Hepatitis C

Hepatitis means an inflammatory condition of the liver. Chronic inflammation of the liver due to a viral infection is known as Hepatitis C. It is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. When this viral infection continues to remain in the body for many years, it can lead to severe damage, such as scarring and cirrhosis of the liver. Liver cirrhosis and scarring are slow processes, hence they may occur after 10-15 years of having Hepatitis C. The virus can spread through the infected person's blood or body fluids. It commonly spreads by contaminated needles, non-sterile syringes, or through unprotected sex with an affected individual.

Acute hepatitis C may often go unnoticed as it is most often asymptomatic (not having any symptoms). It often resolves on its own without any medications.

Chronic Hepatitis C whereas it requires proper treatment and lifestyle changes. If untreated, it may lead to complications, such as liver cirrhosis, liver scarring, and liver cancer as well in few cases. These changes once occurred may be irreversible and have a severe impact on health.

How Can Homeopathic Treatment Help In Managing Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a difficult viral Infection. It can stay in the body for several years. Conventional treatments do not provide relief to all patients. Also, Hepatitis C has a tendency to relapse. Severe cases involving liver cirrhosis cannot be prescribed Interferon.

Find below how homeopathy can help in managing Hepatitis C.

• Homeopathy is a highly effective treatment to decrease the viral count (Quantity of virus within the body) in most of the affected individuals with Hepatitis C (Not all).
• Homeopathy is effective at treating the after-effects of the tissue changes due to the Hepatitis C virus. 
• Homeopathy helps to promote deeper healing by improving the immunity of the affected individual.
• Homeopathy helps to treat and provide relief to the symptoms of the affected individuals.

Homeopathy is highly recommended in the below cases.

• Early Stage: In the early stages, as soon as the patient is diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a better response rate is observed in the initial stages with homeopathic treatment.
• Relapse: Even after the conventional treatment if the relapse of Hepatitis C occurs, you can opt for homeopathy as it helps in the deeper healing in such cases.
• Homeopathy is highly suggested for cases that do not show a response to conventional treatments. In cases, where Interferon has not shown much improvement in health, one can opt for homeopathy.
• In severe cases, where there is liver scarring or cirrhosis, the patients can opt for homeopathy as it is safe, gentle, and effective.

Duration Of Homeopathic Treatment:

The treatment duration may vary from individual to individual. However, initial improvement, in most cases, can be observed within 3-4 months of the treatment. Most patients show a reduction and improvement in viral load in around 4 months.

Complete homeopathic treatment duration may go up to 1 to 2 years also, depending on the severity of the case.

Common Homeopathic Remedies For Hepatitis C

At Life Force, Dr. Shah's treatment for Hepatitis C consists of patented homeopathic medications dedicated to Hepatitis C along with the common homeopathic medicines.

Some of the common homeopathic remedies prescribed in homeopathy for Hepatitis include:

• Bryonia Alba
• Chelidonium Majus
• Phosphorus
• Kali Carbonicum
• China officinalis
• Arsenicum Album
• Carduus marianus

Indications of above-mentioned remedies for Hepatitis C:

1) Bryonia Alba: Bryonia alba is often used as homeopathic medicine for hepatitis c when one experiences stitching and tearing pain in the liver region. The pain does aggravate with movement and or pressure on the affected area. Bryonia alba is indicated when there is dryness of mouth with an excessive thirst for large quantities of cold water. They do experience constipation accompanying hepatitis C.  This is often used when one also experiences symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and general weakness. The stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass. They are highly irritable by nature and prefer to be left alone.

2) Chelidonium majus: Chelidonium Majus is a well-known homeopathic medicine for hepatitis and used for liver disorders including liver cirrhosis. It is useful when the liver is enlarged due to hepatitis c and liver cirrhosis with a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the right upper abdomen.  The characteristic indication for the use of this remedy is sharp, stitching pain under the right shoulder blade. The patient does suffer from jaundice characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. They experience nausea and vomiting, especially after eating fatty-rich foods and a bitter taste in the mouth. They do experience fatigue and weakness.

3) Phosphorus: Phosphorous homeopathic treatment for liver cirrhosis is useful when there is liver damage due to the consumption of excessive alcohol. There is history of alcohol abuse leading to liver cirrhosis. The damaged liver causes bleeding which can manifest as easy bruising, bleeding in stool and vomiting or nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding in women. They are exhausted mentally and physically with a tendency to become tired easily. They do suffer from vomiting which can be frequent and after eating or drinking.

4) Kali carbonicum: Kali Carbonicum proves beneficial when liver enlargement occurs as a result of hepatitis C or similar liver ailments.  Kali carb homeopathy treatment for liver cirrhosis specifically targets stitching or cutting pains in the liver region, which may radiate to the back and worsen with pressure and movement. It also addresses digestive issues such as bloating and abdominal fullness post-meals. Moreover, it assists individuals in coping with fatigue and weakness, lack in stamina.

5) China Officinalis: Individuals who need China officinalis have an enlarged liver due to hepatitis C and other liver ailments. The liver may feel swollen and tender to the touch. China liver cirrhosis homeopathic medicine is indicated in individuals who experience weakness and fatigue. Like Phosphorous remedy, they do have a hemorrhagic (bleeding) tendency both externally and internally manifested as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and blood in stools. The weakness in China is because of the loss of fluids from the body such as diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding. In cases of liver disorders accompanied by anemia, China officinalis is advised, especially when weakness, fatigue, and a sallow complexion are prominent.

6) Arsenicum Album: For individuals suffering from hepatitis C accompanied by nausea and vomiting, Arsenicum Album offers relief. Those requiring Arsenicum Album may encounter burning sensations in the liver area. These sensations, whether stitching, tearing, or radiating, tend to intensify during the night or under pressure. In addressing the weakness and exhaustion commonly associated with hepatitis C, Arsenicum Album proves beneficial. It addresses both physical and mental fatigue, fostering a sense of vitality and stamina.

7) Cardus marianus: In liver cirrhosis homeopathy treatment this remedy is specifically known for its beneficial effects when a feeling of weight and fullness in the liver region accompanies liver complaints. There may also be nausea, vomiting, a bitter taste in the mouth, and sharp shooting pain in the liver region which extends toward the right shoulder blade and back. It is a general liver tonic that supports liver disorders. It is useful to detoxify the liver and improve the function of the liver.

Prevalence Of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is prevalent worldwide. According to some studies, more than 170 million individuals have the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection throughout the world. Out of these 170 million people, 71 million have a chronic infection. It is more prevalent among men than women.

Causes Of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a liver infection resulting due to the Hepatitis C virus. The virus can spread through the infected person's blood or body fluids.

There are several risk factors which may include:

• Tattooing or body piercing with non-sterile needles.
• Unsafe sex with multiple sexual partners.
• Born to a Hepatitis C infected mother.
• Drug addicts using multiple contaminated needles, syringes, and other items having infected blood are at high risk.
• Health workers if careless when dealing with Hepatitis C infected individuals may contract the virus.
• Frequent blood donors, if they happen to come in contact with non-sterile needles/syringes, may be at risk of Hepatitis C.
• Patients having dialysis or organ transplants also have increased risks.

Symptoms Of Hepatitis C

Most patients with Hepatitis C are asymptomatic (having no symptoms). However, others may experience several symptoms such as:

In the initial stages, mild symptoms, such as pain in the abdomen, digestion problems, a loss of appetite, fatigue, generalized itching, etc. can be present.

The symptoms being so common are often ignored by the patients.

The severity of the symptoms is not indicative of the intensity of liver damage.

The patients may also suffer from the following issues:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Bloating, vomiting, or nausea.
• Weakness and a loss of appetite.
• Yellowish discoloration of the skin/eyes.
• Weight loss may also occur in some patients.
• Bleeding from the rectum or bloody vomiting can occur in severe cases.

Diagnosis Of Hepatitis C

Clinical symptoms alone are not sufficient to determine the diagnosis of Hepatitis C.

The diagnostic test for Hepatitis C involves:

1. The study of certain Liver enzymes
2. The presence of Hepatitis C-specific antibodies in the blood.

Anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies are detectable in the blood after 3 to 6 weeks. 

There are 2 major types of diagnostic tests done.

1. The Qualitative Test: (For detecting Antibodies to Hepatitis C virus.)

These include:

• Enzyme immunoassay test (EIA)
• Recombinant Immunoblot Assay (RIBA)

These tests help us to determine the presence of Anti HCV bodies and do not give information regarding the quantity present in the body.

2. The Quantitative Test:

The quantitative tests to detect the amount of virus are:          

• Amplicor HCV Monitor™
• Quantiplex HCV RNA (bDNA)

It is crucial to note that the above-mentioned laboratory test may be a false positive or false negative.

Routine Blood Tests:

A complete blood profile is done, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and SGOT tests are also carried out.

Liver Biopsy:

A liver biopsy can help us to diagnose the complications of Hepatitis C, such as liver scarring and liver cirrhosis.

Preventive Measures For Hepatitis C

• Avoid the use of non-sterile needles while tattooing or piercing procedures.
• Avoid the sharing of needles and syringes among drug users.
• Always have safe sex practices, such as the use of a condom. Avoid unsafe sex with multiple partners.
• Avoid direct exposure to blood or blood products.
• Avoid sharing personal daily-care items, such as razors, nail cutters, scissors, etc.

Lifestyle Tips For Hepatitis C

• Have adequate sleep and rest. As fatigue is common in patients of Hepatitis C, proper sleep and rest are vital aspects.
• Have a healthy and nutritious diet. Avoid eating fried, greasy, fatty, and spicy foods.
• Avoid excessive alcohol intake and smoking.
• Daily exercise can help to boost the overall immunity of the body.

Conventional Treatment For Hepatitis C

In acute cases of Hepatitis, there is no specific treatment needed.

In chronic cases of Hepatitis C, antiviral medications are the common treatment provided. Side effects, such as weakness, anemia, skin rashes, mild anxiety, nausea, and diarrhea, may occur with conventional treatments.

Our Experience In Treating Hepatitis C At Life Force

• Life Force Homeopathy is the only homeopathic clinic in India that has patented and dedicated research-based medications for Hepatitis C.
• Clinical research studies have revealed the effectiveness of the patented Hepatitis C medications.
• Currently, more than 200 cases of Hepatitis C have been treated at Life Force.
• Patients from more than 180 countries avail of our treatments in person or via online treatment protocol.

Related Disease: 

• Liver cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis E
• Cholelithiasis.