Cirrhosis
Digestive System
Cirrhosis is a chronic disease that is the result of slow deterioration of the liver. Damage to the liver from one of many causes changes its structure gradually, and the liver becomes progressively less able to carry out its functions, which includes regulating the content of blood. The most common cause in North America is alcoholism.
Malnutrition, hepatitis, parasites, toxic chemicals and congestive heart failure are some other possible causes. In the early stages, symptoms are mild. As the disease progresses, loss of appetite and weight, nausea, vomiting, general malaise and weakness, indigestion and abdominal distension become increasingly pronounced. There is a tendency to bleed and bruise easily.
A healthy liver has great regenerative potential, so the goal of therapy should be to eliminate the stresses on the liver, reduce inflammation, prevent scarring and encourage healing. The complication that arises from a damaged liver is that tissues damaged by cirrhosis can only replicate their damaged selves. The goal then would be to stop further damage to the liver.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils:
During a liver cleansing period, use only the essential oils listed, for any reason, including skin care. Essential oils must be excreted through the body’s system just like any other substance, and the listed oils contain beneficial biochemical properties for liver detoxification:
Recommended Essential Oils: chamomile Roman, chamomile German, lavender, geranium, myrrh, calendula, frankincense, neroli, rose
*Synergistic Essential Oil Blend:
Dilute in 95ml almond oil to which you have added 5ml borage seed:
- 5 drops - chamomile German
- 5 drops - lavender
- 5 drops - frankincense
- 5 drops - calendula
- 5 drops - rose
*Source: Worwood Valerie Ann, The Fragrant Pharmacy. Bantam Books, 1991
Self Help
Self Help:
- Strictly avoid alcohol and tobacco
- Try to avoid all drugs, whether prescribed or over-the-counter – most drugs are metabolized by the liver – especially avoid acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Avoid exposure to chemical fumes and vapors
- Take steam baths or saunas frequently; sweating helps the body eliminate toxins via the skin, and takes the workload off the liver.
- Drink plenty of filtered water
Nutritional Suggestions:
- Eat a low-protein, low-fat diet. Avoid concentrated protein foods; instead, opt for starches, vegetables and fruits. Get plenty of fibre.
- Eliminate red meat, fish, chicken, wheat and dairy produce from your diet.
- Cut out tea, coffee and citrus fruit juices.
- Avoid heated oils, hydrogenated oils, rancid oils and fried foods.
- Pineapple, taken every day in some form (fresh fruit, juice, or from a can) is beneficial because it contains bromine, a substance that is helpful in the treatment of all liver conditions.
- Eat lots of bitter greens such as kale, beet tops, cilantro and arugula.
- Drink raw juices such as wheatgrass, parsley, spinach and beet.
Herbs
Herbs:
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – Extracts of the seeds of milk thistle. Research shows that it stimulates regeneration of liver cells and protects them from toxic injury. It also aids in the production of bile.
- Schisandra Berries (Schisandra chinenis) – The dried berries look like red peppercorns and posses all five basic tastes: bitter, sweet, pungent, salty and sour. They can be eaten whole or made into a tea. Add two tablespoons of berries to a quart of cold water, bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes. Strain and drink throughout the day. Schisandra berries are said to boost immunity and offer a general healing tonic; it promotes healing of the liver, especially with inflammatory conditions.
- Combine: Milk Thistle and Schisandra Berries
- Burdock (Arctium Lappa) combined with Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) – take together to encourage digestion and to improve the removal of toxins.
Gemstones
Gemstones for Healing:
- Azurite / Malachite
- Emerald
Hold to the affected area.
Reflexology
Reflexology areas to emphasize:
- Liver – main reflex point
- Lymphatics – assist in the expulsion of wastes from the cells
