Herbal supplements have long been used to treat conditions associated with hepatomegaly, or enlarged liver. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the edge of your liver is usually thin and firm and cannot be palpated, or felt, with your fingertips below the edge of your ribs. You may have hepatomegaly if your physician can feel your liver in your right upper abdominal quadrant. Talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and drawbacks of herbal supplements before taking them to treat your enlarged liver.
Hepatomegaly
Numerous factors may lead to hepatomegaly. Some of the most common causes of enlarged liver include alcohol abuse, congestive heart failure, hepatitis A and B and mononucleosis. Less common causes of hepatomegaly include glycogen storage disease, leukemia, sarcoidosis and tumor metastases. In many cases, reports MayoClinic.com, there are no signs and symptoms associated with an enlarged liver, although abdominal pain, fatigue and yellowing of your skin and eyes may occur. Consuming too much alcohol is a leading risk factor for hepatomegaly.
Helpful Herbal Supplements
Certain herbal supplements may be effective in treating liver conditions and reducing the size of your liver. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor, botanical medicine expert and author, the following herbal supplements regenerate and protect your liver cells, or hepatocytes, stimulate your liver and encourage normal physiologic function of your liver: milk thistle, celandine, burdock, Oregon grape, fringe tree bark, dandelion, artichoke, licorice, fennel, turmeric and bupleurum. Many of these herbal supplements contain active ingredients that decrease liver sluggishness.
A Popular Herbal Supplement
One of the most popular herbal supplements for hepatomegaly and liver dysfunction is burdock. Arctium lappa, as burdock is sometimes called, has alterative, anti-inflammatory and diuretic action and is a liver tonic and digestive stimulant. Burdock affects your liver by inducing the removal of metabolic waste products. Burdock is helpful for inflammatory conditions and supports the natural function and health of your liver and gallbladder. Burdock is a plant indigenous to the temperate regions of Europe, Russia, China and Japan.
Warning
Hepatomegaly may be caused by serious health conditions that require medical intervention. Although herbal supplements may be helpful in treating your liver condition, you should always consult a qualified health care professional to discuss alternative therapies, proper procedures for taking herbs and any risks that might be associated with herbal supplementation. Understanding what herbs can do for you and the risks they pose allow you to make informed decisions about your immediate and long-term health.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hepatomegaly
- MayoClinic.com: Enlarged Liver
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
