Herbal Remedies For Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver is a degenerative inflammatory condition that is associated with scarring and hardening of your hepatocytes, or liver cells. Cirrhosis is your liver's response to long-term, or chronic, damage. If your cirrhosis is mild, your liver may be able to repair itself. Herbal remedies may assist your liver in repairing the damaged areas, but you should always talk with your physician about procedures, alternatives and risks before using herbs to treat cirrhosis.

Liver Cirrhosis

Many possible causes of liver damage can lead to cirrhosis. Possible causes of liver damage include long-term alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, cystic fibrosis, iron accumulation in your body, certain parasites and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. If you have liver cirrhosis, you may experience fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, leg swelling, weight loss and fluid buildup in your abdominal cavity. If you have liver cirrhosis, you have an increased risk for liver cancer.

Helpful Herbal Remedies

Certain herbal remedies may help slow the progression of liver cirrhosis. Examples of herbal remedies that may help treat your liver cirrhosis include alfalfa, aloe vera, burdock root, dandelion, red clover, milk thistle extract, barberry, black radish, celandine, echinacea, fennel, fringe tree, goldenseal, hops, Irish moss, rose hips, suma, thyme and wild Oregon grape root. Many of these herbs also help cleanse your bloodstream.

Commonly Used Herb

Milk thistle is one of the most commonly used herbs for liver conditions, such as cirrhosis. The fruits, seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant have been used in herbal preparations to stimulate the production of new liver cells. This herb has also been used to help treat gallbladder and adrenal conditions, inflammatory bowel disorders, psoriasis, low-immune function and all disorders associated with your liver. Certain milk thistle constituents help stabilize the cell membranes of your liver cells.

Considerations

Drug use, alcoholism, overeating and an improper diet are among the most common causes of poor liver function. Although herbal remedies may help treat your liver condition, it is important to address lifestyle factors first when attempting to improve your liver health. Consider visiting a physician who has extensive training in botanical medicine to learn about the herbs that may be most beneficial for you and your ailment. Some herbs might cause unwanted side effects and should not be taken.