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Hepatitis

An acute infection of the liver which can also become chronic, hepatitis can occur from a variety of causes – including Hep A,B,and C viruses, but also from infections in any other area of the physiology. The liver may become enlarged and painful; jaundice may occur as Phase II liver metabolism and bile secretion suffer; fever may accompany the infection as well. Debility is usually present. One should proceed as with any other infection, seeking diagnostic confirmation if possible from a blood test for liver enzymes. The addition of hepatics (and antivirals in the case of Hep virus) is a prominent specific point of treatment.

Treatment Goal(s):
· Eliminate infection and strengthen immunity, manage fever, support liver function.

Primary Treatment:
· Administer Echinacea 2-3 ml ever few hours.
· Administer extract of Silybum marianum, standardized to 80% silymarin, 350 mg daily.
· Administer capsules of Picrorhiza kurroa as a hepatic, bitter, and fever-reducer.
· Administer a good bitter cholagogue such as Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion).
· Use liver supportive and immune-enhancing Ganoderma lucidum (Red Reishi).

Supportive Treatment:
· Encourage rest and convalescence, especially in the acute phase.
· Use a diet low in oils, especially heated oils (fried food) and rich in bitter greens.
· Use external applications of warm Zingiber officinale (Ginger) compresses on the liver area.

Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If the infection is viral, add Hypericum perforatum (St.John’s Wort) to the treatment.
· If there is a fever, use relaxing and anti-inflammatory diaphoretics such as Tilia europaea (Linden or Lime blossom) and Achillea millefolium (Yarrow).
· If the infection is or becomes chronic, strengthen immunity with high doses of Astragalus.
· If there is much pain and inflammation, add Cucurma longa (Turmeric) to the protocol.