Herbs For Hepatitis C And The Liver

Hepatitis C is a disease that affects your liver -- an important organ that performs many vital functions in your body. Hepatitis, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, describes inflammation of your liver and may cause liver dysfunction. You can only get hepatitis C through contact with the blood of an infected individual. Herbs have long been used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of this condition, although the use of herbs should always be discussed with your doctor first.

Hepatitis C and Your Liver

In many cases, notes the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Therapy, people infected with hepatitis C virus do not exhibit any symptoms and may unknowingly infect other people. However, if you are infected with hepatitis C, you may develop fever, nausea and vomiting, reduced appetite, abdominal pain, severe fatigue, and jaundice -- yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes. The most common tests for hepatitis C are an antibody test, a liver function test and a liver biopsy test.

Herbs

Several botanical medicines may be helpful in treating hepatitis C, although some herbs used for this health purpose have not been rigorously studied in a clinical research setting and should be used with caution. In his book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. states that both licorice and milk thistle may be beneficial. Three other herbs -- schisandra, ligustrum and celandine -- have also been used to treat this condition.

A Powerful Remedy

Ligustrum may be a powerful remedy and adjunct therapy in the treatment of hepatitis C. Ligustrum, notes nutrition expert Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Balch says that ligustrum is a helpful immune restorative, a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and a traditional herbal remedy used in the treatment of liver inflammation. Ligustrum is considered a tonic for your kidneys and liver and possesses antioxidant and antibacterial action. This herb has also been used to boost flagging white blood cell counts following chemotherapy. Talk to your doctor before self-treating with ligustrum to ensure your safety.

Additional Information

Hepatitis C is a serious health condition that may cause severe liver damage unless it is treated appropriately. Although herbal remedies may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating this condition, you should always explore all treatment options with your doctor and pursue the safest and most efficacious therapies. Herbal remedies may trigger unwanted side effects in certain individuals and should always be used judiciously. Discuss proper dosage and possible side effects with your physician before using herbs.