Liver disease affects many Americans. MedlinePlus states that liver disease is a general term that encompasses any condition that disrupts or impairs the function of your liver. There are numerous types of liver disease, but most diseases affecting your liver cause pain in your abdomen and yellowing of your skin. If you plan to use milk thistle to treat your liver disease, first consult your physician to discuss risks, benefits and other issues pertaining to this herbal remedy.
Liver Disease
Your liver is an important organ that is responsible for many functions, including blood filtering, manufacturing certain proteins, and storing vitamins and minerals. Should your liver become infected or inflamed, it may no longer be capable of performing its usual functions. Possible causes of liver disease include bacterial and viral infections, malnutrition, and alcoholism. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of liver disease are upper-right-quadrant abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Milk Thistle
Dr. William Mitchell, a naturopath, botanical medicine specialist and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," notes that milk thistle is a liver stimulant and remedy that helps your liver regenerate and replenishes your liver cells. The seeds of the milk thistle plant, states Mitchell, are used to manufacture herbal medicine. Milk thistle seeds contain several active constituents, of which the most significant is silybin. According to Mitchell, milk thistle also boosts the levels of glutathione in your liver. Glutathione is a substance that helps detoxify chemicals, hormones and drugs.
Other Useful Herbs
Several other herbs are known for their ability to stimulate your liver and help treat liver disease. Blue flag, Culver's root, fringe tree, tetterwort, rosemary, white walnut, boldo, artichoke, black radish, fennel, turmeric, licorice and dandelion have been known to help your liver in different ways. Some of these herbs help restore the function of your liver and gallbladder, while others increase bile generation, boost blood flow to your liver or increase the activity of your liver enzymes.
Warning
Liver disease is a serious health condition that can lead to life-threatening complications, if left untreated. If you suspect you have liver disease, first visit your physician for a thorough evaluation. Certain herbs may help treat your liver disease, but you should understand both the risks and benefits of herbal remedies before using them to help treat your condition. Some herbs are not appropriate for certain individuals, such as pregnant women. To find out which herbs may be best for you, visit a health care professional trained in botanical medicine.
References
- MedlinePlus: Liver Disease
- University of Illinois Medical Center: Liver Disease
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
