RE: Re: BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C

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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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Kathy, I think we do not say that interferon cannot treat hep-c. It can but we say it is not the only remedy available. There are other as well. But once thing is sure that interferon cannot kill the virus completely. Had it been able to kill the virus completely, then there would had been no relapse case. So researcher must do more. saleemKathy <palms112@...> wrote: I did 48 weeks of pegalated interferon alpha 2b (1 shot weekly) with 1000 mg of ribavarin daily. I am now 4 years undetectable and 3 years post treatment. My liver panel is normal. I disagree. Treatment is not for everyone but I do think it is for many, I know many who have responded. The bottom line is that you have to kill the virus. Normal alt or ast, or pcr has nothing to do with it. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Hillbilly TimSent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 6:49 AM Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re: [ ] BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C there is alot of truth interfurion cooks your liver and keeps the liver from healing itself .your liver is the only orgin able to do this why destroy what is there? Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

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I did

48 weeks of pegalated interferon alpha 2b (1 shot weekly) with 1000 mg of

ribavarin daily.  I am now 4 years undetectable and 3 years post treatment.  My

liver panel is normal.  I disagree.  Treatment is not for everyone but I do

think it is for many, I know many who have responded.  The bottom line is that

you have to kill the virus.  Normal alt or ast, or pcr has nothing to do with

it.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Hillbilly Tim

Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 6:49

AM

Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re:

[ ] BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C

there is alot of truth interfurion cooks your liver and keeps the liver

from healing itself .your liver is the only orgin able to do this why destroy

what is there?

Talk is cheap. Use

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rates starting at 1¢/min.

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The last figure I have seen is 56% one year after treatment. Unfortunately for the reasons I mentioned earlier, that the current tests cannot measure below 400 parts/ml, in many people the "whatever it is" can lie dormant for years, perhaps until some unfavorable event creates an environment conducive for resurgence. I have seen this happen to several women, who developed Rheumatoid Arthritis which required treatment. Apparently the treatment for that disease is very hard on the liver, and HCV can resurface. I don't have any hard evidence of this, only what I have seen and heard in support groups....fyi, imhoKathy <palms112@...> wrote: Saleem have you read recent statistics on clearing via traditional treatment? What are the statistics on clearing the virus via alternatives? After so many years (doing traditional treatment) the % of sustained viral response goes up greatly. I worked during the 48 of treatment with the exception of the last few weeks. It should be noted that

every person reacts differently to treatment. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

saleem chaudharySent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 8:16 AM Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re: [ ] BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C TIM, I want to add that even after treatment of interferon, HCV attack again which means it cannot kill the virus. but yes people do get recovered. Now it is up to them as to assess the equation of

loss and gain. saleemHillbilly Tim <knoxweb1@...> wrote: there is alot of truth interfurion cooks your liver and keeps the liver from healing itself .your liver is the only orgin able to do this why destroy what is there? Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. jwf2 W Fraser MWM Associates, LLCCell: (910) 200-2020 Fax: (910) 401-1490jwf2@...

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Saleem

have you read recent statistics on clearing via traditional treatment?  What

are the statistics on clearing the virus via alternatives?  After so many years

(doing traditional treatment) the % of sustained viral response goes up

greatly.  I worked during the 48 of treatment with the exception of the last

few weeks.  It should be noted that every person reacts differently to

treatment.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of saleem chaudhary

Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 8:16

AM

Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re:

[ ] BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C

TIM,

I want to add that even after treatment of interferon, HCV attack

again which means it cannot kill the virus. but yes people do get recovered.

Now it is up to them as to assess the equation of loss and gain. saleem

Hillbilly Tim

<knoxweb1@...> wrote:

there is alot of truth interfurion cooks your liver and keeps the liver

from healing itself .your liver is the only orgin able to do this why destroy

what is there?

Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great

rates starting at 1¢/min.

Talk

is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great

rates starting at 1¢/min.

[Guest guest]

Kathy, There is famous saying " statistics is the the biggest lie". This does not mean that we do not believe in statistics. I n fact this is regime of marketing and publicity. So the big Multinational and Pharma cos publicize their products by taking the advantage of stat. In alternative medicine sector there is no such data gathering system nor an individual has resources to collect it. I am not against Traditional or non traditional way of treatment. The fact is that success ratio of interferon is nearly say 50%. What will do the rest or those who cannot afford so expensive treatment or cannot bear side effects. For example, i am depresion patient and scared of interferon therapy. What should I do. obviously I should try alternatives. We have lot of reasearch and advices available on modern treatment but little on alternatives. So the purpose of discussion is to provide more and more information to all. Now it is their choice to select.

I s this approach correct? pl do comment saleem Kathy <palms112@...> wrote: Saleem have you read recent statistics on clearing via traditional treatment? What are the statistics on clearing the virus via alternatives? After so many years (doing traditional treatment) the % of sustained viral response goes up greatly. I worked during the 48 of treatment with the exception of the last few weeks. It should be noted that every person reacts differently to treatment. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of saleem chaudharySent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 8:16 AM Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re: [ ] BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C TIM, I want to add that even after treatment of interferon, HCV attack again which means it cannot kill the virus. but yes people do get recovered. Now it is up to them as to assess the equation of loss and gain. saleemHillbilly Tim <knoxweb1@...> wrote: there is alot of truth interfurion

cooks your liver and keeps the liver from healing itself .your liver is the only orgin able to do this why destroy what is there? Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min.

Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just radically better.

[Guest guest]

I add saleem that we need to encourage alternative medicinces but what will happen when ins cos will not reimburse these expenses.saleem chaudhary <saleem.charudhary@...> wrote: Kathy, There is famous saying " statistics is the the biggest lie". This does not mean that we do not believe in statistics. I n fact this is regime of marketing and publicity. So the big Multinational and Pharma cos publicize their products by taking the advantage of stat. In alternative medicine sector there is no such data gathering system nor an individual has resources to collect it. I am not against Traditional or non traditional way of treatment. The fact is that success ratio of interferon is nearly say 50%. What will do the rest or those who cannot afford so expensive treatment or cannot bear side effects. For example, i

am depresion patient and scared of interferon therapy. What should I do. obviously I should try alternatives. We have lot of reasearch and advices available on modern treatment but little on alternatives. So the purpose of discussion is to provide more and more information to all. Now it is their choice to select. I s this approach correct? pl do comment saleem Kathy <palms112@...> wrote: Saleem have you read recent statistics on clearing via traditional treatment? What are the statistics on clearing the virus via alternatives? After so many years (doing traditional treatment) the % of sustained viral response goes up greatly. I worked during the 48 of treatment with the exception of the last few weeks. It should be noted that every person reacts differently to treatment. From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of saleem chaudharySent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 8:16 AM Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re: [ ] BIOPSY IS NOT MANDATORY BEFORE TREATMENT OF HEP-C TIM, I want to add that even after treatment of interferon, HCV attack again which means it cannot kill the virus. but yes people do get recovered. Now it is up to them as to assess the equation of loss and gain. saleemHillbilly Tim <knoxweb1@...> wrote: there is alot of truth interfurion cooks your liver and keeps the liver from healing itself .your liver is the only orgin able to do this why destroy what is there? Talk is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates

starting at 1¢/min. Talk

is cheap. Use Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1¢/min. Sneak preview the all-new .com. It's not radically different. Just radically better. __________________________________________________