According to the Mayo Clinic, Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection. It can be long-lasting (chronic) for some people and cause liver failure, cancer of the liver and cirrhosis, which can lead to permanent scarring of the liver. It can also be short-lived (acute). Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Available alternative cures include herbal formulations, traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathic remedies.
Types of Hepatitis
According to Dr. Larry Altshuler in his book Balanced Healing, hepatitis A is contracted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with an infected person. About 99 percent of hepatitis A cases resolve themselves. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne illness most often caused by sexual contact, needle use and blood transfusion; approximately 10 percent of people with hepatitis B become chronic carriers. Hepatitis C is also a blood-borne illness and accounts for 16 percent of cases.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic reports that hepatitis B symptoms generally appear about two to three months after infection. The symptoms can be mild or severe. They include yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain, lack of appetite, vomiting and fatigue. Symptoms may never develop in infants and children; this is also true for some adults.
Alternative Cure for Liver and Blood Cleansing
Dr. Altshuler recommends herbal formulas to cleanse and detoxify the blood and liver. The first formula should contain all or some milk thistle, Picrorhiza kurroa root, dandelion root and beet leaf or artichoke. Continue with another formula that contains all or some of Oregon grape root, cayenne, chaparral, red clover, burdock root, goldenseal, yellow dock, bloodroot, mistletoe, periwinkle flowers, lobelia seeds and sheep sorrel. Dr. Altshuler also recommends a colon detoxification and the continued use of milk thistle.
Chinese Herbal Remedies
Dr. Altshuler recommends several Chinese formulations if previous steps do not improve your symptoms or if your liver enzymes remain elevated. He suggests contacting a practitioner qualified in Chinese herbal medicine to determine which formulas are best for your symptoms. Improvements should be noted within three to six weeks but for maximum benefit the treatment should probably be taken longer.
Homeopathic Remedies
Another alternative cure is the use of homeopathic remedies. Dr. Altshuler suggests several homeopathic formulas. He recommends contacting a qualified homeopathist for guidance and for an individual remedy and the proper dosage.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic hepatitis B is commonly transmitted by sexual contact, sharing needles or an accidental needle stick, or from mother to child during labor.
When to See a Doctor
The Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor immediately if you know you have been exposed to Hepatitis B. Preventive treatment may reduce the risk of infection, but it must be administered within 24 hours of exposure.
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