Elevated liver enzymes can only be detected by a blood test and can indicate a number of disorders, such as hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage and damage from drugs including prescription medications. In most cases, traditional medicine will treat the cause but can do little about the damage, which may result in elevated liver enzymes. Many natural practitioners have found that a number of herbs help stabilize liver enzymes. As with any supplement, talk to a health care professional about your condition and medications you are taking before using herbs to stabilize liver enzymes.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, a common weed, is the No. 1 recommended natural supplement to aid in liver damage. It is thought to treat a variety of liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver poisoning. It may also have some positive effects on the digestive system and skin as well. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it works by stabilizing liver cells and preventing further toxicity, which may allow the liver time to heal and enzyme levels to return to normal. When taking milk thistle supplements, it is important to know that most tinctures are made with alcohol and that a tablet or capsule supplement should be taken instead. Milk thistle may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss taking milk thistle with your physician to determine if it would be beneficial for you.
Turmeric
Turmeric is most commonly known as a spice that is substituted in some dishes for saffron due to its yellow color. It is a common anti-inflammatory treatment in India, thought to fight against viral infection, cancer and arthritis due its antioxidant activity. It may help to reverse liver damage caused by alcohol use and exposure to environmental toxins. It may also help to treat and reverse symptoms of hepatitis and restore liver enzyme production to normal levels. It is not recommended for those with gallstones or in those with blood clotting disorder. It should be used only under the advice of a physician in cases of severe liver toxicity and should not be used for long periods of time in supplement levels.
Schisandra
Schisandra, also called magnolia vine or wu-wie-zi in Chinese medicine, is recognized as an adaptogen, an herb which restores functioning to normal levels. It may help in cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis by increasing glutathione production within the liver, which will help offset liver damage and restore functioning. It also may reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals within the liver and help regeneration of the tissue.
Barberry
Native to Europe, the barberry plant now grows wild in both Europe and North America. It is best known for its ability to fight bacterial infections but may have other uses as well for the liver. It contains berbamine, an alkaloid that may be useful in treating certain types of hepatitis and other infections and in stimulating immune system protection. It is believed to have some liver restorative capability, which may help stabilize liver enzyme production. It should be avoided by those with gallstones and only used with caution in those with diabetes, as it may increase bile production and lower blood sugar levels. Men who use barberry should also be aware that it may interfere with sperm production and should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Elevated Liver Enzymes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Milk Thistle
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Schisandra
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
