Herbal remedies/hep c

[hepc4jean]

What does anyone know about Milk Thistle and/or Licorice Root for liver function?  I've heard that in the beginning of the disease it can help.  Not so in the end stages.  Also, does anyone have any input regarding Noni juice?

[JimmyMose]

Good luck and hope it continues to help you and many others.  

FYI to anyone who hasn't had experience with milk thistle please check with your provider first.  I recently commented on a similar question

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Hepatitis-C/Has-anyone-found-milk-thistle-beneficial-/show/2154566#post_10269059
rxlist.com link is there
Are there safety concerns? possible side effects and allergic reactions  

[hepc4jean]

I continue to take milk thistle daily, and hope.  In my case the "brain fog" is related to my low blood counts.

[hepc4jean]

Thank you for your input.  I wanted some validation of what, deep down, I already knew.  I have been to doctors, several in fact. and there isn't anything that is being done.  One referral after another.  I am certain that poor insurance coverage is a factor.  Another appointment this week with a gastroenterologist.   I was exposed 18 years ago @ work.  Now, my symptoms are definitely end stage cirrhosis.  Low blood counts, jaundice, severe edema, pruritus.  Again, no diagnosis or treatment for symptoms.
I currently take 3000 mg daily of milk thistle, although research has shown that the liver cannot regenerate when it is so severely damaged, as in end stage cirrhosis.  Day to day struggle.  And you're correct, Noni juice tastes like crap.

[flyinlynn]

I found several mentions that Noni juice could possibly harm the liver I found the from http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsad/a/Noni.htm

Safety

There are no formally established side effects of noni juice. Due to the lack of evidence, noni should not be used by pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with liver or kidney disease.

So you probably should stay away from that one. I have tried Noni as there used to be no effective treatment as there is now. Doesn't taste very good anyway.

Lynn

[flyinlynn]

Hello Jean
I found this from the  Mayo Clinic about milk thistle best they can say for sure is it won't hurt you. Any benefit is unclear due to small study size and poor study techniques but they gave it a "B" rating. Won't cure hep c though for that you need to see a doctor at best those meds you list can slow liver damage but not stop it.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/milk-thistle/evidence/hrb-20059806

Good luck
Lynn

[kirk8]

I've taken Milk Thistle and I believe it helps me with hep related brain fog  It just makes me feel better.

I went to an informational class for new patients when I was first diagnosed.  One of the NPs running it told us not to take any herbs or supplements, but then she made an exception for Milk Thistle.