Hepatitis C, or viral hepatitis C infection, is a blood-borne liver disease that currently affects more than 3 million Americans. Chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to severe liver complications such as cirrhosis, cancer, fibrosis, organ failure and death. Ayurveda, India's indigenous healing system, recommends several herbs for hepatitis C, including guduchi, licorice and picroliv, writes Ellen Shearer of the California Ayurvedic College. Ask your physician which herbal remedies are appropriate for you.
Guduchi
Guduchi, or Tinaspora cordifolia, is a native Indian perennial plant that sports heart-shaped leaves and small yellow blossoms. One of its alternative names is "amrit," the Sanskrit word for nectar. According to physician Deepak Chopra, M.D. in his 2000 book "The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook," guduchi stimulates your immune system's response to toxic intruders. The herb boosts the manufacture of immune cells, guards healthy cells from harm and protects you from infection. In Ayurveda, hepatitis C infection is considered to be aggravated by excessive hot or "pitta" energy in the liver. Ayurveda practitioners may prescribe guduchi to cool and balance the liver.
Licorice Root
Chopra writes that traditional Ayurvedic practitioners have used licorice as treatment for inflammatory illnesses for thousands of years. Licorice's anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to glycyrrzhic acid. Since "hepatitis" refers to an inflammation of the liver, licorice is an appropriate herb to treat this condition. Research has revealed that licorice is an antiviral and may improve the health of hepatitis patients. It encourages interferon production, which in turn amplifies your immune system's ability to fight off viruses. If you have hepatitis B or C, your doctor may choose to give you interferon injections, as it is one way in which conventional medicine treats viral hepatitis. Do not substitute licorice for standard medical treatment.
Kutki
Kutki, also called picroliv, is a time-honored Ayurveda liver strengthener. This perennial herb grows at high altitude in the Himalayas. Its root contains the bioactive phytochemical kutkoside as well as antioxidant flavonoids. Chopra writes that laboratory research suggests that kutkoside shields the liver from toxins and deactivates components of the hepatitis B virus. According to a 2005 study in the "Indian Journal of Medical Research," kutki demonstrated liver protectant abilities in mice. Human clinical trials are needed before kutki can be recommended as a treatment for hepatitis.
Cautions
If you have chronic hepatitis C, discuss herbal therapy with your physician before adding any of the above plants to your regimen. Avoid kutki if you are nursing or pregnant, cautions Chopra. In addition, do not ingest licorice root if you are on diuretic drugs or have high blood pressure.
References
- "California College of Ayurveda"; The Role of Ayurveda vs. Western Medicine in the Treatment of Hepatitis C; Ellen Shearer
- "Indian Journal of Medical Research"; Protective Activity of Picroliv on Hepatic Amoebiasis Associated with Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicity; M. Singh et al.; May 2005
