Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Eliminate Hepatitis B Carriers?

Can traditional Chinese medicine eliminate the carrier state of hepatitis B?

Hello Dr.
Lin: I am a carrier of hepatitis B.
Previously, I mostly followed up with Western medicine, and my blood test results have been mostly elevated, but the ultrasound only showed fatty liver.
I would like to consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.
I wonder if traditional Chinese medicine is more effective in this area? I once consulted a TCM doctor about hepatitis B, and that doctor said that traditional Chinese medicine can eliminate the hepatitis B carrier state.
Is this true? Tom

tom, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/28

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Tom,
Hello!
1.
The definition of fatty liver is when the fat content in liver cells exceeds 5%, which can only be diagnosed through abdominal ultrasound examination by Western medicine (appearing relatively white).
The liver is an important site for the metabolism of dietary fats.
Conditions such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, poorly controlled diabetes, alcohol consumption, hepatitis B and C, and the use of inappropriate medications can lead to increased uptake and synthesis of fat by the liver, or decreased transport and utilization, resulting in the accumulation of fat within liver cells.
In severe cases, this can progress to cirrhosis.
Currently, the prevalence of fatty liver among adults in Taiwan is approximately 21-25%, which is significantly higher than the 15-20% prevalence of hepatitis B and 2-4% prevalence of hepatitis C, making it the most prevalent liver disease in the country.
If diagnosed with fatty liver disease, treatment is necessary to prevent progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
The treatment of fatty liver should first identify the underlying cause and then be treated accordingly.
If it is due to alcohol consumption, abstinence is necessary; if caused by hepatitis B or C, then treatment for hepatitis B or C should be initiated; if obesity (the majority of cases) is the cause, weight control is required.
2.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is no corresponding disease name for fatty liver.
Based on its symptom characteristics, it can be categorized under "hypochondriac pain" or "accumulation." This means that the patient, due to irregular diet and lifestyle, damages the spleen and stomach, leading to impaired digestion and the accumulation of dampness and phlegm, resulting in poor blood circulation.
The phlegm and turbid qi and blood become congested and accumulate under the hypochondrium, leading to this condition.
In clinical practice, I often treat fatty liver based on the following TCM patterns: 1) Qi stagnation internally, 2) Liver collateral obstruction, and spleen dysfunction, 3) Turbidity and obstruction, with qi, blood, phlegm, and stasis intermingling under the hypochondrium.
Treatments include 1) soothing the liver and relieving depression, promoting qi and harmonizing the middle, 2) nourishing liver blood and invigorating blood circulation, or 3) eliminating dampness and transforming turbidity, clarifying and unblocking the middle.
I prescribe herbal medicines such as bitter orange peel, bupleurum, angelica, and salvia, which can improve liver microcirculation and reduce liver size.
In clinical practice, herbal medicine has shown good efficacy in lowering lipids for the treatment of fatty liver.
3.
Hepatitis B is not easily cured in the short term.
For carriers of hepatitis B, there is a very small chance that the antigen will naturally disappear without treatment.
However, for most patients, whether treated with Western or Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is difficult to completely eradicate the virus.
Liver function indices often fluctuate, leading to chronic active hepatitis, which over decades can increase the risk of developing liver cancer or cirrhosis.
Nevertheless, through proactive treatment with either Western or Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a chance to improve inflammatory liver function indices and reduce the risk of hepatitis B progressing to liver cancer or cirrhosis.
Therefore, both TCM and Western medicine have their unique characteristics and patient preferences, and the best approach to treatment is a combination of both.
Regardless of the medications used from either system, please follow the instructions of both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Finally, I wish you all the best.

Dr.
Lin Ching-Chung, Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, Fengyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2005/11/28

More Info

The question of whether Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can eliminate Hepatitis B carriers is a complex one that requires careful consideration of both the nature of the disease and the principles of TCM. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. As a carrier of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), it is crucial to understand that while TCM may offer supportive care and symptom management, it is not a guaranteed cure for the virus itself.

Firstly, it is important to note that the medical community, including both Western and traditional practitioners, recognizes that Hepatitis B is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management rather than outright elimination. Current antiviral treatments in Western medicine, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs (e.g., entecavir, tenofovir) and interferon therapy, have been shown to effectively suppress the virus and reduce liver inflammation, but they do not completely eradicate the virus from the body. The goal of treatment is often to achieve viral suppression, improve liver function, and prevent complications.

In TCM, the approach to treating Hepatitis B typically focuses on strengthening the body's overall health, improving liver function, and alleviating symptoms. TCM practitioners may use herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and lifestyle changes to support liver health. Some herbs traditionally used in TCM for liver health include milk thistle, dandelion, and various formulations aimed at detoxifying the liver and enhancing its function. However, the efficacy of these treatments in eliminating the virus itself is not well-established in scientific literature.

It is crucial to approach TCM with caution, especially for individuals with liver disease. The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolizing medications, and certain herbal remedies can potentially interact with antiviral medications or exacerbate liver damage. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who is knowledgeable about liver health and can tailor treatments to your specific condition. Additionally, it is advisable to maintain open communication with your Western healthcare provider to ensure that any complementary therapies do not interfere with your ongoing treatment plan.

Regarding the claim that TCM can eliminate Hepatitis B carriers, it is essential to be skeptical of such assertions. While some anecdotal evidence may suggest improvements in liver function or viral load with TCM, rigorous scientific studies validating these claims are limited. The complexity of Hepatitis B and its interaction with the immune system means that individual responses to treatment can vary widely.

In summary, while TCM may provide supportive care for individuals with Hepatitis B, it should not be viewed as a standalone cure for the virus. The best approach for managing Hepatitis B is a combination of evidence-based Western medicine and complementary therapies, under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. If you are considering TCM as part of your treatment plan, ensure that you do so in conjunction with your primary healthcare provider to monitor your liver health and overall well-being effectively.

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