Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver. It is highly contagious and can be passed from one person to another through intimate contact, or through the use of unclean piercing utensils or syringes. Hepatitis C can also be passed through food, as well as bad hygiene and not washing hands after using the restroom. Herbal remedies may alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, could stall the progression of the disease.
Herbal Remedies for Hepatitis
Step 1
Add olive leaf extract as a daily supplement. Olive leaf extract is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial herbal remedy. It has been used in Mediterranean countries for centuries. The components in olive leaf extract may have the ability to attack the Hepatitis C virus and render it incapable of reproducing itself. The leaves of the plant are used in the preparation of the extract. It comes in liquid and capsule form.
Step 2
Using milk thistle or silymarin may prevent the entry of toxins and viruses into the liver by strengthening the membranes. It may also assist the liver in regenerating tissues that have been damaged by viruses and other toxic substances.
Step 3
Schisandra is an oriental herb that has been useful in the treatment of liver ailments. Schisandra increases the liver's ability to manufacture glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase offsets damage to the liver that can be caused by chronic, viral hepatitis.
Step 4
Dandelion root is a known liver tonic. It is found in abundance over most of North America. While the leaves can be boiled and eaten or used as a poultice, the root can be encapsulated or put in tincture form and used to strengthen the liver.
Step 5
Licorice root has been shown to be effective in the treatment of hepatitis C, when used in conjunction with interferon. This method should be used under the supervision of your family physician and a trusted herbalist. Interferon and licorice root can work together to trigger responses that boost some cellular activities. Licorice root also may reduce the level of liver enzymes in the bloodstream.
Tips and Warnings
- Know your body. Find out if you have allergies to any herbs or medications. Read as much as you can on the disease and its causes. Be informed. Get a second opinion, if you feel you need one.
- Never attempt to treat any form of hepatitis by yourself. Consult a physician in addition to an herbalist.
Things You'll Need
- Olive leaf extract
- Milk thistle
- Schisandra
- Dandelion root
- Licorice root
References
- Hepatitis
- Healthy Healing, Linda Rector Page, N.D., 1998
- Prescription for Herbal Healing, Phyllis A. Balch, 2002
