Natural Treatments for Hepatitis C: Baical Skullcap

Natural Treatments for Hepatitis C: Baical Skullcap
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Hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver, is estimated to infect at least 2% of those in industrialized nations of the world and up to 10% of those living in Africa, China and India (Buhner, S.) Medical science treats hepatitis C (HCV) with the immune stimulant interferon and the antiviral drug ribavirin. These medications have a number of drawbacks, including the potential for severe side effects and partial effectiveness. It is little wonder that many people with HCV are turning to natural treatments for hepatitis C. One of the many natural treatments available for HCV is baical skullcap, also referred to as baikal skullcap, chinese skullcap, and huang qin.

Baical skullcap is produced from a plant grown natively in China, in the plant family labiatae. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 20 centuries. Baical skullcap is the cousin of the western herb called simply skullcap. It is the root of the plant which is used to produce the baical skullcap used for the natural treatment. The skullcap root contains flavone glycosides, baicalein, baicalin, wogonin and flavones (Global Herbal Supplies).

The actions of baical skullcap make it useful in a wide range of health applications, including hepatitis C. Its many actions include:

anti-inflammatory

hepatoprotective (protects liver)

antihepatotoxic (protects liver from actions of toxins)

antibacterial

antiviral

antipyretic (lowers fever)

anti-allergic (helps with allergies)

antioxidant

vasodilator (dilates blood vessels which can aid in lowering blood pressure)

central nervous system sedative

(Bunher, S. & Global Herbal Supplies).

How Does Baical Skullcap Aid in the Treatment of Hepatitis C?

In more closely examining the properties and actions of baical skullcap, this natural treatment for Hepatitis C works to reduce inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is present whenever there is an infectious process taking place. The baical skullcap, or huang qin as it is called in traditional Chinese medicine, helps to alleviate the sleep disorders associated with HCV and many liver diseases. Secondary to reducing the difficulties with sleep, baical skullcap helps to alleviate the mental and physical exhaustion that often comes with HCV (Buhner, S.).

Baical skullcap can help with fever associated with HCV, or fever from another source. It protects the liver from toxins and stimulates bile production, something with which the hepatitis C virus often interferes.

The first thing to be mindful of when searching for baical skullcap, or huang qin, is to ensure the skullcap you are looking to purchase is indeed baical skullcap/huang qin. There are also western cousins of the baical skullcap that have natural treatment properties, but they differ somewhat from the baical skullcap and its actions discussed here.

Baical skullcap is available in a liquid form, in capsules, and in powdered root form. The suggested usage for the liquid form is to follow the information listed for the product you’ve purchased. Because manufacturers vary in the strength and potency of the actual baical skullcap in the liquid preparations, there is no one rule that encompasses all.

Using the powered root form to make a tea has a suggested usage of 3-9 grams of powdered root in one-half ounce of water. Bring the mxiture to a boil, then let steep for 15-20 minutes (Buhner, S.). Take three times daily. An alternative method for the powdered root form is to place 5-10 grams in 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let steep for 10-20 minutes; can be taken 3-4 times daily (Swain, L.)

In capsule form, again the recommended usage instructions from the manufacturer are in order due to variations in strength and potency available.

The Hepatitis C sufferer may also want to discuss treatment with baical skullcap with a naturopath and/or a professional schooled in traditional Chinese medicine. Always share information about natural treatments with your health care provider.

Sources: Buhner, S. H., Herbs for Hepatitis C and the Liver. 2000. Storey Publishing.

Swain, L. “Skullcap.” Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. https://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0006/ai_2603000665

“Information about the Herb Baical Skullcap.” 2008. Global Herbal Supplies. https://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herb_information/baical_skullcap.htm

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