Homeopathy for Managing Hepatitis C
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Those with chronic Hepatitis C recognize that their viral infection of the liver is persistent and not easily eliminated. Particularly for the estimated 50 percent of individuals who do not respond to Hepatitis C therapy, finding alternatives to help manage this disease are in high demand. Even though it is a controversial approach, advocates claim that homeopathic remedies constitute an ideal match for Hepatitis C management, as they offer a safe, therapeutic avenue to reduce viral load and ease liver disease symptoms.
It sounds promising, but scientific literature on homeopathy’s effect on Hepatitis C is scarce. Compounding the confusion over homeopathic remedies, recognition and regulation of homeopathy in the U.S. is largely overlooked. Unfortunately, this omission makes finding a knowledgeable, competent practitioner in the states a challenge. On the bright side, those lucky enough to locate an experienced practitioner of homeopathy could get some valuable assistance in managing chronic Hepatitis C.
About Homeopathy
Developed approximately 200 years ago by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, homeopathy is an entire, non-toxic medical system. Using highly diluted pathogens or potentially toxic substances as remedies, a person’s immune system or other body response is provoked to treat the root causes of an illness.
There is controversy about the field of homeopathy. This is largely because a number of its key concepts are not consistent with our current understanding of science, particularly chemistry and physics. The main theory behind homeopathy is based on the law of similars, also known as “like cures like.” The law of similars dates back to the time of Hippocrates, but it also has present day applications – such as vaccinations. Many vaccines involve giving a small dose of the microorganism that causes a specific disease. Consequently, vaccinations stimulate an immune response against that particular microorganism, which protects the vaccine recipient from that illness.
In addition, homeopathy operates on the principle of dilutions, also known as the “law of minimum dose.” The principle of dilutions states that the lower the dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Most homeopathic remedies are so dilute that no molecules of the healing substance remain; however, in homeopathy, it is believed that the substance has left its imprint or “essence,” which stimulates healing.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances that come from plants, minerals or animals. Common remedies include red onion, arnica (mountain herb) and stinging nettle plant.
Who Practices Homeopathy?
Homeopaths treat people based on genetic and personal health history, body type and current physical, emotional and mental symptoms. Treatments are tailored to each person, thus, it is not uncommon for different people with the same condition to receive different treatments.
Although popular in Europe, there are currently no uniform licensing or professional standards for the practice of homeopathy in the United States. Instead, the licensing of homeopaths varies from state to state. Usually, a homeopathic practitioner is licensed in a medical profession, such as conventional, osteopathic or naturopathic medicine.
However, there is still a lot of variability:
- Licensure as a homeopathic physician is available only to medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy in Arizona, Connecticut and Nevada.
- Arizona and Nevada also license homeopathic assistants, who are allowed to perform medical services under the supervision of a homeopathic physician.
- Some states explicitly include homeopathy within the scope of practice of chiropractic, naturopathy, physical therapy, dentistry, nursing and veterinary medicine.
- Although not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, national certification may be obtained through organizations such as the Council for Homeopathic Certification, American Board of Homeotherapeutics and the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians.
Thus, finding a competent homeopath in the United States is best achieved through networking and word-of-mouth. Luckily, the safe and non-toxic nature of homeopathic remedies, when used appropriately, means that there is virtually no danger in using them.
Homeopathy for Hepatitis C
Homeopathic medicine may not be the most popular alternative medical system in your area, but plenty of supporters exist. Especially for chronic Hepatitis C sufferers who did not respond to antiviral therapy, homeopathic remedies offer a potential jackpot for lowering viral load and relieving liver disease symptoms.
Experts agree that the use of homeopathy for Hepatitis C is best when advised by a trained professional. Some of the remedies that might be used for Hepatitis C include:
- Aconite
- Belladonna
- Chelidonium
- Lycopodium
- Mercurius
- Nux vomica
- China officinalis
Since the dosages and combinations of homeopathic remedies are highly dependent upon each individual’s presentation, self-experimentation with these substances is not advised. Upon consulting with a reputable homeopath, remedies typically accompany crucial lifestyle recommendations.
If the law of similars and principle of dilutions resonates with you and you have access to a reputable homeopath, homeopathic medicine may be the key to managing Hepatitis C that you have been looking for.
References:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy/, Homeopathy, An Introduction, Retrieved January 16, 2010, National Institutes of Health, 2010.
http://www.e-hepatitis-c.com/app/default.asp, Hepatitis C Treatment, Retrieved January 16, 2010, Dr. Rajesh Shah, 2011.
http://www.heart-intl.net/HEART/050107/HepatitisCChoices.pdf, Hepatitis C: Choices, Chapter 10, Sylvia Flesner, ND, Retrieved January 16, 2011, Hepatitis and AIDS Research Trust, 2011.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20674840, Chelidonium majus 30C and 200C in induced hepato-toxicity in rats, Banerjee A, et al, Retrieved January 16, 2011, Homeopathy, July 2010.
