The treatment of Hepatitis and related liver disease with expensive and often harsh drugs can help but not cure. There are several natural medicines though which can really help the liver, may reduce the dosage of drugs needed, and can clearly increase survival and quality of life.

Hepatitis C is a scary disease. It is passed by blood - in transfusions, in needles passed around among drug users, and in poorly sterilized dental instruments. It can kill quickly, but usually it settles down into a chronic disease that is disabling. It can go into remission - a stage where all seems well - but may continue to destroy the liver silently. Hepatitis A is passed by filth entering the food or water. Hepatitis B is sexually transmitted, so will always be among us, and it is also passed in needles among drug addicts. Playing with IV drugs and unprotected sex is not "partying", it is flirting with death and horrific illness.

The Chinese use the herb formula Xiao Chai as a preventative during outbreaks of hepatitis and as a treatment. It is very helpful for the swelling and pain in the liver, and restores good blood flow needed for healing.

An extract of raw liver from New Zealand cows is truly remarkable for relieving the intense fatigue of liver infections, including also mononucleosis. The enzymes in it appear to substitute for the ones the damaged liver can't produce. People quickly perk up, and often can return to work or school promptly.

A very promising new drug for hepatitis is being developed in Israel from the plant St. John's Wort or Hypericum. This plant is widely consumed for depression, but it has an antiviral action already recognized in treating AIDS.

It is very important to reduce iron intake, stop alcohol use, take vitamin C, and eat a balanced diet with low fat, low salt and fairly high protein.