Liver Disease

My 65-year-old mother has the early stages of cirrhosis hepatitis and is taking Urso, 250 mg. tabs, twice a day. Is there a herbal medicine she can include in her treatment plan, such as junco? Is taking herbs a bad idea? She is under treatment by a regular liver specialist.

Urso is a drug used to dissolve gallstones which are a cause of liver damage. Substances which contain estrogens or that prevent bile absorption from the intestine are not to be taken while on this drug. I don't know of a herbal medicine called "junco". Diet is especially important in easing the strain on the liver to allow healing. Herbs recommended for liver disease help to improve the bile creation and flow, and may be contraindicated only if the bile duct is blocked.
You will find some information on herbs for liver cirrhosis on our website at www.richters.com, choose "Q&A" from the main menu, then choose "Search Richters Q&A", and enter the word "liver" for the search. Discuss any proposed diet changes and use of herbs with a qualified health care practitioner who can evaluate your mother's condition and monitor her progress.