HEPATITIS
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Milk thistle is effective in treating nearly every known form of liver disorders, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, necroses, and liver damage due to drug and alcohol abuse. Milk thistle extract contains silymarin, a flavonoid that has been shown to aid in healing and rebuilding the liver.
- Dandelion root has a positive effect on promoting bile flow and liver function. Dandelion is rich in lecithin, a substance that is good for the liver.
- Turmeric has a beneficial effect on the liver. It increases the production of bile and may help reduce inflammation of the liver.
- Gentian is a bitter tonic that is considered a liver stimulant
- Other herbs beneficial for hepatitis include agrimony, artichoke, barberry, goldenseal, green tea, Oregon grape, St. John’s wort, hickory, pau d’arco, schizandra, and panax ginseng. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than a week at a time, and do not use during pregnancy. Do not give goldenseal to children under two. Do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure. Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Eat a diet high in calories. Include whole grains and cereals, fruit, vegetables, fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats).
- Include globe artichokes and black pepper in the diet to protect the liver. Globe artichoke extract also is available.
- Include foods high in vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C and potassium
- High insoluble fiber diet
- Drink “green drinks,” carrot juice, and beet juice
- Drink steam-distilled water
- Limit your intake of animal protein and salt
- Avoid all raw fish, shellfish, alcohol, chemicals and food additives
- Get plenty of bed rest
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.