Hepatitis B, a viral infection, targets your liver and may cause both immediate and long-term disease. The virus that causes this condition, notes the World Health Organization, is passed from one person to another by contact with the body fluids of an infected individual. WHO reports that about 600,000 people die die each year due to the consequences of this illness. Herbal medicines may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating hepatitis B, but you should be aware of the risks and limitations of herbs before using this treatment method.
Hepatitis B
Most of the physical damage associated with hepatitis B, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, is caused by the way your body reacts to the infection. A robust immune system response often leads to liver inflammation. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hepatitis B -- which may not appear for up to six months following infection -- include low appetite, fatigue, low-grade fever, muscle and joint pain or discomfort, jaundice, and nausea and vomiting.
Herbal Medicines
With appropriate treatment, most people -- about 85 percent -- recover from hepatitis B, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Balch suggests several herbal medicines that may be helpful adjunct therapies in the treatment of your hepatitis B, including black radish, green tea, yellow dock and red clover. Baikal skullcap is a powerful antioxidant, while schisandra is an herbal remedy that has long been used to help protect your liver.
Herb in Focus
Schisandra is an herbal remedy that has historically been used in treating hepatitis and encouraging healthy liver function. In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," herbal medicine expert Ed Smith states that schisandra possesses numerous health actions, including antioxidant, astringent and nutritive action. Schisandra purportedly helps detoxify, protect and regenerate your liver. This herbal remedy has also been prescribed to help improve physical performance in work and sports activities.
Warning
Although most people with hepatitis B recover with appropriate care, certain health complications are associated with this condition. If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may be more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Other possible health complications associated with this condition include chronic persistent hepatitis, cirrhosis and fulminant hepatitis. Discuss all possible treatment measures with your physician before using herbal medicines to help treat your hepatitis B infection. Herbs may be most helpful as adjunct therapies in treating this condition.
References
- World Health Organization: Hepatitis B
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hepatitis B
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
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