Very generally, hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver that is typically caused by a viral infection. Hepatitis is categorized into several different viral strains ranging from hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E (here we will be focusing primarily on hepatitis A, B, and C). Hepatitis may initially occur with few outward symptoms, but left untreated it will often manifest in painful physical symptoms and, in some cases, death. The symptoms of the virus can be worsened by risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, or contact with other toxic agents.

While the mode of contraction for hepatitis differs from strain to strain, acute viral hepatitis of any kind is characterized by jaundice, fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, tenderness in the upper right abdomen, dark urine, and a loss of appetite. Some other forms of hepatitis can become chronic and need constant maintenance. Chronic hepatitis can lead to liver scarring and, in some cases, cirrhosis. Next we will review hepatitis types A, B, and C individually.

• Hepatitis A: Caused by the hepatitis A virus, this form of the liver infection is highly contagious. The most common way to contract hepatitis A is from contaminated food or water, or from close contact with someone who already has the infection. This form of hepatitis is acute in nature and oftentimes the liver heals itself within weeks to months of contracting the virus with little or no permanent liver damage. While there is a vaccine for hepatitis A, there is no defined medical treatment that will cure it.
• Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is another acute form of liver infection, although for some people, the infection can become chronic.  Children are much more susceptible to developing a chronic form of hepatitis B, as it is common for mothers to pass on the infection to their children during delivery, combined with the fact that children generally have less resilient immune systems. The most common way to contract hepatitis B is through contact with infected bodily fluids. Many people don’t display their symptoms until after an incubation period of about 60-90 days. Depending on the severity of the infection, individuals with hepatitis B may not need a serious medical intervention in order to rid their bodies of the virus. If the infection becomes chronic, antiviral medications may be necessary.
• Hepatitis C: While hepatitis C can be acute, many people who contract this strain of the virus develop a long term infection and, oftentimes, suffer permanent liver damage. Symptoms of hepatitis C typically take a long time to manifest (sometimes decades), allowing an extended window of time for the patient to suffer irreparable damage to the liver before being diagnosed and treated. The most common way to contract hepatitis C is through contact with infect bodily fluids—specifically blood. While some cases of hepatitis C can be left untreated, many cases must be treated with antiviral medication and, in the worst case scenario, a liver transplant. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Self Help

Perhaps the best prevention against hepatitis is through good hygiene, knowledgeable sterilization practices, and proper food preparation. However, there are several more things that you can do to help you alleviate your symptoms and/or decrease your risk of developing a more acute form of the virus.

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B (currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C)
• Get plenty of Vitamin C
• Take precautions when getting any tattoos, piercings, manicures, or pedicures—ask about sterilization
• Do not use any razors, needles, or inhalant devices used by other people
• Do not abuse drugs or alcohol
• When traveling outside the United States, only drink boiled, bottled, or filtered water and peel all fruit
• Request disposable acupuncture needles

Western Treatments

Most people who contract a chronic form of hepatitis will seek assistance from their local hospital or clinical physician. Antiviral medications are commonly prescribed by medical doctors to help combat the symptoms of hepatitis, while iron preparation is often recommended before treatment. That being said, some antiviral medications can have negative side effects such as depression and flu-like signs and symptoms while the iron preparation oftentimes causes painful constipation. Some individuals are impacted so negatively by these side effects that treatment must be delayed or stopped completely.

A recent medical development has been the creation of the hepatitis C drug, Sovaldi. The formulation of this drug has caused nationwide controversy, as a single pill comes with a price tag of $1,000, making it absolutely inaccessible for most people suffering with hepatitis C. When the paths to relief are littered with complications such as these, many people suffering with hepatitis opt for a more effective, natural form of treatment.

A Case Study in TCM Treatment

A 40-year-old female had been diagnosed with a chronic hepatitis C infection. All of the traditional Western medical interventions that she had attempted in the past had caused her side effects that were largely intolerable, leading her to seek out a more natural source of relief from her symptoms. Traditional Chinese diagnosis revealed that her tongue was reddish-purple with a textured coating, with a slightly wiry and weak pule in the kidney position. The patient was prescribed an herbal mixture including, among other ingredients, eclipta herb concentrate, milk thistle extract, curcuma tuber, salvia root, lyceum fruit, ligustrum fruit, and bupleurum root. This mixture was to be combined with a secondary mixture containing spatholobus stem, ho-shou-wu root, salvia root, codonopsis root, astragulus root, ligusticum root, rehmannia root, and lyceum fruit. The first mixture was administered to regenerate the liver and reduce enzymes, while the second mixture was recommended for replenishing the blood and Qi. The patient still remains on these herbal mixtures, but reported feeling more energetic during the day after approximately two months of treatment.