Home Remedies and Herbs for Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis refers to scarring of the liver that occurs due to damage. Over many years, scar tissue will form, which is a condition known as fibrosis. When fibrosis worsens to the point where the entire liver becomes scarred, shrinks, and hardens, it is called cirrhosis. Due to this damage, cirrhosis affects the liver’s ability to function properly since the scar tissue blocks blood flow. The liver may continue to function properly in the early stages of cirrhosis, but as the condition worsens, liver failure may occur.The damage associated with cirrhosis is non-reversible.^2,3  

What Causes Cirrhosis of the Liver?

Cirrhosis of the liver can develop due to any type of illness or long-term injury. Situations that can cause enough damage to lead to cirrhosis include:

• Heavy alcohol use
• Hepatitis B and C
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Fatty liver disease
• Autoimmune liver disease
• Long-term exposure to certain drugs
• Blocked bile ducts
• Metabolic disorders of copper and iron
• Inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis

Risk factors for cirrhosis of the liver include age, genetic diseases, medical conditions like HIV or hepatitis infection, or obesity. Men are at higher risk of developing cirrhosis than women.1 Heavy alcohol use is the most common cause of liver disease in the U.S., which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Lifestyle factors, such as avoiding excessive alcohol use, can help prevent cirrhosis.¹

Cirrhosis of the Liver Symptoms

Cirrhosis of the liver symptoms often don’t appear until liver damage is extensive.4 When symptoms arise, they can include:

• Fatigue
• Easy bleeding and bruising
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Edema (swelling)
• Spider veins
• Enlargement of the abdomen
• Breast enlargement in men

Further complications may occur, including blood flow issues like high blood pressure, swelling, and enlargement of the spleen. Cirrhosis can also lead to malnutrition, infections, liver cancer, and other serious medical conditions.⁴

Cirrhosis of the liver is diagnosed through a variety of laboratory tests and imaging scans. Since cirrhosis of the liver symptoms don’t appear early on, the condition is usually caught during a routine check-up. Cirrhosis can’t be reversed, so treatment options typically focus on slowing the progression of liver damage or treating the underlying cause. In serious cases, a liver transplant may be required. Various medications may help treat symptoms, and cirrhosis herbs may help with malnutrition and assist in improving symptoms and treating underlying medical issues.^5,6

References

1. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/cirrhosis
2. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/digestive-and-liver-health/cirrhosis-liver
3. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20187350
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cirrhosis/diagnosis-treatment/diagnosis/dxc-20187373
6. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/reports/articles/cirrhosis