Liver protection and restoration

Botanical Medicine 2

Fall 2009

The Hepatics

Silybum marianum

Cynara scolymus

Bupluerum falcatum

Schisandra chinensis

Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum

Cynarascolymus

Schisandra chinensis

Schisandra chinensis

Bupleurum falcatum

Bupleurum falcatum

Liver specifics

Phyllanthus amarus

Picrorrhiza kurroa

Phyllanthus amarus

Picrorrhiza kurroa

Case 1

A male patient aged 69 had been experiencing recurrent attacks of biliary pain for several months. A blood test showed the presence of high levels of bilirubin, perhaps due to temporary obstruction caused by the passage of a stone, and X-rays revealed gallbladder inflammation and gallstones. The patient was offered surgery but wanted to try herbal treatment first. He was also advised to follow a low fat diet.

Formula used: Silybum marianum 1:1 30 mlCynara scolymus 1:2 30 mlTaraxacum officnale radix 1:2 25 mlPicrorrhiza kurroa 1:2 15 mlMentha piperita 1:2 20 ml

Sig 5 ml with water TID

After a few months of treatment all symptoms had abated. The patient continued treatment for another 6 months, during which time he was free of symptoms. Since that time (several years) he has not had any herbal treatment but still remains free of gallbladder symptoms.

Case 2

A female patient aged 38 wished to take the contraceptive pill. She found that even a low-dose pill still caused symptoms of female hormone excess such as abdominal bloating, weight gain, nausea and depression. She had a past history of liver damage due to hydatid worm cysts during childhood.

Treatment consisted of:Silybum marianum 1:1 30 ml

Taraxacum officinale radix 1:2 45 ml

Schisandra chinensis 1:2 45 ml

Sig 5 ml with water BID

The patient found she could take the pill without any adverse effects as long as she also took the herbal treatment.