Our prayers are with you, your daughter and your family as she faces this health challenge. Hepatitis C is a serious disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Conventional treatment of hepatitis C includes injections of drugs, such interferon, to get rid of the virus. In addition to the medications she most likely will be prescribed, your daughter may want to speak to her doctor about the following herbs that can help strengthen the liver and/or protect the liver against the often toxic side effects of the drugs:

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb that may protect the liver from oxidation and toxic injury, reduce inflammation, and stimulate regeneration of the liver. It can be used indefinitely and is the most common herb taken for hepatitis C.

Schizandra berries (Schisandra chinensis), the fruit of a Chinese plant, may support healthy liver function.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may reduce some of the complications of hepatitis C and improve liver function. However, licorice root should be used carefully and only short-term because it can have significant side effects, including high blood pressure, salt and water retention, potassium loss, and potentially dangerous interactions with medications such as diuretics, certain heart medications, and corticosteroids.

Ginseng may help the body's disease-fighting and glandular systems and may also help improve the way the liver works and reduce damage to liver tissue.

(As always, and especially with a serious condition such as hepatitis C, before beginning any supplement program, have your daughter discuss it with her physician.)

In addition, lifestyle steps such as eating a healthy diet (lots of fruits and vegetables and while cutting back on fats and sugars); exercise (which can increase immunity, energy levels and improve mood); and eliminating alcohol (alcohol further damages the liver) can all be helpful.

Continue to pray for your daughter’s pathway to healing and God Bless.

Calcium and Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer and it definitely helps you sleep. Prayer works any time.

No, I haven't tried them. But here's what works for me: I stop thinking about all the stuff in my life, all the stuff I have to do tomorrow, the stuff I didn't get done, the mistakes I made during the day, the problems I or other family members have, etc. That's the hard part.
Then I silently pray the Lord's prayer, paying attention to the meaning of every word. If my mind drifts from the prayer I start it again from the beginning. I keep repeating the Lord's prayer until I fall asleep. It never fails and it takes fewer repitions than you think!