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Cirrhosis

This is progressive liver failure due to the damage and death of liver cells and the replacement of liver tissue with scar tissue and fatty deposits. It can occur quickly, in response to an untreated case of hepatitis or poisoning from chemicals or mushrooms, or more slowly as in the case of alcohol abuse. Many times symptoms are not present until damage becomes severe, in which case you can begin to see jaundice, generalized pruritus and rashes, and fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) as well as a palpable (and sometimes visible) enlarged liver. Thus, it is usually a good idea to use hepatics quickly when there is any suspicion of potential liver damage (exposure to high levels of chemicals, alcoholism, etc…). Use capsules or powdered herbs in the case of advanced cirrhosis as any alcohol will exacerbate the condition.

Treatment Goal(s):
· Protect, strengthen and hopefully repair liver tissue.

Primary Treatment:
· Eliminate all alcohol and liver-toxic chemicals, including statin drugs.
· Administer extract of Silybum marianum, standardized to 80% silymarin, 350 mg daily.
· Administer a good bitter cholagogue, such as Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion).
· Use liver supportive and immune-enhancing Ganoderma lucidum (Red Reishi).
· Administer Schizandra chinensis to strengthen the liver and support the whole physiology.

Supportive Treatment:
· Use a diet low in oils, especially heated oils (fried food) and rich in bitter greens.
· Use external applications of warm Zingiber officinale (Ginger) compresses on the liver area if there is any pain.

Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· In the case of advanced diagnosed cirrhosis, ongoing monitoring by a medical doctor who can check liver function specifically is helpful in assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
· If there is much pain and inflammation, add Cucurma longa (Turmeric) to the protocol.