Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver, which may often progress to dangerous complications. There are many types of Hepatitis and each has its own particular set of causes, symptoms, mode of contraction and treatment procedures. Here are the main types of Hepatitis as well as some of the factors which may cause Hepatitis:

Types
1. Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A virus infection causes this condition. The Hepatitis A virus comes from food or water contaminated with the feces of someone contaminated with Hepatitis A. This is not a chronic form of Hepatitis.
2. Hepatitis B: This is a chronic form of Hepatitis. It is spread through body fluid, such as blood, saliva and semen. The possible causes of Hepatitis B include use of drugs through injections, having sex with an infected partner and sharing razors or other intimate articles with someone who is infected.
3.  Hepatitis C: This is also a chronic form of Hepatitis.The most common causes of Hepatitis C are injection drug use or having sex.
4.  Hepatitis D: This is a not a chronic form of Hepatitis and is also very uncommon. It is usually contracted along with Hepatitis B. It is usually caused due to puncture wounds or contact with infected blood.
5. Hepatitis E: This is the most uncommon form of Hepatitis. It is due to poor sanitation and ingesting fecal matter. It is usually found in developing countries.

Causes
1. Virus: This is the usual way of contracting Hepatitis. The virus attacks the liver and causes inflammation leading to the breakdown of a number of body systems.
2. Alcohol and other toxins: Alcohol and certain prescribed medications cause the liver to swell and that is why this form of Hepatitis is known as alcoholic Hepatitis.
3.  Autoimmune disease: This is the rarest cause of Hepatitis. The immune system malfunctions and begins destroying its own tissues. It attacks the liver because it perceives the liver to be a foreign object.

Hepatitis : Types and Their Causes

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), which affects the liver. It leads to inflammation of the liver. Even though it does not cause any severe harm in the initial stages, it can become acute or chronic later if not treated or managed on time. If it becomes chronic, it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and permanent liver failure too. 

Hepatitis A is caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and it can also result due to anal or oral contact during sex. This infectious disease results in specific signs and symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice, anorexia, and rashes on the body. There are many allopathic medicines to cure Hepatitis A but they can be harsh on the body. If one wants to avoid the possible side effects of these medications, then Ayurvedic remedies offer to be a better choice as they do not have any side effects and also cure the infection completely, giving permanent and full relief. 

So, here are some Ayurvedic remedies for Hepatitis A.

Virechana: A part of the Panchakarma process, it is a detoxification therapy that flushes out the toxins from the body. In Ayurveda, it is believed that any disorder of the liver is caused by pitta imbalance and this imbalance is rectified by a purgation technique. In the first step, the patient is made to vomit and then is kept on a light diet for a few days and watched over. In the last step, the patient is administered virechana drugs such as sweet herbs to cleanse the toxins and purify the blood. After cleansing, the patient is given a warm bath to calm the senses.
Echinacea: This herb is a natural immunizing agent that helps fight the infection caused by HAV. It is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory in nature and thus, provides relief to the liver. It also stimulates the secretion of enzymes in the body and improves blood circulation as well. Lastly, it prevents auto-immune diseases.
Phyllanthus niruri: Also known as Bhumi Amla, it is very effective in fighting infections of the liver and can cure all forms of liver diseases. It possesses analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-spasmodic properties. It cures the liver inflammation and corrects the pitta imbalance.
Triphala: A mixture of bibhataki, haritaki and amlaki, triphala is a very effective cleansing herb. It carries laxative properties and thus, helps remove toxins from the intestines.
Katuki: This Ayurvedic herb is very effective in the treatment of different liver diseases and is known as a strong laxative. It helps in the detoxification of the intestines and also kills the intestinal worms.
These Ayurvedic remedies are known to provide lasting relief in Hepatitis A, no matter what the stage of the infection is. The herbal medicines can be consumed in the form of tablets, capsules, mixture (churna), or even taken as a tea. Nevertheless, it is advised to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before resorting to any of these remedies. Proper diagnosis and accurate dosage is a must in the treatment of Hepatitis A.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Hepatitis A!

Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease that causes damage to the liver cells because the immune system of the individual turns against the body. The attack of the immune system on the liver causes it to become inflamed and the inflammation impairs the functions of the liver. The patient suffering from autoimmune hepatitis experiences symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, weakness, weight loss, and edema.



Anyone experiencing these symptoms should become cautious about their condition and get it diagnosed because if left untreated, it can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

Ayurvedic treatment concept of autoimmune hepatitis: Autoimmune hepatitis is caused when the immune system of the body turns against itself and Ayurveda believes that this happens when there is an imbalance between the three physical energies   vata, pitta, and kapha. In case of autoimmune hepatitis, the pitta becomes vitiated causing the kapha to evaporate, which is a prime component of the immune system. This disrupts the immunity and causes problems in the liver. So, Ayurveda seeks to correct this vitiation and it does so with the help of medicines and cleansing techniques that would strengthen the liver and boosts its functions.

Immunity boosting Ayurveda treatment: The Ayurvedic treatment for autoimmune hepatitis focuses on medicines that have immunity-enhancing and liver-protecting properties. The idea is to increase the immunity of the body and to control and cure the damage done to the liver cells. Specific medicines such as curcumin and giloy have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which restore the liver muscles and give relief from swelling. They also possess detoxification properties which cleanse the toxins built up in the liver as a result of the vitiation of the pitta dosha. The external detox procedures such as swedana and virechana also work by flushing out the toxins so that the body is cleansed of the dosha and feels at ease.

Ayurveda treatment benefits in autoimmune hepatitis: Ayurveda treats autoimmune hepatitis in a comprehensive manner. The remedies work to correct all the causes, that is, the hostile immune system and the damaged liver cells. Unlike allopathic medicines that try to give temporary relief by suppressing the symptoms, Ayurveda aims to bring permanent relief by addressing the causes that have led to the symptoms. With Ayurveda, one can be sure of finding lasting relief and that too without any side effects. The medicines and treatments are conducive to the body and are prescribed after complete diagnosis of the condition by an Ayurveda expert.

This is why one should go to a credible Ayurvedic practitioner for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Based on the patient s condition, a particular type of treatment is prescribed.  Ayurvedic medications work in all types of patients. All one needs is an expert to treat the disease. Last but not the least, Ayurveda places a huge emphasis on diet and lifestyle and the patient must adhere to the do's and don ts prescribed by their doctor.

Know How Ayurveda Can Work For Autoimmune Hepatitis

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and it can spread from one person to another through infected blood. In the initial stages, the symptoms of the disease are very mild and therefore, the infection goes undetected most of the time but when the symptoms turn serious, they need to be treated as turning a blind eye could prove dangerous. It can lead to liver cirrhosis and even liver failure. So, specific symptoms such as dark urine, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and pain in the abdomen should not be ignored and one must go for diagnosis. If hepatitis C is detected, the treatment should be started immediately and if one takes recourse to Ayurveda, then he or she can be sure of a  side-effects free  treatment.

Ayurvedic medicines help balance pitta
Ayurveda supposes that any liver disease or liver infection is caused by pitta vitiation because this life energy governs the liver. It is believed that when pitta becomes aggravated, it affects the functioning of the liver. The liver becomes inflamed and is unable to remove the poisonous substances from the body, leading to a buildup of toxins. So, Ayurveda deals with the aggravated pitta at first. It prescribes medicines and foods that calm the pitta. For example, medicines such as katuki, kalmegha, haritaki, and guduchi eliminate the excess pitta from the body. The Ayurvedic therapies such as abhyanga and panda sveda also aim at removing the pitta and toxins from the body.

Ayurveda heals the liver
In hepatitis C, the liver is affected by the infection. It undergoes swelling and scarring. So, the Ayurvedic medicines try to repair this damage done to the liver walls. The herbal medicines prescribed by the Ayurvedic doctor such as punarnava and bhumi amla have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that relax the inflamed liver walls. They also repair the damaged tissues and restore the liver to its normal state. Light food items such as oats, barley, and fruits get digested easily and do not put strain any strain on the liver. They are highly conducive to the recuperating body and during the treatment procedure, enhance the efficacy of the medicines

Ayurvedic treatment boosts immunity
Hepatitis C, being an infectious disease, directly impacts the immune system of the body. So, Ayurvedic treatment also focuses on strengthening the immunity of the patient. An easily digestible diet and medicines such as turmeric, bhringaraj, and bhumyalaki work at restoring immunity. The therapies also give the immunity a boost and when this happens, the body can fight the infection more effectively.

So, Ayurveda uses a multi-pronged treatment strategy for hepatitis C, which proves helpful in treating the infection from the roots. It works at different levels because the motive is to provide permanent relief and not temporary comfort. This is why, diet restrictions, lifestyle regulation, and abstinence are given so much importance. Ayurveda is a holistic science that cures any disease by dealing with all the problem areas. This is why, in case of hepatitis C, the patient not just gets relief from the symptoms but their liver also recovers to its original healthy state.





Ayurvedic Remedies For Hepatitis C!

The liver plays a significant role in the body s various metabolic processes. Infection with hepatitis C virus causes inflammation of the liver, known popularly as Hepatitis C. It is a relatively new discovery (late 1980s), but there are a significant number of cases identified. The challenge in identifying this disease is that the patient does not manifest with any symptoms and can be carrying the virus for years with no signs or symptoms. This makes diagnosis very difficult and in most cases, it is discovered when diagnosing for some other disease. It is transmitted via blood   through use of drug needles, tattoo needles, or sexual when the virus is present in the vaginal fluid.

Homeopathic Treatment For Hepatitis C -

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat Hepatitis C infection but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several well-proved medicines are available for Hepatitis C treatment that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensation and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person.

Homeopathy offers remedy for hepatitis C by detoxifying and neutralizing viral cells, improving immunity, and stimulating production of healthy cells. The following compounds are useful in this.

Chelidonium Majus: Prepared from the flowers of Celandine, it acts on the hepatobiliary system and restores overall liver function. The patient s presenting symptoms include jaundice with pain, bloated abdomen, significant lethargy, weakness, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting.

China Officinalis: This is useful in patients who are down with intermittent fevers, headaches, gallstones, dyspepsia and hemorrhages. The patient could also have debility, trembling, ringing in the ears, flatulence in the abdomen, gassy feeling and vomiting of bile.

Bryonia Alba: This is prepared from the plant known as wild hops after potentization. It works on multiple systems including the digestive, hepatobiliary, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. This is useful in patients who suffer from dyspepsia, migraine, bronchitis, joint pains, back pain, menstrual issues, and respiratory tract infections. The patient could also experience a burning sensation and soreness in the abdomen, which is extremely tender to the touch, along with nausea and vomiting. The symptoms are aggravated during summer months and with heat.

Kali Carbonicum: The active ingredient acts of multiple bodily systems including kidneys, liver, digestive, blood, bones, lungs, etc. It is widely used in liver dysfunctions like nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis, and hepatitis C. The patient may have liver atrophy, cirrhosis, heaviness in the abdomen or jaundice. He or she could be restless, excitable and nervous. Extreme weakness and reaction to changes in light, sound, touch and odors are some other symptoms. The pain could be relieved by rubbing.

Other medicines like Lycopodium, Belladonna, Nux Vomica, and Aconite are also useful. However, as with all homeopathy medicines, self-medication is not advisable. The doctor will check for all accompanying symptoms and your overall health status and then determine what would work for you.

How To Cure Hepatitis C With Homeopathy?

World Hepatitis Day or WHD takes place every year on 28 July and it is designed to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and to influence real change. WHD, endorsed by the World Health Organization, unites patient organisations, governments, medical professionals, and civil society, as well as the public, to boost prevention measures for fighting viral hepatitis like vaccination.

In the simple terms, hepatitis means injury to your liver due to inflammation. There are five main types of hepatitis and the type that you are suffering from is determined by a laboratory test. All the five main types of hepatitis are caused by viruses. Out of the five, Hepatitis C and B are quite big. Globally, around 250 million people are affected by hepatitis C and 300 million people are estimated to be hepatitis B carriers.

Fact sheet on hepatitis

Hepatitis A & E is caused by consuming contaminated water.
Hepatitis B, C and D is transmitted through infected blood to blood contact.
Hepatitis C is usually spread via direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
The initial symptoms of hepatitis are the same as those of flu.
Hepatitis can heal on its own causing no significant liver damage; however, if it progresses, it can cause extensive liver scarring and extensive damage of your liver.
Most liver damage is caused by 3 hepatitis viruses, and these are hepatitis A, B and C. 

How do you safeguard yourself against infection from these three dangerous hepatitis viruses?

The most common cause of concer is that a lot of us who are infected with hepatitis, especially hepatitis B don t know that we are. The biggest bulwark against hepatitis is periodic testing and vaccination. Vaccination is available for most hepatitis viruses including A and B, which tend to be extra virulent.

So, do take care and go for periodic testing. We are reiterating this because if you are infected with hepatitis B and are not treated you can develop serious problems of the liver, including liver cancer. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 people living with hepatitis B develop serious liver problems including liver cancer. Hepatitis B related liver cancer is a leading cause of fatality and getting tested for hepatitis can help you access life-saving treatments that can prevent serious liver damage.

Other ways to prevent hepatitis are
Hepatitis A

Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet
Only consume freshly-cooked food
Only drink bottled or boiled water
Only eat fruits that can be peeled. Don t eat fruit that has been cut and kept
Avoid eating raw vegetables
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis A if you travel a lot.
Hepatitis B

Practice safe sex by using condoms
Only use new syringes for injections
Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments with others
Vaccinate yourself against hepatitis B
Take care while getting tattooed. Only use brand new tattoo needles. Also, ask for new needles during acupuncture treatments.
Hepatitis C

Avoid sharing toothbrushes, razors, and manicure equipment
Cover open wounds if you are infected
Don t share needles. Always ask for fresh needles.
Use only well-sterilized equipment for acupuncture, piercing, and tattooing etc.
Cut down on alcohol
Do not share drug needles

World Hepatitis Day - Tips To Help You Prevent Yourself!

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