Herbal Remedies for Cirrhosis of the Liver

The liver is a vital organ responsible for eliminating harmful substances from the body. According to the article "Cirrhosis" on Herbs2000.com, the "development of inflammation, scarring and progressive degeneration in the functional tissues of the liver" leads to cirrhosis. This is a serious disease with no cure, but the progression of the disorder can be slowed or stopped with treatments like herbal medicine. The herbs remove toxins, strengthen the liver and accelerate healing. The article "The Liver Herbs" on GMHC.org says that milk thistle also acts as an antioxidant.

Use Milk Thistle

• Milk thistle helps the liver by strengthening and stabilizing cell membranes so that fewer toxins and poisons enter the cell. The herb also neutralizes many of the toxins that enter the liver cells, reports the "Cirrhosis" article. Milk thistle also helps with cellular repair and cellular renewal. The best way to take milk thistle is as a tea, drinking three cups of the herb, preferably 30 minutes before a meal. GMHC.org suggests drinking one cup of milk thistle tea a day or a daily dose of 400 to 800 mg of the supplement. It is best to get advice from a professional herbalist about how much milk thistle to take.

Use Dandelion

• Dandelion helps the liver increase the flow of bile and "stimulates the other functions of the liver," reports the "Cirrhosis" article. Dandelion also treats the symptoms of many liver diseases, even hepatitis. Dosage is 1 tsp. of dandelion juice taken three times a day or three cups of dandelion tea per day. The article "The Liver Herbs" says dandelion is a food and a medicinal herb. Dandelion leaves can be used as a vegetable and added to salads or cooked foods. Seek advice from a trained herbalist to determine the correct dosage

Use Stinging Nettle

• Stinging nettle "purifies the liver," according to the article "Cirrhosis" and also helps to remove toxins that are in the liver. Dosage is 1 tbsp. of stinging nettle juice taken three times each day. The juice is available in some health food store or online.

Burdock Root

• According to "The Liver Herbs," burdock root is a strong antioxidant and blood cleanser. Burdock root also helps "to restore liver and gallbladder function. " The herb is also useful for gastrointestinal disorders. To take burdock root, use it as a food for soups or stews. The standard dosage is three cups of burdock root tea each day, but check with an herbalist first.