Ayurveda Help Manage Hepatitis B: Myth or Fact?

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation in the liver. It can be both acute and chronic in nature. Acute hepatitis B lasts up to six months, whereas chronic hepatitis B lasts for many years. Nowadays, many vaccines are available to prevent this disease. However, it is still widely common among people who haven’t taken the vaccination. Such people require immediate medical help as hepatitis B can increase the risk of many life-threatening conditions such as liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, etc.

There are many treatments available for hepatitis B. However, one of the most effective treatments lies in Ayurveda.

What Are the Causes of Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus that can easily spread through direct contact with contaminated blood or semen. It can spread while transferring blood from mother to children, using contaminated needles, using a razor containing infected blood, getting sexually involved with an infected person etc.   

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?

The common symptoms of hepatitis B include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark coloured urine, tiredness, fatigue, headache, joint pain, jaundice, hives and loss of appetite.  

Can Ayurveda Manage Hepatitis B?

Yes, Ayurveda can help manage hepatitis B. Although it can not cure the disease permanently, it can offer a holistic solution to manage the disease more efficiently. It is one such system of medicine which has herbs and medication that can trigger the liver function. hepatitis B can be managed in the best way with Ayurvedic medication.

According to Ayurveda, hepatitis B is caused due to the aggravation of the Pitta Dosha in the body. Therefore, most Ayurvedic treatments for hepatitis B revolve around pacifying Pitta Dosha.  

What Is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Hepatitis B? 

The treatment of hepatitis B in Ayurveda usually involves panchakarma therapy, medicated herbs and dietary regulations to manage the disease. 

• Panchakarma Therapy: Panchakarma therapy is a detoxification treatment in Ayurveda that consists of five therapies, viz Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Rasktamokshana and Nasya. These therapies not only eliminate the harmful toxins from the body but also balance all three Doshas, including Pitta. 
• Ayurvedic Herbs: There are also many herbs in Ayurveda that can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion and promote the functioning of the liver. These herbs are highly effective in managing hepatitis B and preventing further complications. Some of these herbs are Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Punarnava (Poerhavin diffusa), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Brihati (Solanum Indicum) and Himsra (Capparis spinosa)
• Dietary Guidelines for Hepatitis B: If you have hepatitis B, you should eat a healthy diet to prevent further complications. You must eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and include protein-rich food in your diet such as fish, beans, egg white etc. You should also eat whole grains such as brown rice, barley, quinoa, etc., along with healthy fats such as nuts, olive oil, etc. In hepatitis B, it is also advised to avoid soda, high-fat dairy products, fast foods, alcohol, sugary and fried foods.  

Takeaway

Ayurveda offers one of the best paths to treat hepatitis B. With the help of detoxifying therapies, herbal medicines and dietary regulations, you can easily manage hepatitis B and prevent further complications, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

This article is reviewed by Dr. Ashwini