How to treat and avoid Hepatitis using natural remedies.

SYMPTOMS

Weakness, nausea, headache, vomiting, fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dark urine, joint stiffness and pains, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, light-colored stools, and often jaundice (a yellowing of skin, which will first be noticed in the eyes and mucous membranes). Skin rashes and itching may occur; the latter is caused by excess bile salts under the skin.

CAUSES

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver; it may be caused by virus, bacterium, or toxic substance. But, in most instances, the cause is viral. There are actually several main types of hepatitis:

Hepatitis A (Infectious hepatitis, HVA):

 Transmitted by contaminated water, milk, or food, it has an incubation period of 15-45 days. The contagion is highest just before illness begins; so food workers can transmit the disease. Hepatitis A is contagious between one or two weeks before the illness starts. It is easily spread by person-to-person contact and through contact with food, clothing, linens, etc. It can be transmitted from animals. Eating shellfish is a good way to get it, even if the waters they live in pass national standards. Recovery generally occurs within 4 weeks. Chronic cases are less likely to occur.

Hepatitis B (Serum hepatitis, HVB):

  It is found throughout the world and spread as in the same manner HIV is- through contact with infected blood (contaminated needles, syringes, blood transfusions) and sexual contact. Six cases have been traced to contaminated acupuncture needles. About 5% of all Americans and 85% of gay men have it. Hepatitis B is very serious. It has an incubation period of 28-160 days (2-6 months); and recovery may require 6 months. Throughout that time, it can be passed from one person top another. In increasing numbers, cases are reverting to chronic active hepatitis, which can result in liver cirrhosis and death. Hepatitis B is the ninth major killer in the United States.

Hepatitis C (HVC):

  In the same manner as HIV and Hepatitis B, hepatitis C may take 6 months to produce symptoms; yet all that time it can be spread from one person to another. Between 20%-40% of all hepatitis cases are of this type. It accounts for 90%-95% of all the hepatitis that is transmitted by blood donations. About 85% of infections lead to chronic liver diseases.

Hepatitis E, hepatitis non-A, and hepatitis non-B

  Also exist, but are of lesser significance in North America. Hepatitis E is found worldwide; it is in epidemic proportions in India, Mexico, Africa and Asia. It is generally contracted from drinking sewage-contaminated water. Such water should be boiled before using.

Toxic hepatitis:

All of the above are primarily viral forms of hepatitis. But this one is caused by toxic chemicals. The degree to which the liver was exposed to the poisonous chemicals, fumes, drugs, etc., determines the amount of damage to that organ. Absorption of the poison can occur through the skin.

Overall, there are 40,000-70,000 reported new cases of various forms of hepatitis each year in America. But the experts suspect that there are probably ten times that many which go unreported. Hepatitis most often occurs in young adults; it is highest in teenage girls.

  Hepatitis A is decreasing, and hepatitis B is rapidly increasing. It is fourth among the 30 leading communicable diseases.

   In China, 10% of the population have hepatitis at any time. That is 100 million new cases each year. As one might expect, the rate of liver cancer is quite high rate.

  A word to the wise: Gay men often take jobs working in restaurants; yet they have high rate of hepatitis B and C infections which do not reveal symptoms for weeks or months. During this time they can, and do, transmit the infection to customers through the food they handle. Something to think about the next time you feel like eating in restaurants or cafe.

NATURAL REMEDIES

·         Give the patient the type of care you would give for any infectious disease; but remember that some of these hepatitis cases can be highly contagious.

·         Give hot fomentation over the liver area for 15 minutes, followed by a cold sponging and concluded by a shower. Do this 4 times each day. Most cases of hepatitis are self-limiting and will heal with rest and supportive care.

·         He should have bedrest until the acute stage is past; also he should have initial liquid fasting, followed by a light diet. He often has poor appetite and does not feel like eating, even though he should. Glass of lemon juice and water every morning. Fruit juice. Every other day a glass of carrot, beet, cucumber juice.

·         Avoid sugar, fat, and alcohol. Do not use tobacco or other poisons.

·         Vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg) and vitamin C (2,000 mg or more, to bowel tolerance) are important. Also needed are vitamin A (5,000 IU) and B complex.

·         Clinical studies reveal that two amino acids, L-cysteine and L-methionine (500 mg twice daily of each), unsaturated fatty acids (2 tsp. flax-seed oil), and choline (1-3 grams) help speed recovery from hepatitis.

·         Take grapefruit seed extract (10 drops 3 times daily for 1 month in juice).

·         Robert Cathcart, M.D., says hepatitis is one of the easiest diseases for ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to cure. He gives very high levels (40-100 grams) intravenously; and great improvement occurs within 2-4 days.

·         Drink plenty of water (preferably distilled water) and bathe frequently.

·         Fresh or cooked garlic, or in capsule form.

·         Avoid constipation; and wash hands with soap after every bowel movement. The toilet seat should also be washed after each usage.

·         He should not prepare food for others; and his own utensils should be sterilized after each of his meals. His linen and clothes should be washed separately.

·         Avoid drugs which greatly irritate the liver, including tranquilizers, aspirin, certain tetracycline, anti-depressants, and antibiotics. Tylenol (acetaminophen) and iron supplements are very toxic to the liver.

·         Eating meat and fish, especially when under-cooked, can cause infection from bacteria and viruses.

·         Activities should be restricted for several months after recovery has occurred. Avoid strenuous sports.

HERBS

·         Here are several herbs which would help the liver at this time: St. John’s wort (300 mg capsules 2 times daily) and shiitake (1,500-2,000 mg 2 times daily with meals)

·         For an excellent liver tonic, combine equal parts Oregon grape, dandelion, pipsissewa, fennel seed, and blessed thistle. Take 3 cps daily.

·         Barberry is one of the mildest and best liver tonics. Take 10-30 drops of the tincture daily.

·         Milk thistle contains silymarin, which stimulates protein production from amino acids in the liver. This helps the liver regenerate itself. Take two 150 mg tablets daily or capsules of milk thistle extract, 3-4 times daily; or 15-30 drops of the tincture in water, twice daily for 2 weeks. It is important that you take this!

·         Add 1 tsp. dried or fresh lemon balm to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 15 minutes, strain, drink 2-3 cups a day.

·         Golden-seal tea may be taken 1-3 times a day.

HYDROTHERAPY

·         To relieve discomfort, place castor oil packs over the liver area and keep warm. Burdock leaf packs are good on an inflamed liver.

·         Make a strong tea of peppermint leaves, add a pinch of cayenne, and place as a poultice over the area.

·         To strengthen the liver in its battle against infection, apply alternate hot and cold compresses over the liver area.

A hot half bath (sitting in a partly full tub) may be given to raise the body temperature, assisting the body to fight the virus by strengthening the immune system. Give him plenty of fluids while in the bath.