Cirrhosis
Natural Remedies

  1. Home
  2. Ailments

Natural Liver Cirrhosis Care: Holistic Treatments

| Modified on Aug 28, 2024
Add New Post Comments
Liver cirrhosis, a serious condition marked by chronic inflammation and fibrous scarring, significantly impairs the liver's detoxification capabilities. In managing this progressive liver disease, incorporating natural remedies and treatments can be a valuable adjunct to conventional medical care. These natural strategies aim to halt further scarring, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications associated with liver cirrhosis. This comprehensive approach blends lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, and the use of specific supplements to support liver health and enhance overall well-being.

Key Supplements to Combat Cirrhosis

  1. Vitamin E: Ranging from 1 to 2000 IU daily, Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that can help protect liver cells from damage.
  2. Vitamin C: With a recommended dose of 1000 mg twice daily, this essential vitamin supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant, crucial for liver health.
  3. Selenium: At 300 mg daily, Selenium plays a vital role in detoxification processes and can aid in protecting the liver from oxidative stress.
  4. Milk Thistle (Silymarin): Widely recognized for supporting liver health, Milk Thistle can aid in liver cell regeneration and protect against toxins.
  5. Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA): This powerful antioxidant helps in the maintenance of liver health and can support the regeneration of other antioxidants in the body.
  6. Turmeric: Known for its significant anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric can help reduce liver inflammation and aid in liver detoxification.
  7. Vitamin K: Especially important are K1 (100 mg x 5 times daily) and K2 (100 mg x 5 times daily), which are crucial in managing bleeding complications often seen in cirrhosis.
  8. N-Acetyl Cysteine: Serving as a precursor to glutathione, a key detoxifying agent, this supplement is recommended at 250 mg eight times a day to support liver 
  9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these can help reduce liver fat and inflammation in individuals with cirrhosis.
  10. Probiotics: Beneficial for gut health, which can be compromised in liver diseases. Probiotics may help reduce the risk of complications.
  11. Zinc: People with liver cirrhosis often have zinc deficiency. Supplementing with zinc can aid liver function and boost the immune system.
  12. B-Complex Vitamins: Particularly B12 and folic acid, these vitamins can be depleted in cirrhosis and are essential for liver health and red blood cell production.
  13. Dandelion Root: Traditionally used for its liver detoxifying properties.
  14. Licorice Root: Some studies suggest it may play a role in protecting the liver and reducing inflammation.

Dietary Adjustments and Lifestyle Changes

  • Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Crucial for reducing liver stress.
  • Low-Sodium Diet: Opt for lean proteins; avoid raw seafood.
  • Green Smoothies: Include spinach and wheatgrass juice.
  • German Chamomile Tea: Up to 3 cups a day. German chamomile is often considered more potent due to its higher concentration of beneficial compounds such as bisabolol, chamazulene, flavonoids, and terpenoids. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and calming effects, which could be beneficial in managing symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis, such as inflammation.
  • Tomato Juice: Beneficial in moderation.

Additional Therapies

  • BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene): A phenol-derived antioxidant; 350 mg twice daily can restore liver function.
  • Wheatgrass Enemas and Epsom Salt Baths: Alternative therapies for detoxification.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, particularly for individuals with liver cirrhosis.
  • Monitoring for Side Effects: Be vigilant for any adverse reactions or side effects from supplements, as they can impact liver health.
  • Dosage and Quality Considerations: Adhere to recommended dosages and select high-quality supplements to ensure efficacy and safety.

Conclusion

While these natural remedies and lifestyle changes can support liver health in cirrhosis, they are not a substitute for professional medical treatment. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals are essential for managing cirrhosis effectively.

Please continue reading below to learn which natural remedies helped Earth Clinic readers, and let us know which ones helped you.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sort by Default New Loved

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Posted by Kim (La Verne, Ca) on 02/01/2013

I have cirrhosis of the liver, here is a list of the medications I'm currently taking:

Aciphex 20 MG TBEC 2 daily, Risperidone 0. 5 MG, Tab ZDY 2 daily, Aciphex 20 MG TBEC 2 daily, Risperidone 0. 5 MG, Tab ZDY 2 daily, Propranolol 10 MG, Tab PLIVA 2 daily, Spironolactone 25 MG Tab 2 daily, Furosemide 20 MG Tabs 1 daily, Lactulose 10 MG/15 Sol HI, 8 Sertraline 25mg daily

Can I take Alpha lipoic acid with all the other medications?

Replied by Jennifer
(Cave junction, OR)
12/29/2023
5 posts

Please stop Resperidone since it is severely damaging to the liver. I am dealing with a similar situation.

BHT

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Sheshe (Wilsonville, Oregon, Usa) on 06/09/2013

Does BHT help only with Hep B & C or does it also help with alcohol induced cirrhosis?

Replied by Oscar
(Syracuse, New York)
06/10/2013
★★★★★

Dear Sheshe from Oregon, here is what S.from Sacramento reported in this forum regarding BHT and liver damage:

03/23/2012: S from Sacramento, California replies: "Hello everyone, I would like to post my results after a little over a month of BHT 2x a day 350. These results are amazing. I have normal liver function thanks to this forum. Thank you, Oscar!!

Now:

Ast 19 (13-39)
Alt 30 (7-52)
Ggt 20 (9-64)
Bilirubin total 0.2 Low (0.3-2.0)

Before I was told in 2006 that I had stage 4 liver damage due to my hepC that my counts were in the millions with this other test done by oncologist.

Oscar

Replied by Melissa
(Eureka, Montana)
08/04/2017

After reading the post on using BHT, I had a question. After my Harvoni treatment I no longer have HEP C but would the BHT protocol help with the Cirrhosis on the liver and the enlarged spleen?

Carbonated Water, Lemon Juice, Sea Salt

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Taylor (Tollhouse, Ca) on 08/30/2009
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Stage 4 cirrhosis of the Liver: Carbonated Water, Lemon Juice, Sea Salt​

Internal Body Cleanser, disenfectant & Rejuvenator
Water (Carbonated Spring, mineral) it has to be carbonated.
Pure Lemon Juice ( from lemons, a lemon squeeze, bottled 100% lemon juice)
Sea Salt

If you are not a fan of the salty food this may take some getting use to.This elixir is a rejuvenator for a sick,dying liver. Not for the healthy.

Mix sea salt into water in large glass, until it is salty to the taste but still drinkable add lemon juice until you taste salty lemon. Drink it slowly. First time you drink it, it will give you severe diarhea. Drink it slowly & have 2 to 3 glasses a day.

Warning: I took lots of slack from the family. The medical professionals won't like the idea either. I knew. I just knew after much research on cirrohsis, that a very sick liver will begin to recover slowly at first & then your blood tests will begin to come back with much better numbers in the various catagories they check for. This is not a quick fix but is meant to be done over a long period of time. You will see an improvement after about 8 weeks. In between drinking this eleixer make sure you drink plenty of water. Eat lots of vegetsbles, fruit & the leaner meats.Stay away from breads, tortillas & eat sweets in strict moderation especially at first.

You need to take care of yourself & make your health a priority.Something that has probably been missing from your life. I have to take monthly blood tests now 4 years after I was diagnosed with stage 4 cirrohisis. Say goodbeye to any alcohol addiction, if that's why you got this terrible disease.Your liver is sick, slow & lazy. This elixir will wake it up again.Your blood tests should begin to improve in their results within a few short months.. I went from being on the transplant list, to being moved to hepatology & now a family practitioner for monthly visits & blood tests. I have now had quite a few blood tests come back near normal except for slight anemia.I continue with lasix & spirolactone, also laculose although as time passes in less doses. I once thought myself fortunate to survive 2 years after my terminal diagnosis but now going on 5 years, I'm no longer consider myself terminal in any sense of the word. I do not have an expiration date any longer!

Replied by FLORIDA
(Michigan)
06/30/2024

Hello,

How much sea salt please and Thank you

Replied by YEEhaw!!!
(YEEhaw!!!)
07/02/2024

Probably a teaspoon or two. This sounds similar to the saltwater colon cleanse. If you drink it all on an empty stomach it may empty your bowls. The directions say to sip it slowly, so you may avoid that effect. Ted from Bangkok elsewhere on the site has a similar recipe involving lemon juice and baking soda you may like, as well.

Lemon Water

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 03/31/2024
 ★★★★★

Lemon Water Has Many Uses in Liver Complaints:

The usefulness of the lemon starts in the morning, even before you are out of bed. The juice of half a lemon squeezed into a half a glassful of water and drunk unsweetened the first thing in the morning is an excellent remedy for bilious “Liver” disorders. – Chicago American. From the book; Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer's Monthly Journal, Volume 39, page 979. 1905.

NAFLD Remedies

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Dr. Burt (United States) on 03/20/2014

My cousin Kirk has N.A.F.L.D non alcoholic cirrhosis he has been told by a very well known big hospital that he was defiantly a candidate for a liver transplant but that his insurance was not good enough & even if they did the surgery he wouldn't be able to afford the drugs after. Now he has been in their local hospital for a blood clot in his shoulder & artery in his neck, it was determined that it would be too dangerous to be removed & was put in rehab, but he signed himself out & said that if he was going to die he wanted to die at home he is that far into his disease. Could the remedies you suggest help him at this late stage of his disease?

Replied by Mike62
(Denver)
03/20/2014
★★★★★

Re: Cousin with NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)

Burt: Yes he can. There are famous stories of many people who have recovered from deaths door. The reason is easy. He doesn't have a disease. He has a condition. Wild herbivores don't have conditions because they eat raw organic vegetation. Wild carnivores don't have conditions because they eat raw green fed herbivores. His condition is caused by eating cooked conventionally grown food. Eating right changes the condition from getting worse to getting better in seconds. This may seem hard to believe but all he needs to do is improve the gut. The cells in the gut require the same nutrients as the rest of the body. Let's suppose the gut is in the worst shape imaginable. He is going to need probiotics that make it through the stomach acid. There is one on Amazon that has the most favorable reviews. Oxy powder gets rid of the crusted gunk that prevents nutrients from entering the blood and where pathogens hide behind. He needs parasite cleanse. The three herbs are wormwood, clove, and black walnut hulls. Crushed papaya seeds, papaya, and pineapple are good. Make green smoothies from organic baby leaves and organic chili. This is not a diet. He has to take a lot with water frequently. Every 2 hours would be good. Organic strawberries are the best fruit. Desiccated liver is the best meat. Expeller pressed coconut oil and black chia seeds are the best fats. Activated barley is the best carb. Keep fat below 5%/g of carbs. Non denatured whey is the best protein. Hawaiian spirulina, chlorella, and raw cocoa powder are the best super foods. Take 2g/4x/day colostrum and 1ml/4x/day skate liver oil. Make sure he takes all of the items or he'll mis required nutrients.

Replied by Vicky
(New South Wales)
02/12/2024
★★★★★

Milk thistle does amazing things for liver taken in capsules daily--- has brought people back from deaths door with liver problems. I've heard it's 2 capsules 3xday. Dandelion is GREAT for the spleen as well--- I mean the actual (non-sprayed with weed killer) dandelion leaves. 4 leaves chewed daily has done amazing things for me. I grow my own and NEVER use glyphosate weed killers or ANY weed killer sprays in my yard. Dandelions I believe will bring you back from anything when eaten raw. ALL parts of the dandelion are edible, even the flowers and roots. I have only ever eaten the leaves and that has done enough :) I pray for his healing <3

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Jennifer (South Bend, In, United States) on 07/10/2012

I am 37 years old and recently diagnosed with PBC. Otherwise I am in good health. I am taking the one prescribed medication and I am responding well. It is in stage 1. I am still tired at times (more then I should be) but other then that feel ok. Does anyone have this and have any suggestions since they say "you can't get rid of this"?

Replied by Lalita
(Delhi, India)
08/26/2012

Hi, My husband who is 56 years old is a type 2 diabetic with hypothyrodism and has been recently diagonised with Liver Cirohsis ---which is in an intial stage. He is a non alcoholic and non smoker and a vegetarian. He is otherwise very active and shows no symptoms. On routine tests of LFT, CBC and KFT we found that the CBC showed low platelets and LFT showed increased Billirubin and increased Alkaline phohsphatase.. On an ultrasound we found enlargement in spleen and hence continued the investigations to know the cause of Spleno megaly and increased AFT... Although it has been established that he has Cirohsis of Liver the score of which is 5% currently the cause of Cirohsis is still under diagnosis and should be known by this week end... For the past ten days he has been on a low salt diet and only raw vegetable juices and boiled veges for food along with home made cottage cheese - ( 100 gm ) per day and sprouts and yoghurt..... And of course no spices at all except cumin seed powder on yoghurt and a little turmeric on veges while coooking... Wanted to know more from you if you can help on the different diets that could be given and also the quantity of juice that can be consumed each time of the day. Your comment above is a great source of encouragement... And hence looking forward for help and advise... Thank you and God Bless! Lalita

Replied by Tina
(Houston, Usa)
08/26/2012

Lalita, Please look into pranic healing. Since you are in India, you can google and find many healers who specialize in this form of healing which will help him resolve his issues. Good luck, T

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
08/27/2012
2048 posts

Lalita, you seem to be doing good diet so far. Much more will be needed. Here are some web links that will help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt251o0y05I

http://www.liversupport.com/

http://www.liverdoctor.com/

Replied by Paul
(Indianapolis, In)
09/19/2012
★★★★★

Your doctor should give you urso. As a dietary supplement, you might want to try curcumin or milk thistle. I live in IN as well, and my wife has PBC. Take care.

Replied by Saundra
(Minnesota)
06/02/2016

Hi, I have PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) and my hormone doctor wants me to take progesterone. I already have cirrhosis so my liver is not functioning like a normal persons and so I am wondering if anyone has taken progesterone with PBC. My labs are all normal after starting URSO about six years ago but I don't know how much of my liver is functioning, still. My hepatologist tells me everything is fine based on my liver enzymes but I know they reflect my current state and in no way reveal anything about damage that has already occurred.

So, I am wondering if it is safe to take progesterone in a low dose cream and also would like to know if alpha lopeic acid is safe on a cirrhotic liver.

Thanks!

Vicky
(New South Wales)
02/12/2024

Anna's wild yam cream... look it up. That is THE cream. Contains no progesterone yet makes your body create its own progesterone. Does amazing things. Bought from Australia. If you want to help yourself further you could look into BIO IDENTICAL hormone replacement therapy. NEVER the doctor-advised HRT(hormone replacement therapy) NO. The BIO-IDENTICAL hormone replacement to balance all the hormones and sickness seem to slip a way and health is often restored.

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
06/04/2016
2048 posts
★★★★★

Saundra: I have used any one of the natural derived hormone supplements like Pregnenalone or DHEA for over two decades and with fatty liver as well as chronic active viral hep with only good effects. From what I know on Progesterone is also mostly or only benefits as concerns women. Only dangers or warnings I am aware of is the synthetic equivalent prescription estrogen. So if your doc is encouraging you to use the Yam derived progesterone this is a bonus as you can have regular checkups to determine the effects.

As for your liver, ALA is one of several nutrients with big benefits. The best approach is "broad spectrum" product that contains synergistic nutrients or herbs that have best overall healing outcomes. The website Liversupport.com has good basic info pages on most liver conditions and they sell specially designed products that have proven good results. Here is the link for your perusal:

http://www.liversupport.com/

Replied by Saundra
(Minnesota)
11/06/2016

Tim,

What liver disease and what stage of liver disease are you? With PBC, the liver has a difficult time clearing hormones from the body so that is my one concern as I am stage 4 cirrhosis. No one knows exactly how much function I have left so I'm not into compromising an unknown at this point.

I appreciate your input, but am not convinced it's okay for me, yet, considering where I am at.

Saundra

Replied by Timh
(Ky)
11/08/2016
2048 posts

Saundra: I have not had the convenience of being properly diagnosed by the medical profession, but I eventually figured out that my symptoms were exactly as described for PBC. I tried eating cooked beef or chicken liver and got much better until I took a Hep-C vaccine and came down with chronic active viral hep which has been going on for more than 2 decades.

You are correct in a sick liver unable to properly metabolize hormones so supplementing any would not likely help. I would encourage you to transfer your treatment modality from pharmaceutical based to natural which is very much the best option for recovery rather than accepting that there is no cure and you will never get better. The Liver is a remarkably regenerative organ and it takes about 90 days to grow a new one. There are several multi-herb & nutrient products on liversupport.com that are designed specifically for certain liver diseases. Pick a product that best suits PBC and also either supplement Raw Liver Tablets or eat cooked chicken or beef Liver regularly. A good herbal product for the liver should contain Milk Thistle, Artichoke, Turmeric, and Dandelion. Choline or Methionine may be needed to help burn fat. An anti-inflammatory diet will help much as inflammation prevents the replication of healthy cells and results in cirrhotic ones.

Replied by Janet
(Brooklyn, New York)
12/21/2016

I was dx with aih at 57 yrs old. Always battling with my weight. I had nash that became stage 3 and 4 cirrohosis. Was not put on the proper meds at first. I have been on cellcept, for over 5 yrs and the dr said I would have to be on it for the rest of my life. My thing is that every time I have asked about taking other therapies or vitamins they don't encourage it only milk thistle which I don't take. I do get scanned every year, and blood tests every 3 months to check my liver enzymes. I had my last martini right before I became ill, I really do miss drinking but now being 62 I don't go out as much as I used to. As a result of taking prednisone I became diabetic and have high blood pressue. Anyone have any suggestions or does anyone take this medication. Thanks

Replied by Laurie
(Connecticut)
09/22/2017

Is The paelo diet recommended for primary biliary cirrhosis?

Probiotics

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by noel (merced, ca) on 08/28/2024
 ★★★★★

Probiotics for Alcoholic Liver Damage (ALD)

I just ran across a study today where they used Probiotics to reverse liver damage from Alcohol consumption. (Allegedly works for NAFLD / fatty liver too) I would probably take a prebiotic alongside the probiotics as this will have compounding positive effects to support probiotic, gut & liver health. I'm not exactly sure what dosage size, duration, or probiotic strains off the top of my head, so I'll link the studies below. I just take the probiotics the Trunature brand or the Nature's Bounty Brand they sell at costco/drugstores.

links to studies:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1358063/full

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.729950/full

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1212742/full

Pumpkin Juice, Fresh Lemon, Turmeric

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Nazanin (Tehran) on 05/29/2021
 ★★★★★

My mother has had cirrhosis for 10 years. During this time she has used many things for treatment. She has been unwell for some time and her legs were completely swollen. She also had a slight fever during the day, which has improved with the following:

Pumpkin juice + fresh lemon + Turmeric

In addition to the above, raisin juice has also played an important role in strengthening her body. She drinks it at early morning before breakfast.

I hope that all those who have this disease will be healthy.

Serrapeptase

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Eva (California, US) on 10/10/2014 7 posts

A friend of mine was just diagnosed with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis and fatty liver. Would Serrapeptase help with both? Does anyone have experience with it? What else should she take? Do the recommended supplements work with it?

Replied by Timh
(KY)
10/11/2014
2048 posts
★★★★★

Yes, take the Serra or Nattozymes to remove the scar tissue. The Lipotropic nutrients B-Complex, Carnatine, Lecithin/Choline, Methionine & B-12 will remove the fat. Doing these remedies simultaneously is very important so as to allow healthy liver cells to repopulate those areas of former "dead space".

Oh, it is also very important to explore the likely possibility of gallstones (which can cause the fatty liver which causes fibrosis). Taking any kind of medicine which is hepatotoxic with the presence of gallstones greatly increases the likelihood of disease.

Inflammation is also a major problem with fibrosis. Use a strong magnet directly over the liver to reduce inflammation.

Wheat Grass, Liver Tonic, Green Smoothies

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Laurie (Groton, Ct) on 07/13/2012
 ★★★★★

My brother cured cirrhosis of the liver with wheatgrass juice, green smothies w/spinach, and a liver tonic. The wheatgrass was flash frozen raw. He was getting on the transplant list but because of his acities and terrible condition none of the drs thought he would make it. He also had a condition with his kidneys that would eventually require a transplant. That has been reversed also. I hope this will help you. It didn't happen over night, But each day things got a little bit better.

Replied by Haya
(Toronto, Canada)
05/08/2013

Dear Laurie from Groton, What type of liver tonic did your brother used? Did he have ARPKD? My douther has ARPKD, and the fact your brouther healed him self is so incoraging for us!!!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing!!!!! love & health, Haya

Replied by Yasmin
(Clovis, NM)
12/21/2018

My father is currently suffering from stage 4 cirrhosis and hep c. What is the liver tonic you used? My father is currently on 5 oz of wheatgrass per day.


Advertisement

Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy