Options For Treating Liver Disease & Liver Damage

Alternative Medicines

Some types of alternative medicines used at home and without a doctor’s supervision may cause liver damage. No alternative medications have been specifically approved to treat a decline in liver function. Specific Chinese herbal treatments have recently been used to reduce the level of the hepatitis B virus in patients with a good amount of success. But treating hepatitis B with these herbs have not been studied enough to know whether or not they are effective enough for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recommend officially. And some alternative medicine treatments used routinely and taken over the counter may damage the liver. Jin bu huan, germander, valerian, mistletoe, skullcap, comfrey, kava, pennyroyal oil, ma-huang, and chaparral may cause more harm to the liver than they do good in other areas of the body. Patients at risk of or who have liver problems or damage should consult with a physician before consuming these herbal supplements and treatment.

Routine physical examinations and clear communication with a healthcare provider should ensure liver functioning and health is continually monitored, and any problems are dealt with as soon as possible.