Home Remedies and Herbs for Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a serious condition that affects the liver. Hepatitis causes inflammation to the liver that prevents this vital organ from functioning properly. There are many forms of hepatitis including viral, toxic and autoimmune hepatitis.¹

Viral hepatitis is the most common form of this condition and is usually what others are referring to when they talk about hepatitis. Viral hepatitis has 5 main strains: A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis B and C are the most concerning strains of viral hepatitis because they can lead to other conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. ¹

Toxic hepatitis occurs during exposure to toxins such as drugs or alcohol and can be cured by eliminating the toxic exposure. Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body’s immune system turns on itself and produces hepatitis symptoms.^1,2

What Causes Hepatitis?

There are many different hepatitis causes and these depend on the type and strain in question.

Here are the causes of the different strains of viral hepatitis:

• Hepatitis A & E Virus (HAV,HEV): Usually caused by eating or ingesting contaminated food and water.
• Hepatitis B, C & D (HBV, HCV, HDV): Caused by bodily fluid exchange such as through sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment, and from mother to child at birth.

Toxic hepatitis is caused by prolonged exposure to dangerous levels of toxic substances such as drugs and alcohol. This toxic exposure causes the liver to react and become inflamed which leads to hepatitis symptoms.²

Autoimmune hepatitis occurs when the body mistakenly attacks its own immune system which causes liver inflammation and leads to hepatitis symptoms. The exact cause of the body’s attack on the immune system is unclear. Researchers feel however, that it may be caused by a genetic or environmental trigger. ³

Hepatitis Symptoms

While the hepatitis causes and types all differ, the symptoms are generally the same. Hepatitis symptoms include:

• Jaundice - the yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Fatigue
• Itching and skin rash
• Pain in the upper-right abdominal area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dark colored urine
• Muscle fatigue

Specifically in regards to hepatitis C symptoms, most people do not experience symptoms for many years until the cirrhosis if the liver has seriously damaged the patient. ⁴

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Hepatitis

The following are hepatitis natural treatments:

• Licorice Root - Licorice root is a hepatitis natural remedy because it has antiviral health benefits that are helpful to the hepatic system.
• Milk Thistle - For a safe hepatitis natural remedy, try milk thistle. It has been proven to be effective in helping to treat chronic liver diseases.
• Reishi Mushroom - Reishi mushroom is a hepatitis natural treatment that helps to protect the liver and boost the immune system.
• Artichoke Leaf Extract - To help detoxify the liver, take artichoke leaf extract as a safe and natural hepatitis treatment.
• Buddleja Leaves - Buddleja leaves help to reduce inflammation in the liver caused by hepatitis.
• Centaury - Centaury is a hepatitis natural treatment that helps to purify the blood and reduce hepatitis symptoms such as jaundice. 

References

1. http://www.who.int/features/qa/76/en/ 
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/home/ovc-20167530 
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20167536 
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-hepatitis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20167536