Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. Often the disease is first detected through routine blood work; damage to the liver only occurs many years later. Symptoms may eventually include fatigue, lack of appetite and low-grade fever. There is no cure for HCV infection. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating a good diet may help prevent or improve symptoms. Several supplements are available that may help keep the liver healthy and delay or prevent symptoms after HCV infection. Consult a doctor before adding any new supplements to your regimen.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, a member of the aster family, has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. The active ingredient is called silymarin. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) lists silymarin as the most popular herbal supplement among Americans with liver disease. It suggests that milk thistle may protect the liver by suppressing inflammation, protecting liver cells from damage and promoting growth of these cells. Milk thistle is considered generally safe and is available in capsules from most health food stores.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is a common component of both Eastern and Western herbal medicine. Its active ingredient is glycyrrhizin. NCCAM states that glycyrrhizin may have beneficial effects against HCV, although the mechanism is currently unknown. Licorice root is available in several forms, either powdered or finely cut for teas, as tablets or capsules and as a liquid extract. Licorice root may cause side effects, including several that may be serious at higher doses. Consult your doctor before consuming licorice root.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant native to the cooler regions of the northern hemisphere. Its root and leaves are commonly used in herbal medicine, and the herb is available either loose for tea or in capsule form. Ginseng may support the immune system and assist the body in fighting disease. It may also be especially beneficial for the liver, supporting its function and protecting its cells from infection. Ginseng is readily available at most health food stores.
References
- University of Maryland Alternative Medicine Center: Milk Thistle
- Medline Plus: Milk Thistle
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: CAM and Hepatitis C: A Focus on Herbal Supplements
- University of Maryland Alternative Medicine Center: Licorice Root
- Healing Well: Alternative Treatments for Hepatitis C
- MayoClinic.com: Hepatitis C
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