Re: it might be intersting

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Treating Hepatitis C (Notes sent to from herbalist, Alan Tillotson, AHG) Introduction I have had 100% success in relieving elevated liver enzymes associated with hepatitis C and even advanced cirrhosis by using Planetary's Bupleurum liver Cleanse together with Dandelion root tea. --- Tierra Thanks for sending the articles to review. I am far from being an expert, but this is what I think is happening. I think that non A -non B (herein called nanb) hepatitis exists. I think that Hepatitis C as such does not exist. In the condition of nonb, the patient has damage to their liver in the form of a scarring or inflammation, which is localized to one or two areas in the liver, then slowly spreads whenever the liver is depleted or stressed. There may be another virus (not Hepatitis C) present or perhaps not. The condition is

hot and dry, which slowly cooks the cells. Glutathione levels are probably down. Toxic dampness can also be present. The stressed cells in the damaged hardened area leak out pieces of human RNA, which is what the test picks up. The numbers on the HCV RNA PCR test show how much leaking there is going on. This RNA leaking is a symptom, not a cause. There is a chronic depleted condition (liver yin deficiency) as well as inflammation there. In this condition, the Yin depleted areas gradually get harder, and this hardness is what is called cirrhosis eventually. The areas that are not hardened function normally, dealing only with the inflammation, which they show on the liver enzyme numbers, which go up and down. If the inflammation gets low, and the nutrient levels gets up somewhat, the hardness remains, but does not spread much because there is enough moisture and lipids. If a stress appears resulting

in more depletion, the liver begins to leak out the RNA, showing that soon some more hardening of the leaking cells, which gradually spread. If the stress causes only inflammation, the enzymes go up. The cells within the hardened areas do not get normal nutrition so they begin to change shape, and eventually can become cancerous. This why the two sets of numbers, RNA PCR and liver enzymes seem to function independently at times in namb patients. It also explains why a severe stress like alcohol speeds up progression. It also explains why there is a long incubation time, with little symptoms (the rest of the liver not hardened functions pretty normally until the hardened area reaches critical size). Actually there usually is some fatigue and pallor and sexual weakness, the results not of the hardened areas, but of the mildly inflamed liver. Because the hardened areas, like scars, do not easlily go back to normal, even if the patient is

treated well and the rest of his liver gets better, the RNA PCR numbers will jump up whenever a stress causes further stress leakage. Milk thistle and other anti-inflammatory herbs help with symptoms, liver enzymes and slowing progression, but they do not repair the hardened areas. Cholagogue herbs also work only on removing inflammation. To deal with the hardness, I have been using, in addition to the above, flax oil and lipoic acid, to provide the softening omega three oils along with this lipid soluble. Dick Noble just sent me some info on SAMe/S-adenosyl-L-methionine, which seems to directly cause softening. I have no experience with it. From a TCM perspective you would use white peony, salvia, Turtle shell and Curcuma tuber, perhaps rhubarb for this aspect. Licorice is also useful, as a Japanese study showed halving of liver cancer with an extract. Taking out the liver heat is easier, and everyone knows how to do that I

think. It also may work to use some enzyme like herbs to soften, like bromelain and pippili. Eclipta is a deobstructant to the liver, and also nourishing as it makes hair grow. Silajatu nourishes the liver also. Because all of us, patients and doctors, have been hypnotized by the PCR numbers, patients get spooked as do we, so we change or give up or they bolt. The Ayurvedic perspective makes it clear that the key is to use gently nourishing liver tonics over a long period of time, up to two years or more. Eventually the constant mild nourishing tonification, combined with strict avoidance of coffee and alcohol, perhaps will begin to soften the hardened cells. I've has two cases (one documented one undocumented) of Hep C return to normal. The one case, had a very healthy lifestyle prior to taking the tonics I got him from Nepal. I am not impressed by the interferon and riboviran treatments. For all I know,

riboviran (sic) may cook the cells further, like chemotherapy always does, and block leakage of the detectable pieces of genetic information. The big queston is what is causing all this liver damage. I think we can round up the usual suspects - alchohol, (western and recreational), pesticides, chemical solvents, fatty diets etc., though probably from some chemical subset within them. With all this, why should we be surprised there is a epidemic of sick livers? What scares me is cholesterol drugs, which knocks down glutathione like crazy. There may be a genetic predisposition for some people's cells to leak this piece of genetic material, further confusing the issue. In a phone conversation I had with Donna O. on the list, she revealed that the normal needle exchange controls which slow down HIV do not work with Hep C. This knocks one more tile out of the viral belief system. We all may still be pawns of our biochemical

beliefs. I wonder if viruses, non-living but animated pieces of information, are not better understood from an electrical point of view. What about two years of acupuncture, magnets and diet? Alan Tillotson, MA, AHG - Medical HerbalistNaixin Hu Tillotson, OMD, LAc - Chinese MedicineChrysalis Natural Medicine Clinic1008 Milltown Rd., Wilm., DE 19808 USA(302) 994-0565 (302) 995-0653 faxemail: AlanT3@... / Website: www.oneearthherbs.com One of several cases of Hepatitis C treated at 's East West Herb and Acupuncture Clinic 912, Center St., Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060, (831)429-8066 In support of the proposition that Hepatitis C is not a virus but represents a condition of general liver failure, possibly due to environment or

lifestyle causes I submit the following recent case: Man, age 52, he was diagnosed with Hep C at least prior through antibody test, confirmed with a high viral load test. For two years he was asymptomatic and then a series of blood tests dating from March, 19, '99 revealed seriously elevated liver enzymes as follows (the normal range is SGOT 0-45 and for SGPT 0-50. On 3/19/99 it was 662 and 1315, on 3/25 it was 564 over 1248, on 4/30 they were 182 and 386. He was taking sylibum seeds on his own before I saw him on 7/29. He had just seen a liver specialist who said that if his liver enzymes were not down by November he would recommend interferon (ugh!). He also said that he could be infecting his wife and others who came in contact with him, etc. When I saw him he had classic liver symptoms, tightness on the abdomen under the liver, no coat on the sides of his tongue (sometimes relevant indication), a deep and tight pulse, serious

fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, prone to anger, tiredness, feeling of heaviness in the legs, and a sallow complexion. Though he was a Vietnam vet, he had never used needles nor did he ever have a blood transfusion. He was generally trepidatious of acupuncture, so I gave him the commonest and simplest treatment of liver 3 and colon 4, called the 4 gates, because this releases internal toxic heat from the organs. I also added Kidney 3 to support the endocrine system. The treatment seemed to immediately have a very positive effect on his well being, feeling the characteristic euphoric release that is a sign of an especially effective acupuncture session. I gave him my Shitake Mushroom Supreme Formula and Bupleurum Calmative which is modeled after the Chinese Bupleurum and peony formula to relieve moodiness and liver qi stagnation. I told him to continue with Milk thistle. He had a

propensity to drink alcohol to relieve stress and he also would drink a pot of coffee daily. I gave him a tea of roasted dandelion root, camomile and fennel seed to accompany the other supplements. The next week he said that he was much less prone to anger but still complained of low energy. He commented how is stool was more formed. He was also given a quality am and pm vitamin and mineral supplement to take. I repeated the treatment, but added more acupuncture points including associated effect points on the back to the liver, spleen-pancreas and kidney-endocrines with moxabustion. I also added St. 36 below the knee to increase vitality (I call it the ginseng point). I also added Panax ginseng to his treatment. His next visit on 8/12 continued to show improvement with more energy and feeling calmer generally. I added about 12 grams of Twin Lab EPA and DHA fish oil fatty acid supplement. One 8/19 he brought in the most recent results

of his liver enzyme test which was 93 over 160! He said he is feeling much better, his energy is almost completely returned. At this point he continues to follow the same herbal and supplement program I have given him and we agreed that he is moving in the right direction and I referred him to my daughter, Shasta, who is also an acupuncture and herbalist with an office closer to him for ongoing treatment and monitoring. This is a man who was definitely diagnosed with HEP C and put on notice for interferon treatment (less than 40% effective with terrible side effects) and possible eventual liver transplant. What do I think? I think Hep C is not a virus but a sign of generalized liver failure from environment and dietary compromise. The fact that there are over 44 million people diagnosed with it in the US makes it a major epidemic of

frightening proportions. These people are told that they have a potentially highly contagious disease (at least in relation to any intimate contact), that may or may not erupt in 25 years, is a very creepy sentence to have placed on one's head. Again there is no financial incentive to look at it in any other way, let alone recommend that they stop alcohol and coffee (which the doc did not do) and perhaps try some dandelion tea. Medical testing for this disease is expensive and very profitable thing, even though the tests are often very inconclusive. Be that as it may, this is the first of several hepatitis cases that I could use blood tests to demonstrate progress with what is a relatively simple herbal and supplement program.Dr. Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D. http://www.PlanetHerbs.com More articles at Planetherbs.com

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hi Tim, I just recently heard the term Burpleurum,, I gotta read this, thanks for posting itHillbilly Tim <knoxweb1@...> wrote: Treating Hepatitis C (Notes sent to from herbalist, Alan Tillotson, AHG) Introduction I have had 100% success in relieving elevated liver enzymes associated with hepatitis C and even advanced cirrhosis by using Planetary's Bupleurum liver Cleanse together with Dandelion root tea. --- Tierra Thanks for sending the articles to review. I am far from being an expert, but this is what I think is happening. I think that non A -non B (herein called nanb) hepatitis exists. I think that Hepatitis C as such does not exist. In the condition of nonb, the patient has damage to their

liver in the form of a scarring or inflammation, which is localized to one or two areas in the liver, then slowly spreads whenever the liver is depleted or stressed. There may be another virus (not Hepatitis C) present or perhaps not. The condition is hot and dry, which slowly cooks the cells. Glutathione levels are probably down. Toxic dampness can also be present. The stressed cells in the damaged hardened area leak out pieces of human RNA, which is what the test picks up. The numbers on the HCV RNA PCR test show how much leaking there is going on. This RNA leaking is a symptom, not a cause. There is a chronic depleted condition (liver yin deficiency) as well as inflammation there. In this condition, the Yin depleted areas gradually get harder, and this hardness is what is called cirrhosis eventually. The areas that are not hardened function normally, dealing only with the inflammation,

which they show on the liver enzyme numbers, which go up and down. If the inflammation gets low, and the nutrient levels gets up somewhat, the hardness remains, but does not spread much because there is enough moisture and lipids. If a stress appears resulting in more depletion, the liver begins to leak out the RNA, showing that soon some more hardening of the leaking cells, which gradually spread. If the stress causes only inflammation, the enzymes go up. The cells within the hardened areas do not get normal nutrition so they begin to change shape, and eventually can become cancerous. This why the two sets of numbers, RNA PCR and liver enzymes seem to function independently at times in namb patients. It also explains why a severe stress like alcohol speeds up progression. It also explains why there is a long incubation time, with little symptoms (the rest of the liver not hardened functions pretty normally until the hardened area

reaches critical size). Actually there usually is some fatigue and pallor and sexual weakness, the results not of the hardened areas, but of the mildly inflamed liver. Because the hardened areas, like scars, do not easlily go back to normal, even if the patient is treated well and the rest of his liver gets better, the RNA PCR numbers will jump up whenever a stress causes further stress leakage. Milk thistle and other anti-inflammatory herbs help with symptoms, liver enzymes and slowing progression, but they do not repair the hardened areas. Cholagogue herbs also work only on removing inflammation. To deal with the hardness, I have been using, in addition to the above, flax oil and lipoic acid, to provide the softening omega three oils along with this lipid soluble. Dick Noble just sent me some info on SAMe/S-adenosyl-L-methionine, which seems to directly cause softening. I have no experience with it. From a TCM perspective

you would use white peony, salvia, Turtle shell and Curcuma tuber, perhaps rhubarb for this aspect. Licorice is also useful, as a Japanese study showed halving of liver cancer with an extract. Taking out the liver heat is easier, and everyone knows how to do that I think. It also may work to use some enzyme like herbs to soften, like bromelain and pippili. Eclipta is a deobstructant to the liver, and also nourishing as it makes hair grow. Silajatu nourishes the liver also. Because all of us, patients and doctors, have been hypnotized by the PCR numbers, patients get spooked as do we, so we change or give up or they bolt. The Ayurvedic perspective makes it clear that the key is to use gently nourishing liver tonics over a long period of time, up to two years or more. Eventually the constant mild nourishing tonification, combined with strict avoidance of coffee and alcohol, perhaps will begin to soften the hardened

cells. I've has two cases (one documented one undocumented) of Hep C return to normal. The one case, had a very healthy lifestyle prior to taking the tonics I got him from Nepal. I am not impressed by the interferon and riboviran treatments. For all I know, riboviran (sic) may cook the cells further, like chemotherapy always does, and block leakage of the detectable pieces of genetic information. The big queston is what is causing all this liver damage. I think we can round up the usual suspects - alchohol, (western and recreational), pesticides, chemical solvents, fatty diets etc., though probably from some chemical subset within them. With all this, why should we be surprised there is a epidemic of sick livers? What scares me is cholesterol drugs, which knocks down glutathione like crazy. There may be a genetic predisposition for some people's cells to leak this piece of genetic material, further confusing the

issue. In a phone conversation I had with Donna O. on the list, she revealed that the normal needle exchange controls which slow down HIV do not work with Hep C. This knocks one more tile out of the viral belief system. We all may still be pawns of our biochemical beliefs. I wonder if viruses, non-living but animated pieces of information, are not better understood from an electrical point of view. What about two years of acupuncture, magnets and diet? Alan Tillotson, MA, AHG - Medical HerbalistNaixin Hu Tillotson, OMD, LAc - Chinese MedicineChrysalis Natural Medicine Clinic1008 Milltown Rd., Wilm., DE 19808 USA(302) 994-0565 (302) 995-0653 faxemail: AlanT3@... / Website: www.oneearthherbs.com One of several cases of Hepatitis C treated at 's East

West Herb and Acupuncture Clinic 912, Center St., Santa Cruz, Ca. 95060, (831)429-8066 In support of the proposition that Hepatitis C is not a virus but represents a condition of general liver failure, possibly due to environment or lifestyle causes I submit the following recent case: Man, age 52, he was diagnosed with Hep C at least prior through antibody test, confirmed with a high viral load test. For two years he was asymptomatic and then a series of blood tests dating from March, 19, '99 revealed seriously elevated liver enzymes as follows (the normal range is SGOT 0-45 and for SGPT 0-50. On 3/19/99 it was 662 and 1315, on 3/25 it was 564 over 1248, on 4/30 they were 182 and 386. He was taking sylibum seeds on his own before I saw him on 7/29. He had just seen a liver specialist who said that if his liver enzymes were not down by November he would recommend interferon (ugh!). He also said

that he could be infecting his wife and others who came in contact with him, etc. When I saw him he had classic liver symptoms, tightness on the abdomen under the liver, no coat on the sides of his tongue (sometimes relevant indication), a deep and tight pulse, serious fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, prone to anger, tiredness, feeling of heaviness in the legs, and a sallow complexion. Though he was a Vietnam vet, he had never used needles nor did he ever have a blood transfusion. He was generally trepidatious of acupuncture, so I gave him the commonest and simplest treatment of liver 3 and colon 4, called the 4 gates, because this releases internal toxic heat from the organs. I also added Kidney 3 to support the endocrine system. The treatment seemed to immediately have a very positive effect on his well being, feeling the characteristic euphoric release that is a sign of an especially

effective acupuncture session. I gave him my Shitake Mushroom Supreme Formula and Bupleurum Calmative which is modeled after the Chinese Bupleurum and peony formula to relieve moodiness and liver qi stagnation. I told him to continue with Milk thistle. He had a propensity to drink alcohol to relieve stress and he also would drink a pot of coffee daily. I gave him a tea of roasted dandelion root, camomile and fennel seed to accompany the other supplements. The next week he said that he was much less prone to anger but still complained of low energy. He commented how is stool was more formed. He was also given a quality am and pm vitamin and mineral supplement to take. I repeated the treatment, but added more acupuncture points including associated effect points on the back to the liver, spleen-pancreas and kidney-endocrines with moxabustion. I also added St. 36 below the knee to increase vitality (I call it the ginseng point). I also

added Panax ginseng to his treatment. His next visit on 8/12 continued to show improvement with more energy and feeling calmer generally. I added about 12 grams of Twin Lab EPA and DHA fish oil fatty acid supplement. One 8/19 he brought in the most recent results of his liver enzyme test which was 93 over 160! He said he is feeling much better, his energy is almost completely returned. At this point he continues to follow the same herbal and supplement program I have given him and we agreed that he is moving in the right direction and I referred him to my daughter, Shasta, who is also an acupuncture and herbalist with an office closer to him for ongoing treatment and monitoring. This is a man who was definitely diagnosed with HEP C and put on notice for interferon treatment (less than 40% effective with terrible side effects) and possible eventual liver transplant. What do I think? I think Hep C is not a virus but a sign of generalized liver failure from environment and dietary compromise. The fact that there are over 44 million people diagnosed with it in the US makes it a major epidemic of frightening proportions. These people are told that they have a potentially highly contagious disease (at least in relation to any intimate contact), that may or may not erupt in 25 years, is a very creepy sentence to have placed on one's head. Again there is no financial incentive to look at it in any other way, let alone recommend that they stop alcohol and coffee (which the doc did not do) and perhaps try some dandelion tea. Medical testing for this disease is expensive and very profitable thing, even though the tests are often very inconclusive. Be that as it may, this is the first of several hepatitis cases that I could use blood tests to demonstrate progress with what is a relatively simple herbal and

supplement program.Dr. Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D. http://www.PlanetHerbs.com More articles at Planetherbs.com Blab-away for as little as 1¢/min. Make PC-to-Phone Calls using Messenger with Voice. It's a pleasure having you join in our conversations. We hope you have found the support you need with us. If you are using email for your posts, for easy access to our group, just click the link-- Hepatitis C/Happy Posting

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Let me lay it on the line for you: I have never once thought - or written - that hepatitis C is a psychological problem. I have no doubt whatsoever that people have developed liver scarring and that many have developed liver disease and died from it. But after 30 years of reporting on science, I can sometimes smell a skunk. This time, the skunk is a so-called virus called hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is blamed for much of the severe liver disease people suffer. I certainly feel compassion for people who become ill with liver disease. But I have less than nice feelings for scientific enterprise that is shallow and takes red-flag shortcuts, which is exactly what I have concluded has occurred with the science underlying the claim that a hepatitis C virus has been properly identified. Flawed Fundamentals? When you get beyond all the biotech smoke and mirrors and you need to take time to travel through this fantasyland to appreciate the nuances - there are disturbing issues about HCV that must be raised, particularly when it is said to have infected some 4 million Americans, the vast majority of whom have no symptoms and have been frightened out of their wits that they'll eventually develop fatal liver disease. HCV is said to spread through direct contact with contaminated blood; that means through such routes as sex, sharing needles for drug use and, of course, blood transfusions, particularly from the 1960s through the '80s when the blood supply wasn't adequately tested for HCV. The stakes here are obviously very high for people diagnosed with HCV and for society in general. We'd better have good fundamental science serving as the foundation for very expensive testing programs, treatment regimens and public health

promotion about a "hidden epidemic" on the rampage. Molecular Misdirection Keep in mind that it takes only a handful of researchers and some good marketing to set others on a course that, even if misdirected, becomes difficult to reverse. This is particularly true in today's world of molecular biology, in which basic discoveries, in the form of molecular products or tests, are often accepted without challenge as baselines for further research, and, of course, the scramble for research dollars. Most doctors who see patients must accept this basic science on blind faith, due to their own lack of scientific expertise or the time to read the research papers. They then pass on their accepting views to patients, who typically assume they've been told "the truth." In 1987, a scientific research team went

on the hunt for a virus to explain liver disease linked to what was then called non-A non-B hepatitis. The team, including scientists from the CDC, Chiron Corp. and others, claimed to have detected HCV. But to this day, no one has ever been able to isolate such a virus in an intact form, nor has anyone been able to grow it in a culture. And no one has been able to fish out such a virus, purify it (meaning separate it from a cell), inject it into an animal and cause hepatitis. No one has ever been able to document, according to basic long-held standards of virology, that such a proposed virus is infectious. No one. Fishing Expedition From the beginning, the researchers presumed too much in making their claim. They began by injecting blood from hepatitis patients into chimps. In half of the animals,

they noted signs of infection in the form of a biological marker of hepatitis called alanine aminotransferase. The injected blood, however, did not cause hepatitis. That should have been a big red flag. The marker they detected may have had nothing to do with a virus. In any case, the scientists began fishing in liver tissue to find one. What they found, with the use of high-tech amplification tools, was essentially a small piece of genetic information (encoded in ribonucleic acid, or RNA). On the basis of tests to reconstruct pieces of what they believed was a virus; they presumed that this bit of RNA was foreign and viral - even though they had no basic evidence that their "catch" behaved like a virus. But never mind. Just clone the pieces of genetic information; work out the genetic sequences; using indirect methods, generate

proteins presumably coming from a virus's genetic code; create an antibody test against this genetic information; test many patients who turn out to be positive against this genetic information - and lo and behold, you have an epidemic. Marketing Science Then, of course, all of the followers of the leaders must then publish thousands of scientific papers (which they did) studying the bits and pieces of genetic information presumed to be a virus. And they must do so to keep their labs going, particularly at a time when everyone is clawing for research support to keep their academic enterprise alive. This is not science. When you generate the basis of an epidemic and nowhere have you properly isolated the virus and shown it to be infective and disease-causing, you are making a mockery of the scientific method. Now what about this "genetic

information" that is presumed to be a virus? Some scientists have already suggested, on the basis of highly-detailed research (published in 1997) on cells from healthy human subjects who aren't antibody positive to HCV, that some of that so-called viral genetic information may be similar to what is found normally in human cells - specifically, cell-escaping sequences of DNA via its RNA messenger. In other words, some of the genetic information thought to be a virus may actually have a human origin. How very intriguing. Rule Out Before Ruling In But to a thoughtful molecular biologist, such a proposition makes a lot of sense. One of the people I consulted was Strohman, professor emeritus of molecular and cell biology at the University of California. Strohman points out what any reasonable

molecular biologist should know: toxic hits, say, for example, smoking and alcohol consumption, can traumatize the liver and cause some genetic instability in its cells. In other words, the human cell itself can certainly be the source of the kind of genetic information caught in a molecular fishing expedition and presumed to be viral. Before jumping on a viral bandwagon, every effort should be made to thoroughly rule this out. It bothers Strohman that in the case of HCV, it has not. It also bothers him that the supposed detection of the HCV has been credited for lowering the post-transfusion rate of non-A non-B hepatitis. Better screening equals much less infection, or so goes the logic. But this is another example of pole-vaulting. There may be other reasons for the decline, including the elimination of many donors at risk for AIDS. Direct

Evidence? In last week's column, I raised the challenge to the scientific community to send me some evidence that a virus exists. The fact is, a virus might indeed exist and contribute to non-A non-B hepatitis, but the evidence so far is only indirect and circumstantial and, I believe, highly misleading, given the extreme to which it has been pushed. I have some time I can set aside later this summer to debate anyone from the molecular biology establishment who has been at the forefront of the discovery of HCV. No pretenders to the throne or angry followers of the leaders need apply. In the meantime, given the huge amount of tax dollars being appropriated and the numerous biotech industry programs that have emerged to fight HCV, I plan this week to contact a congressional committee known for its investigation of

scientific issues and ask that they seriously consider launching a probe of the science behind this vapor-like virus. Next week, I'll focus on some on the important issues hepatitis patients are raising about their disease and the science and doctoring behind it. Hepatitis C is said to be a silent blood borne epidemic that affects many millions who are unaware that they are ill. But do these people really have this virus? Consider this a challenge in progress. This scientific adventure raises the question of whether the hepatitis C virus, blamed for a major silent epidemic of liver disease and even cancer, actually exists. That's right. You read this correctly: I am raising a question that may disturb scientists and hepatitis C patients alike. But I'm raising it anyway because it is vital to do so in the interests of public health. I'm issuing a challenge to the

scientific community to present me with the published, peer-reviewed scientific evidence that such a virus actually exists- namely that it has been properly isolated, according to accepted, fundamental principles of virology. The C Files Thus far, I should tell you, the evidence for the existence of such a virus underwhelms me. Before tackling this issue bluntly, I've decided to offer those who believe the science supporting the virus is adequate the opportunity to educate me on the subject. (We'll even run your letters.) You can do this by providing me with key references for proof that hepatitis C virus is real and not some meaningless biotech concoction posing as a real virus. I plan to ignore any speculative theories, pole-vaults in reaching conclusions and the usual harangues from the medical and scientific community about the

stupidity and irresponsibility of journalists. I have little patience for emotional approaches to this important scientific issue. Many months ago, I wrote a column about hepatitis C, arguing that government officials botched proper testing of the blood supply for the virus. (A number of lawsuits are in progress, claiming the government was negligent.) In other words, I had automatically accepted the conventional wisdom that such a virus exists. I'm not blaming myself here; there is only so much research that one can do at any time, and we are often condemned, as I'm sure you will agree, to rely heavily on the views of others, particularly when there appears to be strong scientific consensus. Inquiring Readers Want to Know In response to that column, I have

received a regular flurry of e-mail from readers who ask me to write more about hepatitis C, particularly about how this epidemic has been neglected by the government and medical community. So, in response to these letters, and out of genuine curiosity, I have slowly, but systematically, exploring the scientific literature. What I discovered surprised me. But first, let's look at the conventional wisdom on hepatitis C: Official estimates are that about 4 million Americans have been infected by the virus, that many don't know they're infected, and that some of these people (it's not clear how many) who now have no symptoms, will go on, perhaps in 20 or 30 years, to develop a scarring of their liver known as cirrhosis, which, in some cases, will lead to liver cancer. Unknown Origins The conventional

wisdom says that this is a virus spread through direct contact with contaminated blood; that means through such routes as sex, sharing needles for drug use and, of course, blood transfusions, particularly in the '60s, '70s and '80s, before the blood supply was appropriately monitored. For many of the people, perhaps as many as half who have positive hepatitis-C antibody tests, the manner in which they may have contracted the virus remains a mystery. Antiviral drugs, often in combination, are the main fighting force against hepatitis C, though, again according to the conventional wisdom, they appear to be only modestly effective in about half of patients and have serious side effects. When scanning the literature, most of this type of information pops up again and again. And media reports on the science do not question the conventional wisdom, at least not the numerous ones I've perused. Yet, the more I

read the science, the more troubling it appears. Challenge of the Week As regular readers of this column know, I have taken it upon myself to call some of the conventional wisdom in medicine into question if adequate science has been bypassed in favor of speculation, hype and/or commercial gain. What has especially energized me, of late, is the debate I still hope to have with Dr. Rodrigo Munoz, president of the American Psychiatric Association, over the science underlying the prescription of antidepressant drugs. Unfortunately, it looks as though Munoz is shying away from a public encounter with me, even after suggesting to me in an e-mail that he might be willing to take a crack at it. Oh, well, maybe a prominent hepatitis C expert, perhaps even someone involved in the discovery of hepatitis C, will want to have a free-ranging

public debate on what it means to isolate a virus. Old Research Raises Still-Valid Questions Regush has been flooded with letters in response to his first two columns on hepatitis C, most lambasting him for questioning the mainstream view on the disease. First, some reassuring and potentially empowering information about a disease named hepatitis C. Of all the studies I've examined in the past several weeks, one older one looms large as the first to offer patients a measure of hope and food for thought. It's a large-scale, long-term study published back in 1992 in the New England Journal of Medicine (Volume 327, No.27, pages 1906-1911), and while it should not be seen as definitive, it is most instructive as a way of thinking about the disease. The study, which followed transfusion-related non-A non-B hepatitis patients for 18

years and matched them with control subjects who received transfusions but didn't have the disease, informs us that it appears to be uncommon for the disease to result in dire problems. The study concluded that those believed to have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (associated with most cases of non-A non- live as long overall as those with no infection. Silent Progression There was, however, a small increase over time in the number of deaths specifically associated with liver disease in patients with non-A non-B, suggesting that it takes a very long time indeed for the disease to take its final toll. What can we make of such data? The optimist might conclude that the virus won't reduce overall survival rates over time, and that increased numbers of liver-disease-related deaths that the study documented in infected

patients might actually be due to intervening factors, including alcohol consumption. But as an editorial in the same issue of the Journal cautioned, a much longer-term follow-up of patients may well show a tide of death related to the virus. And the editorial also called for more research on the effects of the disease, and not just on how long people live. What this study immediately tells me is that evidence for a viral cause of non-A non-B is open to question. It raises a big red flag because of the time it appears to take this virus to do its dirty work. Other data suggest that it doesn't even cause symptoms beyond a conventional flu-like illness in many people, even for decades. When science lines up behind a virus whose damage potential extends into many decades, I get suspicious. Is Evidence Lacking? So I did some checking. There is no good evidence that such a virus exists. I concluded that the scientists who made the initial discovery made fanciful leaps; consequently these leaps became the basis for further studies and entrenched beliefs. My view is that the cause of non-A non-B hepatitis remains unknown. Some 4 million Americans are said to be already infected with the hepatitis C virus. If I knew that I were among them, I would make it a major commitment to uncover everything I possibly could about this virus and the claims underlying its identification. I would stop at nothing to get a good fix on the virus because that knowledge would certainly affect how I live my life, how I would assess my chances of becoming ill and which treatments I might deem appropriate. Strength in Numbers I would try to associate with others affected by the disease who also had a burning desire to raise questions about the virus. I would make an effort to acquaint myself with the fundamental science and I would be particularly interested in following up any challenges to that science. I would consider it foolhardy to automatically accept the conventional wisdom. What is considered mainstream today in science might well be built on the basis of medical politics and corrupted research. I would take special care not to associate with organizations or support groups that would insist on following the CW and which would be immediately antagonistic to non-conventional thinking about the disease. And I would be particularly cautious about joining up with any patient group that was supported by pharmaceutical funds or led by lay people and doctors alike who appeared to be toeing some official line,

or, for that matter, using the vehicle of a support group or voluntary association to enlarge their egos. I would much rather seek the support of independent spirits who gave me the empowered feeling that I was free to pursue any and all information about the disease. E-mail Overload I am writing this because of the nature of many of the letters that I have been flooded with in response to my first two columns on this issue. Most have come from patients or patient support groups that lambasted me for questioning the mainstream view on non-A non-B hepatitis. Rather than raise questions or indicate that they were interested in knowing more about my views, they settled for name-calling and, in some cases, threats to my well-being. Well, I don't care much if people call me names and I can either live with threats or refer them to police

authorities if they get out of hand. What I find very disturbing is the fact that so many people would be unwilling to further explore the nature of their disease. Rather than pummel me, these patients and support groups should delve into the questions being raised about non-A non-B, not only by me but by others, including some prominent scientists. One would think that taking this route might become an empowering experience. In any case, to those patients and support group members who did write that they would look into the issues that I raised, I can only applaud your willingness to have an open mind. This is what it will take to get to the bottom of what this disease is all about. And please stay tuned. In the weeks and months ahead, I'll occasionally update you on my own burning desire to make scientists working on non-A non-B accountable for their claims. I'll also let you know if anyone involved

in the discovery of the so-called hepatitis C virus has the guts to take up my challenge to publicly debate me on the scientific issues. Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem 1997 Dec;35(12):899-905

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The term “hepatitis” is actually a catchall for inflammation of the liver. About 90% of patients with serous liver disease develop jaundice and/or acute liver cell injury. The most common causes of liver disease are viral hepatitis and alcohol, chemical or toxin-caused liver disease. (Stobo et al., 1996). Modern medical science divides viral hepatitis into four strains, based upon the type of virus (A, B, C, or E). Hepatitis with jaundice is usually found in types A and E, both of which are classified as contagious. Modern society has experienced a major increase in the incidence of certain viral strains of the disease, particularly hepatitis B and C. In fact, hepatitis C is now being referred to as a “silent epidemic.” Herbal medicine has much to offer in the way of treatment for these difficult diseases.TCM and JaundiceIn TCM, Jaundice is divided into

two basic groups, called Yin yellow disease, and Yang yellow disease. Yang yellow disease is actually acute jaundice or acute hepatitis. Yin yellow disease is chronic jaundice caused either by external toxins and dampness, or excesses of alcohol and greasy food. These factors weaken the digestive system and eventually block the liver. The blocked liver backs up, causing jaundice. TCM doctors formulate based upon whether there is more heat or more dampness. Capillaris (yin chen hao or Artemisia Capillaris) is used as the main herbal treatment, adding other herbs as needed. Capillaris is bitter and pungent in taste, and cool in property. It removes heat and dampness from the liver and gallbladder, increases bile secretion, and is diuretic. It is used for symptoms such as intermittent fever and chills, bitter taste in mouth, nausea and loss of

appetite. For these reasons, it is the number one herb for treating jaundice, gall bladder disorders and hepatitis. For chronic hepatitis TCM doctors use capillaris in high doses, along with many other adjunct herbs, including dandelion root, isatis root and leaf, bupleurum root, schisandra berry, scute root, turmeric root, white peony root, salvia root, and licorice root (Hu and Tillotson, 1999).Ayurveda and JaundiceIn general, Ayurvedic texts divide hepatitis into four main conditions called anemic hepatitis (pandu kamala), contagious hepatitis (aupadravika kamala), acute hepatitis (kumbha kamala), and chronic hepatitis (halimaka). The early Ayurvedic texts include hepatitis as a subset within their chapters on anemia. As they described it, in an

anemic condition the liver becomes overactive as it filters the by-products of the dead red blood cells, leading to liver weakness (Bajracharya, 1999).With chronic hepatitis, there is no obvious swelling and blockage in the liver. Only the symptoms of anemia and pallor can be identified. This condition can stay in the body for many years, with periods of remission and exacerbation of liver inflammation. Ayurveda diagnoses this condition as a disease of Vata and Pitta, as it involves mild chronic inflammation (Pitta dosha) coupled with “reversed liver nerve function” (yakrit udavarta). In reversed function of the hepatic nerves, the upper function of the liver becomes more active, while the lower function is relatively inactive or sluggish. Ayurveda points out that this sort of neurological over-activity usually causes mild pain (Bajracharya, 1999).According to Ayurveda, the main causes of hepatitis can be classified into three

groups as follows:1. Overuse of heat-generating foods and behaviors. In general, heat-generating foods are sour, pungent or salty in taste, and have the physical effect of capillary dilation. Causative factors thus include excessive or daily use of high fat foods, roasted or fried foods, butter, ghee, alcohol, milk products, coffee, vinegar, alcohol, pickles, chili and other hot spices. All of these aggravate Pitta.Heat generating behaviors include heavy physical labor, summer heat, working or living in indoor environments which are excessively hot (such as working over a stove), emotional upset (especially anger), and excessive daytime sleeping.2. Improper medical treatment. Treatment with, or exposure to strong chemical agents, such as astringent drugs to stop diarrhea, exposure to pesticides, and antibiotics can all weaken the

liver.3. Direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, stool or food. Transmission rates are much higher at time of epidemic outbreaks. Control extends to obvious precautions with sexual contact, using the same eating utensils, food, plates, cups, or water, and poor hygiene (Pebody et al., 1998, Mahoney et al., 1997, Deka et al., 1994).Hepatitis B and C have a relatively low rate of cure with Western medicines at the time of this writing, and the available treatments are very expensive and have strong side effects. The drug cocktails (combinations), which seemed to offer hope in 1998 in spite of sometimes horrific side effects, are now showing signs of viral recurrence after drug discontinuation. Furthermore, I am not convinced that the drugs themselves do not damage the liver.There is even some controvery whether or not hepatitis C is truly a virus. It may simply be a sign of

chronic liver damage, possibly with multiple causes, leaking RNA particles picked up by the currently inaccurate testing methods. A science editor of ABC news stated, "No one's been able to come up with a hepatitis C virus, purify it, inject it into an animal and cause hepatitis." Full article here.Ayurvedic physicians were unaware of the seriousness of the complications of these new forms of chronic hepatitis until this was made clear with the emergence of new diagnostic tests around 1989, and the reports in the literature and press. Until that time, patients with hepatitis B and C symptoms were treated with basic hepatitis herbs, liver tonics and rasayana (longevity tonics). Hepatitis B responded well to Ayurvedic treatments, but hepatitis C (originally called non A-non responded much more slowly. When blood tests

finally became available around 1991, Dr. Mana began to keep records at his Kathmandu clinic of patients with B and C strains after utilizing his Ayurvedic treatments. Dr. Mana also noted and spoke out about the emotional shock that awaited patients when told that the diseases were not curable, and could cause liver cancer and cirrhosis. In Ayurvedic thinking, this type of fear progressively weakens the entire nervous system (Vata). The fear adds to the burden of the illness, and can speed up progression. Dr. Mana has developed several complex herbal tonics (containing up to 40 herbs each) for all forms of chronic hepatitis, and has literally treated thousands of patients during his four decades of active practice since 1955. Some important known herbs include shilajatu, guduchi

stem, turmeric root, and triphala . However, many herbs he uses in his formulas are unavailable outside Nepal. Patients visit him from all over the world to be treated for chronic hepatitis, with many patients now importing herbs from Nepal utilizing FDA allowances for personal importation (see resource guide). The treatment takes from six month to up to two years. Western Herbalists Treating Chronic HepatitisAt the 1999 American Herbalist's Guild Annual Symposium, I talked with several prominent herbalists, including and Lesley Tierra and Winston. All three of them reported cases with similar results to those I had experienced in the clinic, dropping liver enzymes into the normal range, and viral loads down by as much as 50-90%. Dr. Terry Willard reported to me in a personal

communication getting a high level of complete extinction of hepatitis C at his clinic in Canada.After reviewing TAM, TCM and Western medicine approaches to this disease, I developed a series of treatment protocols with herbalist/acupuncturist Kirk Moulton of Chicago that also got good results. The Bottom LineHepatitis B and C can be controlled with herbal medicines. Use of milk thistle seed extract, about 3-6 capsules of a good quality standardized extract, along with strict avoidance of drugs and alcohol, and about 5 grams a day of a personalized liver tonic formula made with herb such as the following is very, very helpful. Think of it as a liver multi-vitamin:White peony root (bai shao / Paeonia lactiflora) soothes and calms liverSalvia root (dan shen / Salvia

miltiorrhiza) reduces inflammation, improves circulationBupleurum root (chai hu / B. chinensis) - calming liver tonicCapillaris herb (yin chen hao / Artemisia capillaris) - removes liver inflammationCordyceps mushroom (dong chong xia cao /C. sinensis) - lung tonic, liver tonic Bromelain enzyme (Ananas comusus) - digestive, antiinflammatory Eclipta (han lian cao / E. prostrata) - Cools and nourishes blood, heals liverGanoderma mushroom (ling zhi / G. lucidum) - strengthens immune system, calms liverGuduchi stem (Tinospora cordifolia) - detoxifying liver and energy tonic Licorice root (gan cao / Glycyrrhiza glabra) - soothes stomach, detoxifies liver Red peony root (chi shao / Peonia rubra ) removes blood congestion Schisandra fruit (wu wei zi / S. chinensis) - liver tonicScute root (huang qin / Scutellaria baicalensis) removes inflammation from blood and liver Shilajatu complex (bituminous minerals) - liver and

kidney tonic Tien qi root (san qi / Panax pseudoginseng) - wound-healing agenTurmeric root (haridra / Curcuma longa) liver tonic, antiinflammatoryVasaka leaf (Adhatoda vasica) removes liver inflammation Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2005 at 02:17PM by posted by Dr. Tillotson in Disease encyclopedia |

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