Some herbal remedies may be helpful in treating hepatitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.4 million people in the United States suffer from chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, and it also describes a group of conditions that affect the liver. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Celandine
According to the American Cancer Society, celandine, also known as Chelidonium majus, is a plant that grows in Europe and the temperate and subarctic regions of Asia. The roots, herb, and juice of the plant are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including intestinal and digestive problems, liver problems and eye irritation. Celandine, a member of the poppy family, has a bitter, acrid taste. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that celandine stimulates liver secretions and drainage and has been used to help treat inflammation and congestion of the liver, or hepatitis. If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking this herb because some of its constituents are uterine stimulants. Before taking celandine to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, dosage and drug interactions.
Licorice
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been used in both Eastern and Western healing traditions to help treat numerous health problems, including hepatitis. Licorice, a member of the legume family, has a sweet taste, and the root of the plant is used medicinally. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," licorice is a hepato-protective, or a substance that supports normal liver function and protects liver cells from damage. Tilgner states that licorice has been used to treat chronic hepatitis. If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid taking this herbal remedy. Confer with your doctor before taking licorice to help treat your hepatitis.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a stout plant native to the Mediterranean region, although it now grows throughout the world. A member of the aster family, milk thistle has a bitter taste and thrives in dry, sunny areas. The seeds of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including alcoholic and viral hepatitis. Tilgner says that milk thistle helps protect and restore the health of liver tissue. She also notes that milk thistle may be used to treat many liver-related conditions, including hepatitis, fatty liver and cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver. Milk thistle may also protect the liver from toxic drugs, chemicals and pollutants. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your hepatitis, talk with your doctor.
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