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Hepatitis C Alternative Medicine Treatment Options

SUBSTANCES THAT ARE HARMFUL (OR POTENTIALLY HARMFUL) TO THE LIVER: HAZARDS FOR THOSE WITH HEPATITIS C VIRUS

There are substances that are either known or suspected to be harmful to the liver. They are either hepatotoxic (toxic to the liver) or immunosuppressive (inhibit immune system function and ultimately contribute to pathenogenesis-development- of HCV).

We used several sources to compile what we hope is an extensive list (as close to being comprehensive as possible in the context of an ever evolving body of information that is currently becoming available). We would like to acknowledge two very credible sources before proceeding, we encourage you to read these books for their extensive and specialized information on Hepatitis C:

The Hepatitis C Handbook by Matthew Dolan www.hepchandbook.com

The Hepatitis C Help Book by Misha Ruth Cohen ( www.docmisha.com)
and Robert Gish.

We have categorized these into potentially harmful FOODS, DRUGS: prescription, over-the-counter, illegal, CHINESE HERBS & HERBAL PREPARATIONS, TOXIC HERBS, CHEMICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS

FOODS TO AVOID OR REDUCE IF YOU HAVE HCV

The food recommendations are based on a number of traditions including TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), homeopathy, traditional Western, and Ayurvedic. So this is a combination.

LET ME PREFACE THIS LIST BY SAYING:
The List is entitled "Potentially Harmful to the Liver" and maybe I should add to it that this does not mean that it will severely damage your liver to partake of some of these things. However, these are things to be done in moderation where possible to promote your best liver health. I do not suggest that you avoid all of these items completely. There are certainly trade-offs worth making. Shelia told me, "I sure as hell do think we need whatever is necessary to maintain some quality of life," and I second this 100%.

HARMFUL (or potentially harmful) DRUGS FOR THOSE WITH HEPATITIS C:
PRESCRIPTION, OVER-THE-COUNTER, ILLEGAL

We have listed only items that are from sources that make mention of the real or potential danger of these drugs specifically in relation to Hepatitis C and the liver. There may be debate and controversy regarding the safety issue of some of these. Points of view may vary according to various medical experts. Please consult with your own doctor or trusted health care professional.

HERBS THAT MAY BE TOXIC TO THOSE WITH HCV

The Hepatitis C Helpbook By Misha Ruth Cohen and Robert Gish, gives a useful comment by Dr. Diehl, "Herbal medicines are generally safe-safer than western pharmaceutical. There are certain plants that are highly toxic. The most common examples are those that contain alkaloids or that reportedly have triggered toxic reactions."

Our list is a compilation of toxic herbs that are listed in these following publications: The Hepatitis C Help Book by Misha Ruth Cohen and Robert Gish, The Hepatitis C Handbook by Matthew Dolan, Living With Hepatitis C: A Survivor's Guide by Gregory T. Everson. Some are herbs that have been documented to cause liver problems ranging from hepatitis to liver failure. It is worth mentioning that some experts list some of these herbs as "individually harmful" but can be used appropriately in well-formulated herbal remedies. Again, it is crucial to get the expert advise and supervision of a qualified professional.

* Asfetida
* Atractylis Gummifera
* Azadirachza indica
* Bush tea
* Berberis vulgaris
* Calliepsis Laureola
* Cassia angustifolia (Senna)
* Chaparral (creosote bush, greasewood)
* Comfrey (internally)
* Corydalis
* Creosote bush
* Crotaiaria
* Crotalaria (Ye Bai He)
* Germander
* Gordolobo yerba tea
* Groundsel (senecio longilobus)
* Eupatorium
* Fragrant valerian
* Galericulata
* Gentian
* Germander
* Gordolobo yerba tea
* Greasewood
* Groundsel
* He Shou Wu
* Hedeoma pulegoides
* Heliotropium
* Hops
* Jin Bu Huan
* Kava-Kava (long term, seek advise)
* Larrea tridentata (Chaparrel bush, Creosote Bush
Greasewood)
* Lycopodium serratum (Jin Bu Huan)
* Ma-huang
* Margosa oil
* Mate tea
* Mentha pulegoides
* Mistletoe
* Pennyroyal (Squamint) oil
* Saw palmetto
* Sassafras albidum (Sassafrass)
* Scuteileria (Skullcap)
* Senicio species
* Skullcap
* Squamint
* Stephania
* Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)
* Teucrium Chamaedrys (Germander [mint family])
* Tusilago Farfara (peppermint)
* Valeriana officinalis (Valerian, Asfetida, Hops
Genetian)
* Viscum alba
* Yohimbe

Good advise from Matthew Dolan:" Prescribing herbs correctly requires skill and experience. Even experienced herbalists avoid prescribing herbs for themselves. It is therefore not a good idea for patients to go out and buy a selection of...herbs...and take them at will. Herbs can have unpredictable effects, particularly if taken in combination. It is important to consult a practitioner for formulae to suit you."

CHINESE/ASIAN HERBS FOR THOSE WITH HCV TO AVOID

The Hepatitis C Helpbook lists
Common Toxic Ingredients Found in Asian Patent Medicines:

* Aconite or Aconitum: causes paralysis and death if not highly processed before use
* Acorus: causes convulsions and death
* Borax: triggers severe kidney damage
* Borneol: trigger internal bleeding and death
* Cinnabar or calomel: a mercury compound
* Litharge and mimium: contain lead oxide
* Myiabris: can trigger convulsions, vomiting and
death
* Orpiment or realgar: contains arsenic
* Scorpion or buthus: causes paralysis of the
heart and death
* strychnos nux vomica or semen strychni:
strychnine-containing seeds cause respiratory
failure and death
* Toad secretion bufonis: can paralyze heart
muscle and lungs

There are certain Chinese herbal formulas and preparations that are reportedly hazardous:

Jin Bu Huan
Niu Huang Jie Du Pian
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Shosaikoto-Japanese name)

According to Matthew Dolan, certain herbs need to be prepared in precise ways. Individual Chinese herbs to be avoided:

* Cao Wu
* Datura Straemonium
* Fu Zi
* (Guan) Fang Ji
* (Guan) Mu Tong
* Hei Zi
* He Shou Wu
* Ma Dou Ling
* Ma Huang
* Ma Qian Zi
* Mu Tong (aristolochia)
* Rhus Toxicodedron
* (Shui) Ban Xia
* Wu Tou
* Ying Su Ke
* Zhu Sha

CHEMICAL/ ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS TO
AVOID IF YOU HAVE HCV

* Benzene
* Carbon monoxide
* Carbon tetrachloride (can inhibit the action
of p450 enzymes and therefore lead to greater
probability of aldehydes building up)
* Chlorine (in tap water)
* Dioxin (found in some herbicides)
* Dish washing liquid residue (contains solvents
and detergents- always rinse thoroughly when
washing dishes)
* Dry cleaning fluids
* Exhaust fumes
* Fluoride ( in tap water)
* Fluorine
* Organophosphorous pesticides
* Paints
* Petroleum based chemicals
* Radiation (including x-rays and long-term exposure to VDU emissions)
* Solvents

CONCLUSION

We have done our best to include all items that are POTENTIALLY dangerous for the liver. To find out more details or explanations please consult the appropriate sources of information or your health care practitioner.

If we have not included an item you think should be included please send us this info by clicking FEEDBACK or by e-mail: getbetter@healthyhepper.com. Please include why and what source you got this information from. Thank you.

HEP C E-BOOKS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE

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SAVE YOUR LIVER: Vital Nutrients Your Hep C Liver MUST Have

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