What Chinese herbal medicines are used to treat hepatitis B?

Chinese herbs commonly used for treating hepatitis B include Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Artemisiae Scopariae (Yin Chen), Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), Salvia (Dan Shen), and Astragalus (Huang Qi). These should be selected based on individual patterns such as liver qi stagnation, damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, or liver yin deficiency. Blind self-medication is not recommended. If hepatitis B markers are abnormal or symptoms such as fatigue or jaundice occur, prompt medical evaluation and standardized treatment are advised.

1. Bupleurum (Chai Hu): Known for soothing the liver, regulating qi, and harmonizing the Shaoyang system, it is suitable for chest tightness, flank pain, and emotional distress caused by liver qi stagnation. It helps relieve discomfort in the liver area due to qi blockage in hepatitis B patients. Dosage must be followed strictly under medical guidance.

2. Artemisiae Scopariae (Yin Chen): Effective in clearing heat, resolving dampness, promoting bile secretion, and reducing jaundice, it is commonly used for hepatitis B with damp-heat pattern in the liver and gallbladder. It can improve symptoms such as jaundice, bitter taste in the mouth, and dark yellow urine. Often combined with Gardenia (Zhi Zi) and Rhubarb (Da Huang), combination therapy should follow a physician's instructions.

3. Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi): Has effects of astringing and consolidating, boosting qi, and promoting body fluid production. It can help lower elevated transaminase levels in hepatitis B patients and alleviate symptoms like fatigue and dry mouth due to liver yin deficiency. Suitable for chronic hepatitis B patients with recurrently elevated transaminases. Use only under medical supervision.

4. Salvia (Dan Shen): Promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and relieves pain. It improves microcirculation in the liver of hepatitis B patients and reduces the risk of hepatic fibrosis. Suitable for stabbing pain in the liver region caused by blood stasis blocking the channels. When used in combination with other herbs, dosage must be carefully managed under medical advice to avoid overdose.

5. Astragalus (Huang Qi): Tonifies qi, raises yang, strengthens the defensive system, and stops sweating. It enhances immunity in hepatitis B patients and improves symptoms such as fatigue due to qi deficiency and poor appetite. Particularly suitable for patients with spleen-stomach weakness and insufficient vital energy. Must be used according to syndrome differentiation under medical guidance.

In daily life, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), avoid staying up late, eat a light and easily digestible diet while avoiding greasy and spicy foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce liver burden, keep emotions balanced to prevent liver qi stagnation, strictly follow medical instructions for medication, and undergo regular check-ups to support liver function recovery.