Home Remedies and Herbs for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis is a viral infection that results in inflammation and potential damage to the liver. There are three strains of hepatitis due to three different types of virus. Hepatitis A is an acute or short-term infection that normally clears up on its own without treatment. Hepatitis B and C are progressively severe and can result in chronic or long-term diseases that can be serious or even fatal. ^1,2,3 Hepatitis C has a better prognosis for treatment today through weekly injections and oral medications. Although the Hepatitis C virus never leaves the body, the symptoms and progressive damage can be controlled through medications and a number of effective Hepatitis C natural remedies. ^1,3,4 Hepatitis C can only be detected through blood tests and it can lay dormant in the body for years. Many people don’t realize they’re infected until later in life. Thanks to a better awareness and vaccines, younger people are now at lower risk than those born between 1945 and 1965 — the “baby boomers”. ¹

What Causes Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C causes are entirely viral. They are blood-borne pathogens and are transferred mostly by blood-to-blood contact, often by shared needles. People at the highest risk of contracting Hepatitis C virus are: ^1,2

Hepatitis C Symptoms

Hepatitis C symptoms may take years to present. Generally, Hepatitis C symptoms include: ^1,2

• Yellowy, jaundiced skin and complexion
• Chronic fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Itchy skin
• Dark, rank urine
• Weight loss
• Pain in abdomen associated with buildup of fluids
• Clay-colored, pale stool
• Nausea and vomiting
• Ease of bleeding and bruising
• Drowsiness, confusion and/or slurring speech

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Hepatitis C

There is no cure for Hepatitis C virus, as yet. Medical science is making progress, especially in controlling the disease. This makes using natural home remedies effective treatments for easing Hepatitis C symptoms. Here are some Hepatitis C natural treatments that are proven to work:

• Milk thistle - Milk thistle is a plant of the aster family. It contains silymarin which is the health benefit ingredient that acts as a Hepatitis C natural cure. It’s available in liquid, powder and capsule form. Milk thistle has been used for liver ailments since the 1500s.
• Licorice Root - Licorice has numerous anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral benefits, including liver detoxification. Licorice root can be bought whole or in capsules.
• Dandelion - Dandelion leaves contain powerful antioxidants that help eliminate toxins from the body, especially through the liver.
• Turmeric - Turmeric contains potent antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents and is a proven, long-term immune system booster and bile-increasing producer. Turmeric is taken internally and mixed with water as a drink.
• Garlic - Garlic is used for many natural treatments including liver ailments. It’s antiviral and antifungal abilities make garlic effective for detoxifying the body and removing free radicals. Garlic is effective as a Hepatitis C controller when eaten raw or crushed and consumed with water.
• Probiotics - Probiotics are live organisms that help the human body function properly. When used in balance, these microorganisms and bacteria are naturally active against viral infections like Hepatitis C. Probiotics are sold as foods like yogurt or as supplements and additives. People considering the use of probiotics as a Hepatitis C natural treatment should consult expert knowledge as there are many different types available.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/home/ovc-20207365
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/hepatitis-c
3. http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/cfaq.htm
4. https://medlineplus.gov/hepatitisc.html