Liver Disease
Liver disease, or Cirrhosis of the liver, is where the organ loses a significant amount of cells, gradually causing the liver to contract in size and become leathery and hard. This scarring of the liver occurs as cells die. When the scarring builds up enough, the blood cannot flow through the liver properly. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease, where it starts mildly then gets worse slowly over time.
Symptoms
Early symptoms may only include attacks of indigestion, loss of appetite and occasional vomiting or nausea. As the disease grows, you may notice weight loss and abdominal pain. You may see reddish, hair-like markings that resemble small spiders on the trunk, arms, face and neck or the palms of the hands may turn red. You will feel tired and weak, and you may notice a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Eventually the abdomen becomes swollen and bloated, the mind gets confused and there may be bleeding from the stomach.
Causes
Liver disease is often caused by the abuse of alcohol or drugs over a long period of time. Cirrhosis may also be caused by a toxic condition of the entire body in general, other liver diseases such as hepatitis C,B,D. Cirrhosis may also be due to medications that damage the liver and disorders of the liver's drainage system.
Cautions
Consult your doctor if you experience symptoms associated with cirrhosis of the liver. Your doctor will be able to confirm diagnosis through a blood test.
Herbal Treatments
Should be used in conjuction with your standard medical care.
Internal Applications
To protect and rejuvenate the liver:
- Licorice – the root of this herb is very beneficial for treating the liver.
- Milk Thistle – this herb is one of best to use for liver problems like cirrhosis. Use a standardized extract to treat liver damage from cirrhosis or other liver diseases. A usual dosage would be 2 capsules taken two or three times per day. A tincture can be taken in doses of ¼ to ½ teaspoon three to six times per day. Milk thistle seeds can also be chewed or crushed and eaten two or three times per day.
- Baical Skullcap – taken 3 times a day can help stimulate the liver.
- Globe Artichoke – tablets or capsules 3 times a day will also stimulate the liver.
- Arjuna – a treatment used in ayurvedic medicine. The bark of this herb is associated with cardiovascular function and it also has a tonic effect for cirrhosis of the liver.
- Eclipta alba – this herb is good for most liver problems and has been used in Ayurveda and Chinese remedies. It reduces toxicity of the liver and helps regulate the levels of enzymes.
To support the immune system:
- Tinospora cordifolia – this herb is useful for diseases of the immune system. It is also used to purify the blood, to treat fever, jaundice, digestive problems, constipation, dysentery, hemorrhoids and cancer.