TCM Treatment Evaluation for Hepatitis C
Chinese herbs are complex pharmacological substances that contain powerful nutrients often absent in the normal diet or only necessary due to a deficiency caused by illness. There are over 12,000 types of herbs recognised by TCM, although only a few hundred of these are commonly used.
Chinese Medicine views hepatitis C as a hot toxic invader of the body. Its effect in the body is thought to be the creation of heat within the energy system leading to inflammation of the liver and disruption to its functioning, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Chinese herbs are used to clear this heat and toxicity and to nourish and strengthen the body.
The excess hot liver energy can disrupt the digestive system causing tiredness, poor appetite, bloating, gas, loose stools, nausea, bitter taste in the mouth and general aching. Herbs may then be prescribed to regulate liver and digestive function, and clear heat.
As hepatitis C progresses, the symptoms may be severe tiredness, getting hot and sweaty at night, insomnia, dry skin, brittle nails and hair, constipation and dark urine, thirst and dry mouth, hardening of the liver, liver pain, swelling of the feet and abdomen, headaches. Herbs may then be given to strengthen the cooling and nourishing functions of the liver and kidney, to soften the liver and clear toxins, and to clear the mind.
It is very important to see a reputable and experienced herbal practitioner, who has experience of treating people with hepatitis C and is able to prescribe the most appropriate herbs. It is also important to check that the supplier of herbs uses high quality ones from a reliable unadulterated source. This is because dangerous and toxic substances have been found in some herbs. The average high street Chinese herbal shop does not necessarily have access to quality controlled herbs. Standard formulas are not recommended unless they are specifically designed for hepatitis C, prescribed for you by an experienced practitioner and made up from high quality herbs.