HCV and homeopathy

Homeopathy and Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although the virus is a relatively new discovery (first isolated in 1989), it has already left an indelible mark on humanity. It is estimated that there are more than 170 million people around the world who are infected with the virus, and the World Health Organization expects that number to balloon over the coming decade, due primarily to the lack of education and resources in the third world. Another factor contributing to the spread of the disease is that often the carriers of the virus show no symptoms during the disease's acute period and even many years into a chronic infection. This has led experts to conclude that there may be up to 3 million Americans who are carriers of the virus without even knowing that they are infected. The virus is transmitted by blood-to blood contact. In the United States, most new Hepatitis C transmission occurs through intravenous drug usage where needles or other drug paraphernalia is shared between users. Sexual contact can lead to the transmission of the virus as well, but only where there is blood-to-blood contact, not through the presence of the virus in vaginal fluid or semen. Additionally, there has been an increase in transmission from improperly sterilized dental equipment as well as from unorthodox tattooing methods. The disease is classified as acute when the person is infected with the virus for a time period not exceeding six months, and classified as chronic for any infection for over six months. Most people with chronic Hepatitis C develop long-term liver disease, which interferes with the liver's ability to function properly. Generalized signs and symptoms associated with chronic hepatitis C include: fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, joint pain, intermittent low-grade fevers, itching, sleep disturbances, abdominal pain (especially in the right upper quadrant), appetite changes, nausea, dyspepsia, cognitive changes, depression, headaches, and mood swings. Up to one-third of persons diagnosed with chronic Hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis of the liver. Once chronic hepatitis C has progressed to cirrhosis, signs and symptoms may appear that are generally caused by either decreased liver function or increased pressure in the liver circulation, a condition known as portal hypertension. Possible signs and symptoms of liver cirrhosis include ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), bruising and bleeding tendency, bone pain, varices (enlarged veins, especially in the stomach and esophagus), fatty stools (steatorrhea), jaundice, and a syndrome of cognitive impairment known as hepatic encephalopathy. The orthodox medical community has prescribed numerous antiviral medications ( Pegylated Interferon, Ribavirin, Amantadine, etc), to suppress the virus back into the body, with mixed results. According to some reports, these treatments have been effective in “curing” 50% of some genotypes of Hepatitis C. However, this antiviral “cure” has been accomplished only by putting its patients through a horrific combination of side effects, which last throughout the 6-month to one-year period of the therapy. Patients can expect crippling fatigue, nausea, nuetropenia, muscle pain and weakness, severe depression, anxiety, anemia, headaches, and insomnia. Some patients have endured even more serious side effects, including: psychosis, suicide, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, acute pancreatitis, and pulmonary disorders. The treatment is so debilitating that a patient undergoing it can file for temporary disability in some cases. Additionally, because these treatments are so new (less than 15 years), there are likely other long-term complications that have not yet been fully exposed. I wouldn't consider a person “cured” if they are weaker or sicker in other areas or if their overall health becomes worse after the treatment.

Female Balding, Causes and the Solutions Part-1

Female Hair Loss- Part-2

Homeopathic Treatments for Symptoms of Liver Disease
Some homeopathic medicines require a prescription while others can be purchased over-the-counter. While homeopathy is ideal for self treatment of conditions that are generally self-limited such as colds, influenza, and headaches, the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is best accomplished by a trained professional. Aconite is sometimes used to treat the high fever, restlessness, and fearful anguish that can occur in the earliest stage of acute liver disease. Belladonna, chelidonium, lycopodium, mercurius, nux vomica, and the herb china may be used to treat shooting pain in the region of the liver. The herb china is also useful for treating symptoms such as sensitivity to pressure in the liver, the tendency to become chilled, and sensitivity to open air. It is also used to treat feelings of heaviness or fullness in the stomach and abdomen, especially after eating. I use an immune stimulator in my practice to help patients handle viral infections such as hepatitis C more effectively. The stimulator is a combination remedy that includes Triffolium pratense, Echinacea purpurea, Asclepias tuberosa, Ferrum lodatum, Vaccinum, Euphrasia off., Thuja occidentalis, Camphora, Calcarea arsenica, Ichthyolum, Vaccinotoxinum, Morbillinum, Variolinum, Influenzinum, Vincetoxicum, Coxsackievirus, Encephalitis, Calmette-Guerin, Cytomegalovirus, and isotonic plasma.
Insuring the Safety of Homeopathic Remedies
According to federal law, homeopathic remedies are considered drugs. To be considered an official homeopathic medicine, a product must meet the guidelines described in the Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) developed by the American Homeopathic Pharmacists Association and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A remedy must have known homeopathic proving and/or known effects that mimic the symptoms, syndromes, or conditions for which it is given. It must also meet the manufacturing specifications established by the Homœopathic Pharmacopœia of the United States (HPUS). HPUS is the official compendium of homeopathic medicines recognized by the FDA. The HPUS contains all of the official manufacturing procedures for homeopathic medicines. This includes procedures for dosing, labeling, and administration information for users. Currently, there are over 1,300 official HPUS substances. The HPUS initials on a product label identifies it as a homeopathic medicine, and insures that the legal standards for strength, quality, purity, and packaging have been met for that product.
The standards applied to products seeking HPUS approval are established by the Homœopathic Pharmacœpœia Convention of the United States (HPCUS). HPCUS is a nongovernmental, nonprofit, scientific organization. HPCUS members are experts in the fields of medicine, art, biology, chemistry, and pharmacology who have appropriate training and demonstrated knowledge, and an interest in homeopathy.
The Role of Diet in Homeopathic Medicine
A good diet that stimulates your immune system is an important companion to homeopathic remedies. Good nutrition can help you obtain and maintain good health. It can also help improve the health of your liver. The following yeast-free diet was designed to help clean your system, reduce stress on your liver, and maintain good health.
Recommended Foods and Liquids
Fish, Lamb, Wild Game
preferably organic, not smoked, and without the skin
Poultry
chicken and turkey - preferably organic, not smoked, and without the skin
Dairy Products
butter - preferably brands that are pesticide and hormone free such as eggs, sheep and goat milk yogurts and cheeses.
Fresh Vegetables
preferably organic wash thoroughly
Starchy Vegetables
potatoes sweet potatoes yams pumpkin acorn and butternut squash sheep and goat milk yogurts and cheeses
Fresh Fruits (in moderation)
citrus fruits kiwi melons apples pears peaches
Beverages
unsweetened juices filtered water (not distilled water)soy drinks herbal teas such as Take-a-Break is a good, caffeine-free substitute for coffee. It is very important to drink at least eight glasses of water each day
Foods To Be Eaten in Moderation
Legumes
pumpkin seeds
Grains (limit white flour and wheat products)
air-popped popcorn muffins biscuits cornbread pancakes (made with soymilk or water and honey)pastas potatoes rice and rice cakes grains (such as couscous, quinoa, millet)grits yeast-free breads made with baking powder and limited white flour tortillas and tortilla chips (not fried)
Condiments
lentil  beans pinto beans split peas black eyed peas
Rice and grains(limit white flour and wheat products)
sourdough  bread
Condiments
carob
Foods and Liquids To Avoid on This Diet
Red Meats
beef veal pork
Fruit
grapes raisins bananas plums all dried fruits glazed with sugar
Vegetables
mushrooms
Cow Dairy Products
milk milk products: cheese, margarine, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, etc. Butter is acceptable if it is pesticide and hormone free.
Grains
breads made with yeast
Specific Condiments
ketchup mustard mayonnaise (unless homemade)vinegar (except apple cider vinegar)yeast pickles olives soy, teriyaki, barbecue sauce and hot sauces such as picante Sweeteners
sugar artificial sweeteners

Beverages
alcohol - including all beer, wine, hard liquor, or anything fermented caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee tea soft drinks

Balding in females part 1

Female Balding, Causes and the Solutions Part-1

As a woman, you are very lucky as you have hormones that are naturally produced by your body that can protect your from hair loss. However, there are some women who are susceptible to hair loss because her hormonal pattern changes. You may not know it but today, there are quite a lot of women who experiences hair thinning even before they reach their menopausal age. You have to remember that there are underlying factors that can contribute to female balding that you have to know about in order for you to know how to prevent it from happening to you.

The most common types of female hair loss are temporary hair loss that is mainly caused by taking contraceptive pills. You have to remember that birth control or contraceptive pills can cause an imbalance in your hormones. So, if you are taking birth control pills, it is very likely that you will experience hair loss. Women who recently gave birth can also experience hair loss because it can also cause hormonal imbalance. If you experience hair loss because of these situations, then you don’t need to worry about anything. After a few months of giving birth and after you stop taking birth control pills, you will see that the volume of your hair will be restored to normal.

Hair loss can also occur because of illnesses, such as diabetes, and hyperthyroidism. By maintaining your glucose levels to normal and by eating the right kinds of food as well as getting your hyperthyroidism treated, you will see that your hair will be maintained to its original volume.

Women who wear their hair in a tight style are also susceptible to hair loss. Before it’s too late and before it leaves scars on your scalp, change the way you wear your hair. It is also recommended that you should never get your hair dyed often as this can damage the hair as well as the roots causing it to die.

Genetic factors can also cause hair loss. If you have parents and grandparents who suffers from hair loss, then it is very likely that you will also suffer from this condition.

Another cause of hair loss is a condition called alopecia areata. In this condition, the body’s autoimmune system will attack the hair follicles causing it to die. When this happens, you will have patches baldness or thin hair in different areas of your head. This happens because of a virus and in most cases the hair will recover after a year or so. There are rare cases where women experiences severe form of this condition that can cause permanent and total hair loss.

As you can see, there are quite a lot of causes of hair loss in women. If you are one of the many women who have thinning hair prematurely, you might want to consult your doctor or dermatologist about it. By doing this, you will be able to know the cause of hair loss and also know about what you can do about it.

Female balding is not really an entirely new condition. Always remember that maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding abusing your hair by ironing it and dyeing it often will be able to help in maintaining a normal and healthy hair. Remember these things and you can be sure that you will be able to know how you can prevent hair loss from happening to you.

About the author: John Tulley manages the Provillus Alpha7: natural hair regrowth web site. Our web site has more detailed information about male and female balding.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com

Female Hair Loss, balding Part-2

Female Hair Loss- Part-2

In the last post, we looked at some causes of hair thinning and hair loss. In this post, we look at how homeopathy can help with these problems. Through today’s post, I hope to inspire you to try homeopathic remedies for hair loss or hair thinning, and enjoy a full head of hair again.

Homeopathic treatment is aimed at not just medicating you for your ailment, but to treat you from within to remedy the root cause of the problem. Depending on your age, lifestyle, diet, cause of hair loss, nature and pattern of hair fall, Homeopathy can provide great solutions for hair thinning and hair loss.

If a clear external cause is found, such as excessive hair dyeing, excessive shampooing and blow drying, unhealthy eating, wearing the hair too tight, recent childbirth, use of contraceptive pills, etc, removing/managing the cause itself will resolve the hair loss problem in most cases.

If the underlying cause is hormone-related such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or a serious illness, Homeopathy can be used to treat the underlying condition and arrest further hair loss or even renew hair growth.

If the underlying cause of hair loss is emotional stress, Homeopathy can help balance your emotions, and arrest hair loss at the same time. Flower Remedies are also excellent for managing stress. [Get a copy of my free ebook on “Stress Relief for Women, using Flower Remedies” by signing up on the right hand side bar].

Homeopathic solutions for chronic hair loss will require consultation with a qualified practitioner. For short-term issues, you may be able to self-treat. Some Homeopathic remedies that can help treat hair loss are:

Fluoric acid - For brittle hair that falls out in small tufts.

Lycopodium - For premature balding and graying, or hair loss after childbirth. Eczema is often behind the ears.

Kali carbonicum - For dry, thinning hair. Scalp is very dry. Dandruff is also present.

Kali Sulphuricum - For yellow, flaking dandruff, which may be moist or sticky. Hair falls out, leaving bald spots.

Natrum Mur - When hair loss is accompanied by dandruff and white crusts on the scalp. Greasy around the hairline. Hair fall after childbirth.

Sepia - hair fall during pregnancy, after childbirth or during nursing.

Phosphorus - Hair falls out in handfuls. Bald spots on the head that are dry and scaly.

Phosphorum acidum - Hair fall stemming from depression or after a severe illness. Hair thins out, turns gray early and falls out.

Selenium - For hair loss on the body and scalp. The scalp feels painful when touched.

Calcarea Phos - hair falls in bunches upon combing

Vinca Minor - falling of hair with great itching of scalp.

Weisbaden - useful for most types of hair loss.

The chosen remedy can be taken in 30c potency, thrice daily for 2 weeks. For dosage, please see manufacturer’s instructions.

If there is good improvement, continue with the same remedy for another 2 weeks, but reduce to twice daily. You can stop treatment after 1 month when good results have been achieved.

If there is no improvement or if you have any long-term conditions, it is best to consult with a qualified practitioner.

If you want to consult with me, please contact through this blog or at my clinic address.