Can traditional Chinese medicine treat hepatitis C virus?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Although certain traditional Chinese medicines, such as Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) and Astragalus (Huang Qi), have some inhibitory effects on the hepatitis C virus, they cannot completely eliminate the virus from the body. The standard treatment for hepatitis C virus infection remains antiviral therapy in Western medicine, which aims to control the disease and improve prognosis by inhibiting viral replication and reducing the extent of liver damage.

Generally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can help alleviate symptoms of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but cannot directly cure the virus. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Although certain TCM herbs, such as Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen) and Astragalus (Huang Qi), have some inhibitory effects on the hepatitis C virus, they cannot completely eliminate the virus from the body. The standard treatment for hepatitis C virus infection remains Western antiviral therapy, which works by suppressing viral replication and reducing the extent of liver damage, thereby controlling the disease and improving prognosis. However, combining TCM and Western medicine may potentially enhance treatment effectiveness. TCM can help reduce the toxic side effects of Western medications and optimize treatment strategies, while Western medicine provides antiviral effects that effectively manage and treat hepatitis C.

Maintaining good personal hygiene is important in daily life. Avoid using medical instruments that have not been strictly disinfected, and refrain from sharing needles or syringes with others to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, ensure adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen the immune system and resist viral infections.

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