liver restorative, notes Smith, that is used to treat numerous liver-related conditions, including hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis, or scarring of your liver. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your liver inflammation, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your liver inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a perennial plant that grows in the tropical areas of Southern Asia. Turmeric, a relative of ginger, has a bitter and pungent taste. The rhizome, or underground stem, of the plant, is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including liver inflammation, indigestion, stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis and atherosclerosis. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective. If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking this herb, as it is a uterine stimulant. Before taking turmeric to help treat your liver inflammation, 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 liver inflammation. According to MedlinePlus, licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial plant that grows wild in certain parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice, a member of the legume family, has a sweet and nutritious taste. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including liver disorders, stomach ulcers, acid indigestion, chronic gastritis, bronchitis, sore throat, osteoarthritis, lupus and chronic fatigue syndrome. MedlinePlus states that certain chemicals in licorice might be effective in treating hepatitis B and C. Tilgner states that licorice is an anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective.
If you have elevated blood pressure, heart failure or kidney disease, you should avoid taking this herb. Before taking licorice to help treat your liver inflammation, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
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