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How Do I Choose the Best Herbal Treatment for Hepatitis?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

There are a number of factors you may wish to consider when looking for the best herbal treatment for hepatitis. While not a replacement for traditional medical treatment, there are many supplements that are known to improve liver function, strengthen immunity, and have antiviral properties which you may want to try, including milk thistle, licorice root, and ginseng. There are also herbs that can help reduce the side effects of interferon, a common hepatitis medication, including ginger and St. John’s wort. It is important to choose a high quality herbal supplement from a reputable source. Also, remember that some herbs can have serious side effects and may need to be taken with caution or not at all, depending on your situation.

Many different types of herbal treatment for hepatitis exist, and one factor in choosing the right ones for you is determining what issue you are trying to improve. If you are trying to improve your liver function, you may want to try milk thistle, which has been found to promote healthy liver cell growth, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Licorice is another popular herb for hepatitis treatment thought to improve the organ’s function and reduce inflammation. Other herbs that may promote liver health include artichoke, burdock, and the Chinese herb schisandra.

Licorice root has antiviral properties making it an herbal treatment for hepatitis.
Licorice root has antiviral properties making it an herbal treatment for hepatitis.

You may also want to look for an herbal supplement that improves immunity and has antiviral properties to fight your hepatitis. Both milk thistle and licorice root are antiviral, which is another reason they are popular for hepatitis. Ginseng, which is thought to boost immune function, may also be helpful. Choosing the right herb or herbs will likely be a matter of finding one or several that help improve your condition.

Patients with hepatitis should consult their physician before using any herbal supplements.
Patients with hepatitis should consult their physician before using any herbal supplements.

If you are taking interferon, the right herbal treatment for hepatitis for you may include those that help alleviate the side effects of the drug. For example, ginger may reduce feelings of nausea or vomiting. Feelings of depression from the treatment may improve with the use of St. John’s wort.

Two other factors to consider when choosing an herbal treatment for hepatitis are the quality of the supplement and whether or not it will produce side effects. Since supplements are not always closely regulated, one may not be as good as another, so always look for those from a reputable manufacturer. You should also make sure to understand any possible negative effects or interactions an herb might have that could be dangerous; licorice, St. John’s wort, and ginseng can all have moderate to severe side effects and be dangerous for some people.

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    • Licorice root has antiviral properties making it an herbal treatment for hepatitis.
      By: Hayati Kayhan
      Licorice root has antiviral properties making it an herbal treatment for hepatitis.
    • Patients with hepatitis should consult their physician before using any herbal supplements.
      By: Elenathewise
      Patients with hepatitis should consult their physician before using any herbal supplements.