There have been few research trials to check the effectiveness of natural therapies, but many people report positive benefits. If you decide to use natural therapies, it's vital that you see a practitioner who is properly qualified, knowledgeable and well-experienced. It's also advisable to continue seeing your regular doctor or specialist. If a natural therapist suggests that you stop seeing your medical specialist or doctor, or stop a course of pharmaceutical medicine, *consider changing your natural therapist*. Ask searching questions of whichever practitioner you go to:

- is the treatment dangerous if you get the prescription wrong?
- how have natural therapies helped people with hepatitis C?
- what are the side effects?
- is the practitioner a member of a recognised natual therapy organization?
- how much experience have they had of working with people with hepatitis C?
- how have they measured the health outcomes of their therapy?
- how do they aim to help *you*?

Most typical health insurance will not cover alternative medical procedures, but that's beginning to change. Many alternative procedures are now covered under medical insurance in the states of Washington and Oregon, and it looks it's a trend which is beginning to spread.

Alternative Health Insurance Services of Thousand Oaks, California covers both allopathic and complementary/alternative treatments. Patients may choose any provider, M.D. or N.D., or D.O. or D.C. Subscribers must meet a deductible of up to $1000, and the plan pays 80% of the first $5,000 eligible medical expenses in a year, then 100 percent thereafter, with a $2 million maximum. The plan includes prescription drug cards, with a $5 copayment, as well as ``named partner'' coverage for homosexual or non-married couples and their families. Alternative Health Insurance Services: 1-800-966-8467.)

Another plan is offered by American Western Life Insurance Co. in Foster City California: Prevention Plus. It covers a full range of alternative therapies. Enrollees use a naturopath as their primary care physician, or the gatekeeper who refers to other alternative practitioners. There is a $5 copayment for prescriptions, including herbal medicines. The company also has a 24-hour 800 Wellness Line staffed by naturopathic physicians, saving on doctor visits where possible. (American Western Life: 1-800-925-5323)

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a form of medical therapy that involves inserting thin, solid needles into selective sites on the surface of the body.

CHIROPRACTIC
Chiropractic is a healing profession in which the spine, joints, and muscle tissue are manipulated in order to restore the proper function of the nerves. The chiropractor does not use drugs and surgery in treating diseases.

ENERGY HEALING (Reiki, Hands of Light, Touch Therapy etc)
The gentle energy of Reiki (ray-kee), is an ancient spiritual practice which enhances natural healing processes. Reiki is called by various names in different parts of the world: "prana" in India, "qi" or "chi" in China, "spirit" in Western traditions, etc, and simply translates as "life force". Reiki is a means of adding more energy to our "life force" battery to help "jump start" the healing process. A Reiki treatment is essentially the "laying on of hands," an ancient technique common to many spiritual traditions. In a typical Reiki treatment, the client lies down (fully clothed) on a padded treatment table. Energy is transferred to the client through the hands of the practitioner in a sequence of standardized positions where the hands are placed. In each position, the hands are simply rested on the client for 3-5 minutes. A full treatment usually takes about an hour. A Reiki treatment is a spiritual practice because it works directly with energy, or "spirit." There is no pressure applied and no manipulation of tissues (as in massage, for example).

REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is a specialized type of massage treatment which works on the theory that reflex areas on the feet and hands are linked to other areas and organs of the body. It is felt that blocked energy, congestion, or tension in one part of the body (generally the foot or hand) mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. Thus, when you treat the big toes there is a a relaxing and healing effect on the whole body.

HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy offers several remedies for the treatment of hepatitis. They are Mercury and Natrum Sulfuricum. Natrum Sulfuricum has clinically been found a valuable remedy for spinal meningitis, and has also found to be quite useful as a liver remedy as well.

RETICULOSE

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
In a report in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine (1994), a claimed rate of cure of 56%, with most other patients showing improvements, was obtained when the following formula was administered to treat hepatitis C:

astragalus: 30 grams
salvia: 30 grams
forsythia: 30 grams
red peony: 30 grams
ho-shou-wu: 15 grams
crataegus: 15 grams
moutan: 15 grams
gardenia: 15 grams
dandelion: 15 grams
bupleurum: 10 grams

The herbs are decocted and the amount indicated here is taken in two divided doses each day, for three months. The formula can be modified to address specific symptoms by adding additional herbs (e.g. for pain in the liver area, loss of appetite, or abdominal distention). As with treatments for hepatitis B, the formula contains herbs for treating damp-heat (forsythia, gardenia, dandelion, and bupleurum), blood stagnation (salvia, red peony, crataegus, moutan), and deficiency of qi and blood (astragalus and ho-shou-wu).

Due to the long course of therapy, one may wish to substitute dried extracts: a dose of three teaspoons (9grams), three times daily of this formulation should produce similar response [about 27 grams per day of dried extracts is roughly equivalent to a decoction of 160 grams of crude herbs, somewhat less than is recommended in the above clinical trial. Some patients may experience loose stool or diarrhea in response to this therapy (e.g. ho shou wu, gardenia, and dandelion can act as laxatives), thus one may need to adjust the formulation somewhat if this reaction occurs and persists.

OZONE THERAPY

HERBAL TREATMENTS AND VITAMINS

KOMBUCHA TEA

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS (REISHI / MAITAKE, SHITAKE)
Medicinal mushrooms may stimulate many aspects of the immune system, including the production of interferon.

In the Orient, Reishi is considered a Fu Zhen herb (immune modulation). Presently, Reishi has various applications including lowering or raising blood pressure, stimulating liver actions, blood cleansing, and acting as an adaptogen in helping the body fight the effects of stress.

Chinese herbalists prize it for its abilities to regenerate the liver. In high doses, and to some degree normal doses, Ganoderma maybe classified as a liver detoxicant and protectant.

Toxicity studies show no toxic effects on humans. In research, patients are given much higher doses, as high as 10 grams of extract per day, with no ill effects.

The potency of Reishi mushrooms is usually based on its level of triterpenoids. One can determine the level of this by tasting it. The more bitter it is, the higher the level of triterpenoids. Because Reishi is a polypore, (a group of hard, woody, bracket-like mushrooms) it is not eaten, but cut into pieces and made into a tea. In China, the average dose is 3 to 5 grams a day. Other popular forms of delivery are the water/alcohol extracts and powders. - "Reishi: Ancient Medicine is Modern Hope", Linda McGlasson, Health Foods Business Consumer Education Series, January 1992.

DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale)
The name dandelion is sometimes loosely applied to other milky-sapped weeds with fluffy yellow flowers. But true dandelion is that ubiquitous weed growing prolifically in millions of lawns, backyards and pastures throughout America. This perennial herb has deeply cut leaves forming a basal rosette in the spring and flower heads born on long stalks. All leaves and the hollow flower stems grow directly from the rootstock. The creator of the comic strip "Marvin" once had his adorable diapered hero surveying a clump of dandelions and then thinking to himself, "Dandelions are Nature's way of giving dignity to weeds!"

The late naturopathic physician, John Lust, stated in his Herb Book that dandelion root is good for all kinds of liver problems, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice and toxicity in general, as well as getting rid of gallstones. Bring 1 quart of water to a boil, reduce heat to low and add about 20 tbsp. of fresh dandelion leaves, stems and clean, chopped root. Simmer as long as it takes for the liquid to be reduced to just a pint, then strain. Take 3 tbsp. six times daily, Dr. Lust recommended.

For those desiring something more convenient in capsule form, there is the AKN Formula from Nature's Way, which contains considerable dandelion root and other cleansing herbs. It can be obtained from any local health food store. - "Heinerman Encyclopedia of Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs", John Heinerman, Parker Publishing Company

MILK THISTLE
Milk Thistle (Silymarin) is reported to be an anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizer that helps protect the liver against toxin, drugs, and the affects of alcohol ( Better Nutrition for Today's Living, March 1993 ).

Use extract of milk thistle (Silybum marianum). "...European research shows that it stimulates regeneration of liver cells and protects them from toxic injury" Usually stocked in health food stores under the names milk thistle, silybum, or silymarin. Take two capsules two or three times a day until liver function returns to normal.

Contains the active flavonoid Silymarin and is used for all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Milk Thistle contains some of the most potent liver producing substances known. Milk thistle prevents free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant, protecting the liver. Stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents formation of damaging leukotienes.

ARTICHOKE (cynara scolymus)
The artichoke has a long folk history in treating many liver diseases. Recent evidence supports this longtime use. The active ingredient in artichoke is cynarin. this compound is found in highest concentrations in the leaves.

Cynara extract has demonstrated liver-protecting and regenerating effects, and promotes the outflow of bile from the liver to the gall-bladder. This is very important because if the bile is not being transported adequately to the gallbladder, the liver has an increased risk of being damaged.

LICORICE ROOT (glycyrrhiza glabra)
Studies have shown a component of licorice to be effective in treating viral hepatitis, particularly chronic active hepatitis. This is probably due to its well documented antiviral activity. A glycyrrhizin-containing product is widely used intravenously in Japan for the treatment of hepatitis.

If licorice is used over a long time it is necessary to increase the intake of potassium rich foods.

SPIRULINA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE)
Researchers report that spirulina, an extract of blue-green algae, contains a substance that shows antiviral activity against HIV. Studies have not yet been conducted on it's effectiveness against the hepatitis C virus.

GARLIC
Garlic is a natural antibiotic. It protects the body from infection, detoxifies the body, strengthens blood vessels, and lowers blood vessels. Garlic contains a natural antibiotic, antifungicid, and has many antiviral properties.

THYMIC FACTORS

VITAMIN C
Linus Pauling the two time Nobel Prize winner said that vitamin C is very beneficial to hepatitis patients. He recommends a bare minimum of 10,000 milligrams = 10 grams a day. 20,000 - 50,000 milligrams a day is much better = 20 to 50 grams. Take pure vitamin C. Take the pills three to four times a day instead of once a day. Vitamin C is an antiviral agent. The only side effect known is diarrhea which should slow down and stop as you get used to the vitamin C. You can get Linus Paulings books at your local library.

It was recently reported on HEPV-L that taking over 2000 mg of vitamin C per day will block iron uptake from the blood effectively elevating our iron levels. This is detrimental to HCV-Positive individuals, and can block or slow down the effectiveness of interferon.

VITAMIN B12
Some hepatitis patients report having more energy when they take extra vitamin B12.

VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is reported to assist the liver in detoxifying the blood.

NATURAL INTERFERON BOOSTERS
Studies indicate that many natural substances can activate the body's own production of interferon. Some better known natural interferon boosters are:

Astralgus: a Chinese herb that enhances the antibody reaction to foreign invaders of all types, including cancer.

Boneset: a native American Indian herb with antiseptic, anti-viral properties used for the treatment of colds and flus, coughs, fevers, indigestion and pain.

Chlorophyll: a plant pigment which can be found in a long list of green leafy vegetables and algae like spirulina, chlorella and barley green.

Coenzyme Q10: an antioxidant involved in the electron transport chain needed for all energy dependent processes in the body. CoQ10 increases helper T-cells and reduces i nfection risk.

Echinacea: the most popular herb in North America used as a treatement for toothaches, bites or stings and all types of infections.

Ginkgo: a potent central nervous system antioxidant for the treatment of circulation disorders, memory problems, high blood pressure, depression, tinnitus and immune system disorders.

Melatonin : a hormone produced by the pineal gland with strong antioxidant and immune s ystem boosting properties.

OTHER HERBS OR VITAMINS

EXERCISE
Symptomatic hepatitis patients may need to avoid stressful activities, and each person's tolerance for stress will be different, and can change. It is nonetheless important for people who can exercise to do so, up to their level of tolerance. This should be done with care, since crossing the "invisible line" of exercise intolerance may prompt a flareup.

STRESS MANAGEMENT
Typically, one of the most beneficial things a person ith hepatitis can do is to avoid stress and get lots of rest. Stress does not merely mean only unpleasant experiences, but rather any biological stressors, physical or emotional, which prompt a protective reaction in the body. Failure to avoid stress often leads to short-term and long-term set-backs which may be serious.

High-stress events sometimes seem to "trigger" the flareups of the virus and they will usually worsen the symptoms if the virus is already active. Medical studies show that stress plays an important role in several immune-mediated illnesses.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Laughter and a positive spirit are good for the body. They provide interferon, the body's natural infection fighter, and produce endorphins to combat depression and anxiety.

TAI CHI / CHI KUNG / YOGA / MEDITATION

OTHER WAYS TO HELP KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY

- Avoid exposure to chemical fumes, gasoline fumes, etc. - Use the least toxic products (cleaning products, health and beauty aids, etc) available in your home and on your body

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