7 HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HEPATITIS C


Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a serious communicable (contagious) disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that damages the organ slowly resulting in development of liver cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis is a condition caused by the swelling and inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C, a contemporary global health concern, is transmitted through infected blood. For example, you can get hepatitis C from a needle-stick wound or by injecting drugs with a contaminated needle.

Symptoms:

  • Heaviness on the right side of the abdomen
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pale and grayish stools
  • Tiredness
  • Itching

Causes:

  • Alcohol
  • Intake of harmful chemicals
  • Drug abuse
  • Genetic condition
  • Weak immune system

HERBAL HOME REMEDIES FOR HEPATITIS C


There are certain herbal remedies that can be applied in the treatment of hepatitis C since these herbs are not potent and cause lesser side effects than the conventional medicines for the same.

1.Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is the most popular herbal remedy for hepatitis C and among the best studied. Milk thistle is an herb thought to have properties that promote liver health. Silymarin, milk thistle’s active ingredient, is an antioxidant, hepatoprotectant, and anti-inflammatory. Silymarin also help the liver make new liver cells to repair the organ. Silymarin is thought to prevent inflammation (swelling) of the liver; this may be described as displaying anti-inflammatory properties. Milk thistle might decrease levels of the hepatitis C virus in patients who didn't respond to standard medical treatment. To treat hepatitis C use concentrated form of milk thistle; consume 200 mg of the capsule along with 140 mg of silymarin every day. Get a medical examination done every two weeks to check your progress.

2.Licorice Root

The scientific name for licorice root is Glycyrrhiza glabra, and its active component is called glycyrrhizin. Studies suggest that licorice root displays antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies indicate that it might reduce some of the complications of hepatitis C (including liver cancer) and improve liver function. The herb also has anti-oxidants properties that remove the toxin causing free radicals from the body thereby cleansing the blood and other bodily fluids. Licorice root is either taken on its own or combined with other herbs. Herbalists use tea made with licorice root to manage some of the effects hepatitis has on the liver. Check with your doctor on how many cups of herbal tea are required for successful treatment of the condition.
Licorice root should be used carefully because it can have significant side effects. If taken regularly (more than 3 grams of licorice root a day for more than 6 weeks, or more than 100 milligrams of glycyrrhizin a day), this herb can cause the following conditions in some people: high blood pressure, sodium and water retention, low potassium levels in the bloodstream, and disturbance of an important electrolyte balancing system in the body. It also can have potentially dangerous interactions with medications such as diuretics, certain heart medications, and corticosteroids.

3.Ginseng

Ginseng is used in the treatment of hepatitis C as well because it encourages the liver to perform its normal function of assisting in the outgrowth of new liver cells. Tests on animals and on human tissues suggest that ginseng may help the body's disease-fighting and glandular systems. Tests in small animals also suggest that ginseng may help improve the way the liver functions and reduce harm to liver tissue caused by hepatitis and similar conditions. However, it hasn't been studied well enough in people with hepatitis C to show any benefit. And because ginseng can decrease blood sugar and increase risk for bleeding, it should be used very carefully.
Consume three cups of ginseng tea daily to fight hepatitis C infection. You can buy capsules or tablets; look for the ones with the least amount of other added ingredients (fillers). Typical suggested dose: 1-2 capsules (325mg) twice a day.

4.Green Tea

Green tea has a high concentration of the compound catechin, which is reported to have antioxidant effects, supporting and strengthening liver function and useful in stabilizing the cell membranes.  It is thought to inhibit cancer tumours in the body which includes the liver. Hepatitis C causes plenty of damage to the tissues and cells of the liver. In order to treat the condition successfully it is important to repair the damaged and broken cells and tissues of the organ; otherwise, the liver will never be able to function well. Consuming 3 cups of green tea every day releases large amounts of anti-oxidants in the blood stream that treat the damaged cells. High doses of green tea may cause side effects including anxiety, allergic skin reactions, fever and the breakdown of red blood cells.

5.Turmeric

Turmeric or curcumin is a traditional remedy, used for improving the function of the liver and for jaundice. Turmeric possesses numerous antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and assist in removing toxins from liver and throughout the body. It has shown hepatoprotective effects against inflammatory conditions of the liver found in toxic exposure. It increases the flow and solubility of bile. It’s very good to include turmeric in your cooking as often as possible.  Another simple and easy way to take it is to blend a teaspoon of powder in water and drink it. If you can’t stomach this you could try making small paste balls to swallow. Take ¼ cup of turmeric ½ cup water Combine together in a small pan. Bring to a low boil and cook until it becomes a thick paste, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and let it cool. Store in the fridge and when needed, make into marble size balls. Swallow with water. Take up to 4 a day.

6.Dandelion

Herbal practitioners have used dandelion for hundreds of years to help aid the detox process and increase liver function. Dandelion stimulates the liver and the gall bladder for the proper utilization of fats within the body. It also helps in the detoxification of the liver. Its juice is used in treatment of most liver problems. Dandelion increases the flow of bile and is helpful in improving both jaundice and hepatitis. Even for people with hepatitis, dandelion tea is very beneficial. Make tea using the dandelion root powder available in a food store Take this remedy at least twice daily to get benefited by it. You can also boil a small amount of roots in a glass of water and drink this. Care should be taken when using dandelion regularly because of its high vitamin A content, which can produce toxicity. Dandelion has strong diuretic properties and will remove excess fluids and edema during the detox process. If you take a pharmaceutical diuretic, check first with a health care specialist before you start using dandelion on a regular basis.

7.Castor Oil Transdermal Packs

Castor oil has deep therapeutic properties.  It reduces internal inflammation of the internal organs when applied as a hot pack externally. Castor oil that is absorbed through the skin over the liver and spleen is of benefit during times of severe inflammation. A person will need to first determine where these organs are to accomplish this. To use it as a pack, soak a piece of flannel in pure, cold-pressed castor oil before and place it on the right side of the abdomen.  The flannel is covered with a sheet of plastic/cling wrap (generally larger than the flannel cloth), and then a hot water bottle is placed over the plastic to heat the pack for about five minutes. The hot water bottle should be made as hot as is bearable. This transdermal application should remain in place for a minimum of 30 minutes, and doing this ritual daily would benefit most patients.


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