As of July 2022, 296 million people around the world are living with hepatitis B. While there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, there are treatment plans that can keep the virus from spreading. Home remedies may also be a way to ease symptoms and make life easier.
While exploring traditional medicine, you may want to supplement with a home remedy. But home remedies are not FDA-approved or medically tested. There’s also a chance a supplement is not healthy, especially when used with other medicines. Always do your research and speak with your healthcare professional before starting any home remedy.
What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. There are two types: acute and chronic. Acute hepatitis B lasts less than six months and may go away with treatment, while chronic hepatitis B is long-lasting and has no cure. Antiviral medicines, interferon injections, or liver transplants can help those affected.
The virus spreads from person to person through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. It’s commonly passed by sharing needles, sexual contact, accidental needle pokes, and from mother to child during pregnancy or birth. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is vaccination. You should get tested for hepatitis if you have come into contact in any of these ways with someone who has or may have hepatitis.
Symptoms of hepatitis B include loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, clay-colored stools, dark urine and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If left untreated, hepatitis can cause long-term problems like cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and kidney disease.
Home Treatments for Hepatitis B
If you are thinking of adding home remedies to your treatment plan, learn which dietary supplements and herbs work best for you and which to avoid.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a popular herbal remedy for hepatitis. Milk thistle is rich in silymarin, an antioxidant thought to have liver-healing properties. The herb has been used traditionally for centuries to treat liver conditions, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may be effective in hepatitis B patients.
However, the FDA does not regulate milk thistle, and there is no definitive evidence that it can treat hepatitis B. If you are considering using milk thistle as a home treatment for hepatitis B, it is vital to speak to your doctor first to ensure that you purchase a product with high levels of silymarin.
Licorice Tea
Licorice tea is an herbal tea made from the root of the licorice plant. Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including liver diseases.
Some studies have shown that licorice can improve liver function and strengthen the immune system. This suggests that licorice tea may be a helpful home treatment for hepatitis B. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
If you are considering using licorice tea to treat hepatitis B, speak with a medical professional, as licorice tea can interact with certain medications and may not be safe for everyone.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom is one such treatment that is gaining popularity as a home remedy for hepatitis B. While no scientific evidence supports its efficacy, some believe reishi mushroom can help enhance immunity and fight the virus.
There are two main ways in which reishi mushroom is thought to work. First, it’s believed to help boost the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection. Second, reishi mushroom contains compounds that may help to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis B virus.
While more research is needed to confirm these claims, reishi mushroom may be worth trying for people looking for a natural way to treat their hepatitis B.
Beetroot
In recent years, some alternative practitioners have suggested that beetroot may be a helpful home treatment for hepatitis B. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which are believed to help boost energy levels and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, beetroot is thought to improve blood flow and liver function. While no scientific evidence supports these claims, some people with hepatitis B report feeling more energetic and less fatigued after consuming beetroot.
Neem
Neem is already a popular home remedy for Hepatitis B. To make the juice, take fresh neem leaves and grind them into a paste. Add this paste to a glass of water and drink on an empty stomach. Neem juice is rich in several constituents that can improve liver function and destroy liver toxins.
In addition, neem leaves are also known to have antiviral properties that can help fight the Hepatitis B virus. However, it is essential to consult with a doctor before starting any home treatment, as some home remedies may not be suitable for everyone.
Amla and Lemon Juice
Amla and lemon juice are two home remedy options touted as helpful for hepatitis B. Both amla and lemon juice are rich sources of vitamin C, which is essential for liver health.
Vitamin C helps to fight jaundice, a common symptom of hepatitis B. In addition, lemon juice can help to detoxify the liver and promote healing. While no scientific evidence supports amla and lemon juice as a treatment for hepatitis B, some people may find these home remedies helpful in managing their symptoms.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It is derived from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant and has a long history of safe use. Turmeric contains curcumin, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. These properties make curcumin a promising candidate for treating hepatitis B, a virus that causes liver inflammation.
There is currently no cure for hepatitis B, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. However, some studies have shown that curcumin may help to reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function in people with hepatitis B.
Curcumin is generally well-tolerated, and gastrointestinal upset is the most common side effect. Because of its potential benefits, turmeric may be worth trying as a home treatment for hepatitis B. Consult with your healthcare provider before using turmeric or any other complementary or alternative medicine.
Keep Your Hepatitis B with Alternative Home Remedies
Hepatitis B is a severe virus that can cause liver damage and other health problems. There is no cure for hepatitis B, but treatments are available to help manage the virus.
Some people with hepatitis B may also benefit from complementary or alternative medicine. If you are interested in trying any home remedies for hepatitis B, talk to your doctor first to ensure they are safe. Explore more of our health articles for additional tips.