Your liver is the largest gland and solid organ in your body. The British Liver Trust, or BLT, states that your liver holds about 13 percent of your total blood volume and is thought to perform over 500 unique functions. Your liver, despite its incredible resiliency, is a common location for health problems. Herbal remedies are a time-honored approach to treating liver problems, but herbs for this health purpose should always be cleared with your family physician.
Liver Problems
There are hundreds of possible liver disorders, notes the BLT, although many of these are rare. Some of the most common liver problems include hepatitis A, B and C; autoimmune hepatitis; cirrhosis; alcoholic liver disease; gallstones and gallbladder disease; hemochromatosis; Wilson's disease; primary sclerosing cholangitis; primary biliary cirrhosis; and liver cancer. MayoClinic.com states that jaundice, abdominal pain, or discomfort and changes in the appearance of your urine are some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms associated with liver problems.
Herbal Treatments
Herbal treatments are a time-honored approach to improving the health and function of your liver and treating liver-related disorders. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," suggests that certain herbs may help restore and protect your liver function or cleanse your liver, including dandelion root, leaf and flower; Oregon grape root; milk thistle seed; artichoke leaf and flower bud; schisandra berry; and fennel seed. Further scientific testing may be required to determine the efficacy of these herbs in treating your liver problems.
A Helpful Herb
Oregon grape root is a helpful herb in improving the health and function of your liver and treating liver-related problems. Sharol Tilgner, herbal medicine expert, naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that Oregon grape root helps stimulate your liver and gallbladder and has historically been used in treating liver congestion. Oregon grape root may help cleanse your liver and your blood, and it may possess laxative action too.
Additional Information
There are numerous possible liver problems. The severity of liver problems depends on the underlying cause of your ailment. Your liver problems should always be addressed by a qualified health care professional. Your family physician can provide accurate and relevant information about helpful treatment strategies, including the use of herbal remedies. Herbs alone may not be enough to resolve your liver problem. In most cases, a combination of natural and conventional treatments may work best.
References
- British Liver Trust: The Liver
- MayoClinic.com: Liver Problems
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
