Approximately 58 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C (HVC), a viral infection that can damage the liver. Until recently, HVC patients required weekly injections and oral medications to reduce the viral load and control symptoms and infection. Unfortunately, many people couldn’t tolerate these treatments because of other health issues or side effects.
Today, chronic hepatitis C is curable with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens, preventing the virus from multiplying and spreading.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a bloodborne viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause severe and long-term damage. The virus is spread through contact with blood and can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. It can also be transmitted through the transfusion of unscreened blood and sharing needles when injecting recreational drugs.
Hepatitis C often has no symptoms, so many infected people may not even know they have it. Left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.
Can Natural Herbs Help with Hepatitis C?
In addition to antiviral medication, more people are looking into the therapeutic benefits of using natural herbs to treat hepatitis C. If you are considering a holistic solution for alleviating your hepatitis C symptoms, learn which herbs and dietary supplements to choose and which to avoid.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a common herb that has a high antioxidant profile. One study suggests that it may help treat hepatitis C because milk thistle is commonly used as a liver tonic believed to help protect the liver from damage and promote regeneration.
Milk thistle may help to reduce the inflammation and damage caused by hepatitis C. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
Schisandra
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is a traditional Chinese herb used for centuries to treat various liver disorders. Research shows that it may have hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for hepatitis C.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root extract may reduce liver cell death and prevent the formation of fibrous tissue in human liver cells. However, most of the research on dandelion root and its potential effects on hepatitis C is in the early stages.
Dandelion roots may also have hepatoprotective properties. One animal study found that rats treated with dandelion root extract had reduced liver enzyme levels and oxidative stress markers compared to rats that did not receive treatment.
If you decide to try dandelion root, talk to your doctor about purchasing the supplements from a reputable source. Because it’s not regulated, contamination with other herbs or substances is possible.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow-pigmented spice derived from the Curcuma longa plant. Turmeric has been traditionally used in Asian cuisine and medicine for centuries. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.
Studies have recently suggested curcumin may inhibit the hepatitis C virus. The study also showed curcumin is generally safe, with no severe side effects reported. These findings suggest that turmeric may be a promising natural treatment for hepatitis C.
Green Tea
Another popular Asian ingredient is green tea, whose purported health benefits have been known for centuries. More recently, it has gained popularity in the West as a healthy alternative to sugary or caffeinated drinks.
A growing body of research has suggested that green tea may offer some health benefits, including protection against liver disease.
However, new data has linked green tea extracts to over 100 instances of liver injury. As a result, it is essential to exercise caution when consuming green tea or green tea supplements. If you have hepatitis C or any other liver condition, speak with your doctor before ingesting green tea to ensure it is safe for you.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Recently, there has been interest in its potential as a treatment for hepatitis C. Licorice root contains an active compound called glycyrrhizin, which is thought to have antiviral properties.
In laboratory studies, glycyrrhizin has been shown to inhibit the replication of HCV. However, these studies have only been conducted on cells, not humans.
Licorice root can cause side effects if taken in high amounts, such as increased blood pressure. Ask your doctor if licorice root can help facilitate your situation.
Bupleurum
Bupleurum is a natural herb used in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine for liver issues. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may hold curative properties in liver patients by reducing inflammation.
However, it also suggests that potential drug interactions could cause further harm to the liver.
Other Natural Remedies
Several other dietary supplements have been studied for their effect on HVC, but their role is minimal and, in some cases, even harmful.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in many biochemical processes, including cell growth and division, DNA synthesis and repair, gene expression, and protein synthesis. Zinc is also a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The body does not store zinc in large quantities. As a result, zinc levels can drop quickly if dietary intake is insufficient or the body loses zinc due to illness or injury. This can have serious consequences, as zinc is vital in immune function and wound healing.
Hepatitis C causes severe zinc deficiency because the virus attacks and kills liver cells responsible for distributing zinc throughout the body.
Zinc supplementation has been shown to be effective in treating hepatitis C and preventing its progression to liver cirrhosis. Zinc also helps to boost immunity and protect against other infections. Therefore, it may be beneficial for people with hepatitis C to take zinc supplements to prevent further liver damage and improve their overall health.
Taking zinc supplements can provide other benefits to your body with minimal risk compared to natural herbs.
- Improve eye, skin, and heart health.
- Properly adjust blood sugar levels.
- Improve your body’s immunity to diseases.
Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is a popular natural remedy that is claimed to have a wide range of health benefits. One of the most common uses for colloidal silver is as a natural remedy for infection. Proponents claim that colloidal silver can help to fight infection by killing bacteria and viruses.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Colloidal silver can even be harmful to your health. High doses of colloidal silver can cause argyria, a condition where the skin turns blue-gray. Argyria is permanent and can be disfiguring. Yet, some people have used colloidal silver to help against hepatitis C.
Seek Medical Advice
Natural remedies are becoming increasingly popular as people search for alternatives to traditional medicine. While some natural remedies may be effective in treating specific conditions, it is essential to remember that they may not be medically reviewed, and the FDA does not regulate them. As a result, there is no guarantee of quality or safety.
According to current research, no firm research supports the benefits of natural herbs and dietary supplements as a treatment for hepatitis C. Additionally, natural remedies can interact with other medications and may cause serious side effects. Therefore, always talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement for your HCV infection. Browse our blog for more health tips.
