I've been on ABX for 7 months and I worry about my liver. Is it Milk Thissle(spelling?) that is suppose to help the liver?
Posted by Jin (Member # 11735) on :
Dear joe-nm, Yes, you are right. Milk thistle is one of the most commonly used herbs for liver detox. Dandelions may be another. I think they also cleanse the kidneys. It is amazing how nutritious dandelions are.
Sincerely, Jin
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Yes, that and garlic. I take Zhang's Allicin for the garlic. It has made a dramatic difference in my liver function tests and brought the levels down.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
And allicin is good for so many other things, too. It a great help to the heart, etc.
-
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
Here are some articles with ideas beyond milk thistle:
. . . Individual variations in our cytochrome P40 enzymes help to demystify why there are so many variations in how we respond to drugs and herbs. . . .
- Full chapter at link above.
===================
There are hundreds of herbs that can help liver function. A couple dozen are discussed here:
The important thing to remember is that the liver is a hot (metabolically active) organ, and so tends to get congested and inflamed.
. . .
Protection
Turmeric root, wheat sprouts, schisandra berries, amla fruit, beet root and milk thistle seed are among the major sources of protective anti-oxidants for the liver cells, as are fruits that contain flavonoids, especially citrus fruits.
These should be used to prevent development of inflammatory disease, or for damage protection as in the case of persons taking strong chemical drugs or undergoing chemotherapy.
Deficiency
The liver can become weakened and deficient. If this is not corrected, it can lead to liver atrophy and depletion of glycogen stores, even hepatitis. Signs include fatigue, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, dry eyes, headache, heat symptoms and irritability . . . .
Heat and Inflammation
To remove excess liver inflammation with heat signs or toxins . . . .
. . .
Pain
If there is liver inflammation with signs of pain and tension, use herbs that calm the liver and move the blood . . . .
If milk thistle is not on your plan, NAC might be considered:
This, from a protocol for Chlamydia Pneumonia (Cpn) which is a similar chronic stealth infection. This treatment protocol is also similar to that of chronic lyme.
This is what one of the protocol authors says about the power of NAC to help protet the liver:
. . . "Surprisingly, the only anti-chlamydial agent that did not cause hepatitis in some patients was NAC. In fact, NAC is recognized as being protective.
See attached references.
My conclusion is that NAC should be the first agent in an anti-chlamydial regimen and should be a constant part of the therapy for this protective effect, not to mention it's effect against elementary bodies.
Liver Protection: Laying the Foundation for Optimal Hepatic Health - By Kathy E. Acquistapace, DC, NHP, CNC
-
Posted by pamoisondelune (Member # 11846) on :
Yes, Milk Thistle, also called Silybum and the extract in pills is called SILYMARIN.
Great stuff. I take it with every meal.
I also keep a jar of Milk Thistle SEEDS in case i should run out of pills. The seeds are hard. I grind them in a stone mortar with a pestle-- it takes some work to crush them!
I used to worry that maybe in such a crude, fibrous, hard form, they wouldn't be absorbed. But i guess they really are absorbed, because of what i read in a book by the herbalist Matthew Wood.
He had a woman chew some seeds in an emergency --- she had eaten a poison mushroom which would destroy her liver. She chewed and swallowed milk thistle seeds, and it worked, her liver was saved.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
-
Pam mentioned this guy - Matthew Wood has some very good books. He is a good researcher. His books make for great reading.
-
Posted by Jin (Member # 11735) on :
Dear Keebler, Congestion of the liver is pretty common among those with Candida. I have a feeling mine needs help. I probably have enough yeast to create a whole new planet! Thank you so much for the information! It is all fascinating.
Dear pamoisondelune, I will be sure to look for the book by Matthew Wood on Amazon or the library. Someone is bound to have it. I am into alternative therapies more than traditional medicine. Modern medicine has failed me miserably so far. Nature's pharmacy is much safer than drugs.