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HEPATITIS C VIRUS & LIVER DISEASE
REMEDY
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Name |
Description |
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BUPLEURUM ROOT (CHAI HU) |
Bupleurum is one
of the most important herbs used in Chinese herbalism. Because of
its detoxifying and anti-microbial properties, it has the ability to
relieve liver tension and digestive disturbances. It is the primary
herb regulating body energy, for relieving blockages in the body and
then allowing the toxins to be discharged safely out of the system.
Combined with white peony, bupleurum will detoxify the blood and
eliminate heat. Bupleurum root is used in chronic hepatitis,
enlarged liver, depression and irregular menstruation. It increases
protein synthesis in the liver, and reduces inflammation by
inhibiting prostaglandin production. The primary chemical
constituents of bupleurum root include: saikosaponins, fatty acids,
glycosides, oleic acid, palmitic acid, quercetin and narcissin.
Research in Japan, beginning in the early 1960s and continuing
today, has revealed that the saikosides are potent medicines. They
appear to protect the liver from toxicity and strengthen liver
function, even in people suffering from immune system disorders.
Bupleurum grows in China and has been taken by the Chinese for over
2,000 years. Clinical trials have demonstrated that bupleurum is a
safe and effective treatment for hepatitis C and other chronic liver
problems. |
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WHITE PEONY (BAI SHAO YAO) |
The peony flower
is the national flower of China. Peony root is highly prized for its
ability to relax muscle and cleanse the blood. It relieves cramps
and spasms anywhere in the body and is highly effective in relieving
menstrual pain. It is believed to extend life and to promote beauty.
Men should use peony as well, since it has an anti-aging effect
without affecting hormones. In hepatitis, white peony is used
primarily to nourish the blood circulation and to smooth and relax
the liver. There are no known drug interactions with white peony
root. |
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PRIVET FRUIT-LIGUSTRUM (NU ZHEN ZI) |
Privet fruit (ligustrum)
is a shrub native to China and eastern Asia, but is now grown
ornamentally in the United States. Used for a wide range of
conditions, privet fruit is a tonic for the liver and kidneys. It
helps to lower liver enzymes, inhibits degeneration and reduces
necrosis of liver cells. It raises the white blood cell count, and
can rapidly reduce jaundice. Privet fruit has gained a reputation as
a powerful immune enhancing herb. In a study done in the United
States, supported by the National Institutes of Health, privet fruit
was found to prevent breakdown of the immune system when cancer
patients were given chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Subsequent
studies around the world have supported this action. It is now used
clinically for this purpose in Japan and China. It is often combined
with Lycium fruit or astragalus. The major constituent in privet
fruit is ligustrin (oleanolic acid). Studies in China suggest that
privet fruit stimulates the immune system, decreases inflammation
and protects the liver. At regular doses, privet fruit has
practically no toxicity. |
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ECLIPTA (HAN LIAN CAO) |
Eclipta is found
in the lowlands of East Asia from China to Australia. The leaves are
cooked and eaten as a vegetable and also used in Traditional Chinese
Medicine as a cooling and restorative herb that supports the liver,
the mind and eyes. The leaf extract is considered to be a powerful
liver tonic and rejuvenative, and especially good for the hair. In
India, Ayurvedic tradition uses eclipta to address liver cirrhosis,
hepatitis, liver enlargement, jaundice and other liver conditions.
Studies in mice show protective effects of Eclipta against known
liver toxins. Eclipta can be applied topically to treat nosebleeds
and bleeding caused by traumatic injury. Compounds found in eclipta
suggest that it has anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used in
the fight against liver disease. In Chinese Medicine, eclipta clears
deficient heat and cools the blood. It is often used in combination
with privet fruit and lycium to boost the immune system. It is well
tolerated and has a high margin of safety. The American Herbal
Products Association has stated there are no known drug interactions
with eclipta. |
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LYCIUM BERRY-WOLFBERRY FRUIT (GOU QI ZI) |
Lycium berry
fruit contains polysaccharides which have been demonstrated to
strongly fortify the immune system. It is very rich in Vitamins C
and B, and is the richest source of carotenoids, (including
beta-carotene) in the world. It also contains 18 amino acids,
numerous trace elements including germanium, and beta-sitosterol, a
powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Lycium fruit traditionally has
been a long favorite herb of Chinese martial artists and athletes
because it strengthens the legs and increases vitality. It is also
one of the fundamental sexual tonic herbs used in Chinese herbalism,
especially when combined with other herbs such as cordyceps,
astragalus, ginseng and schizandra. As an immune enhancer, when
lycium extract was provided to 20 elderly people, once a day for 3
weeks, more than 67% of the patients' T cell transformation
functions tripled and the activity of the patients' white cell
interleukin-2 doubled. Lycium berry has been undergoing intense
scrutiny as an anti-cancer drug in China and Japan. The fruit can
kill many kinds of cancer cells in vitro because it contains
germanium which has been demonstrated in Japanese studies to have
anti-cancer activity. The berries are very nourishing and can
inhibit the precipitation of fat in liver cells and promote the
regeneration of the liver. Lycium fruit has absolutely no toxicity. |
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ANDROGRAPHIS (CHUAN XIN LIAN) |
Andrographis is
used to rid the body of heat, as in fevers, and to dispel toxins
from the body. In Scandinavian countries, it is commonly used to
prevent and treat common colds. Research has confirmed that,
properly administered, andrographis can be: anti-inflammatory,
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, cardio-protective, digestive-promoting,
liver-protective, immune- enhancing and anti-cancer. The primary
medical component of andrographis is andrographolide. The herb has
been used medicinally for centuries and has been extensively
studied; most of these studies have been performed within the last
half of the 20th century. It is now being tested in cancer and HIV
patients. In Ayurvedic medicine (a system used in India), there are
at least 26 different formulations containing andrographis that are
used to treat liver disorders. An Indian study of hepatitis patients
demonstrated a marked improvement in the majority patients tested
after giving them the herb. Appetite improved on the 5th day of
treatment, jaundice gradually diminished and completely disappeared
within 24 days, and fever subsided after 7 days on average. Other
indications of effectiveness included improvement in liver function
tests. Grown in the subtropical areas of China and Southeast Asia,
safety studies and clinical trials using andrographis have not
reported any toxic effects. |
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SICHUAN LOVAGE ROOT-LIGUSTICUM (CHUAN XIONG) |
The Sichuan
lovage rhizome is a perennial plant with white flowers, grown in
Sichuan, China, that bear fruit in August and September of each
year. It is considered by Eastern medical view to regulate and
invigorate the blood, dispel wind and to relieve pain. It is most
commonly used as an analgesic in the treatment of cold, headache and
rheumatic pain, swelling, and pain due to traumatic injury. Studies
dating back as far as 1958 show that lovage root is effective in the
treatment of headaches by decreasing vascular resistance while
increasing blood flow in the brain. In recent years, it has been
used in the treatment of coronary heart disease and angina pectoris.
The herb dilates the capillaries and other blood vessels and thus
lowers blood pressure. In liver disease it primarily promotes an
increased blood circulation, especially to the liver, and imparts a
vital energy to the body. |
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ASTRAGALUS ROOT (HUANG QI) |
Astragalus is
one of the oldest known herbs in Chinese Medicine and has been used
for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole, strengthen
muscle, and improve metabolic functions. It is considered a deep
immune tonic that increases the body's ability to produce more
immune T cells, protecting us from pathogens. Studies at the M.D.
Anderson Cancer Research Center at the University of Houston, Texas,
demonstrated that astragalus improves the immune response in humans
undergoing radiation and chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. In
China, astragalus is sometimes considered superior to ginseng as an
energizer for young people. Astragalus has been proven to have
potent immune-modulating effects in both animals and humans.
Extracts of astragalus enhance macrophage activity and reduce the
activity of suppresser T cells. The herbal extract significantly
increases natural killer cell cytotoxicity. It helps antibody
response. It tends to protect the white blood cells from leucopenia
and has hematopoietic (red blood cell building) activity as well.
The polysaccharides found in astragalus are potent anti-oxidants,
hundreds of times stronger than Vitamin E, and stronger than that of
grape seed extract. Astragalus is rich in zinc and selenium,
components which have shown powerful anti-cancer activity.
Astragalus may be added to almost any tonic formulation designed to
strengthen the entire body. It is superb for young or old people,
male or female. There are no known side effects associated with
standardized astragalus extract. |
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PORIA (FU LING) |
Poria is very
widely used in Chinese herbalism as a tonic to benefit the internal
organs. It is a solid fungus which grows on the roots of old pine
trees. It is a mild, safe and effective diuretic, used in hundreds
of classical formulas to improve the flow of water through the body.
Recent research has discovered that poria is a powerful immune
system tonic. It has been found to induce the production in human
beings of a-interferon. Poria is tranquilizing to the mind, and
taken for a long time it can relieve hunger and lengthen the life.
Poria is a very safe herb. |
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MELIA FRUIT (CHUAN LIAN ZI) |
Also known as
the Sichuan pagoda tree, melia regulates qi (energy pathways) and
stops pain, especially flank pain and pain in the lower ribs or
abdomen. This is usually caused by liver-stomach disharmony or liver
qi (energy) stagnation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 2 main
functions of the liver are to store the blood and to regulate body
energy (qi). The liver regulates qi by promoting its free flow. When
the liver is dysfunctional, qi does not flow freely and smoothly,
thereby stagnating. This stagnation of the liver-energy (qi)
involves the stomach and is manifested as stomachache, abdominal and
rib pain. By regulating the liver qi, the herb calms the liver and
alleviates pain |
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PEACH KERNEL (TAO REN) |
Peach kernel is
found in all parts of China. Peach kernel helps promote circulation,
dissolves accumulated clots, and acts as a laxative for dry
intestines. It is said to "loosen the belly" and open stoppages of
the liver. It helps to regulate menstruation and can be used after
traumatic injuries with swelling and pain. Its major constituents
are: oleic acid, glyceric acid, linoleic acid, and amygdalin
emulsion. |
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SCHIZANDRA FRUIT (WU WEI ZI) |
Schizandra is
one of the primary liver cleansing and hepatic protective herbs used
in Chinese herbalism. By taking schizandra regularly, it is possible
to rid the body of toxins before they have a chance to do serious
damage. It can promote the regeneration of liver tissue, and enhance
protein and nucleic acid synthesis. The protective action of
schizandra is partly due to its ability to promote the regeneration
of mitochondria in hepatic cells. This can improve the function of
the cell membranes, detoxify, and reduce elevated ALT liver enzymes
in about 80% of patients. From the fruit of schizandra, 7 active
liver enzyme-lowering ingredients have been currently isolated.
Schizandra fruit also contains various lignans, mainly schizandrins,
which have been found to prevent liver damage, stimulate liver
repair and preserve normal liver functioning. These properties
appear to be related to the various anti-oxidant abilities of the
schizandrins. There also have been numerous reports on schizandra's
ability to quicken reflexes, control anger and combat insomnia,
headaches and dizziness. A recent study concluded that schizandra
might be helpful to reverse depression. Schizandra generates
vitality and radiant beauty when used regularly. It is a safe and
powerful tonic herb which is mildly calming for both men and women. |
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SOPHORA ROOT (SHAN DOU GEN) |
The active
ingredient in sophora root is oxymatrine. Oxymatrine can prevent
liver cell damage through its affect on the cytochrome P450 pathway.
Thus, it can strengthen the detoxification capability of the liver.
It also has shown anti-viral effects and it is immune regulatory. In
China, the alkaloids are often given by injection, but since this
method of administration is not currently available in the west,
oral dosing is used here instead. Chinese researchers have also used
the alkaloids in capsule form, with results that appear similar to
the injection. Tests done at the Shanghai Second Medical University
confirmed that sophora inhibited viral replication, not just causing
a reduction in liver damage, but it actually inhibited viral
activity, thereby reducing the viral load in hepatitis patients. By
adding other Chinese herbs, effects at the Amoy Municipal Hospital
in China were deemed to be comparable to those attained with
interferon therapy, except that adverse reactions were avoided. In
addition, the use of oxymatrine and Chinese herb formulas also
inhibited liver fibrosis. |
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SICHUAN OX KNEE ROOT (CHUAN NIU XI) |
This is the root
of the Achyranthes, a perennial plant, grown in China, Japan and
India. It promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation,
nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens bones and muscles.
Ox knee root acts predominantly on the lower half of the body and is
used also in the treatment of aching back and knees. Used in
combination with peach kernel, it helps soreness and pain of the
waist and knees due to prolonged arthralgia. It disperses heat from
the liver (due to inflammation) which can be responsible for
dizziness, headaches and nose bleeding, thereby calming the liver.
The Chinese consider emotions to have very powerful effects on the
functioning of the internal organs, and strong or unresolved
emotions can damage the organs with which they are associated. The
primary emotion associated with the liver is anger, however, the
liver is also responsible for keeping all of the emotions in a state
of smooth flow. When there is emotional stress, the liver is
overwhelmed and several types of liver dysfunction can result. Ox
knee root helps nourish the liver and keep it healthy by promoting
good blood circulation. |
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LICORICE (GAN CAO) |
Licorice is the
most frequently used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has
been extensively studied. It is a sweet, mild herb and has many
functions. It has anti-viral effects and can inhibit virus
proliferation. It can normalize liver ALT and AST enzymes and
restore liver function from damage due to carbon tetrachloride.
Licorice can reduce degeneration and necrosis and promote
regeneration of liver cells, and inhibit fibrosis. Licorice is the
most broad-spectrum natural detoxifying agent known, ridding the
body of over 1200 different toxins, without any distressful side
effects. It is often used as an anti-inflammatory agent because it
contains chemical components which act similarly to cortisone, but
without the side effects. When combined with white peony root, it is
a superb anti-spasmodic to relax both smooth and striated muscle and
is famous for relieving cramps in the stomach, calves, and feet.
Licorice root is rich in flavonoids, amino acids and biotin. As a
tea, it acts as an anti-tussive (anti-cough) action similar to
codeine, but without the drowsiness. It is safe in a carefully
prepared formulation. Taken by itself, in large doses and for long
term, it can raise blood pressure in some individuals. Since the
herb is powerful, only small doses are usually sufficient to achieve
excellent results. Many Chinese formulas use licorice as a
harmonizing ingredient. It is believed that licorice harmonizes the
ingredients in an herbal formulation, eliminating harshness of
action and promoting smooth activity of the herbs. |
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