Hepatitis B is one of the most common causes of liver disease. Yellowish discoloration of the eyes, body, and urine, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting are its cardinal symptoms. Over two billion people worldwide have been infected with HBV, and more than 350 million are chronically infected carriers.
According to a research paper titled ‘Role of Ayurveda treatment in the management of hepatitis B’ by Jitendra Varsakiya, Mandip Goyal, Ritu Kumari, and Divyarani Kathad, there is a need to develop Ayurvedic protocols for the treatment of hepatitis B.
The patient was a 40-year-old woman who was diagnosed as hepatitis B positive. She was having complaints of yellowish discoloration of urine, eyes, and skin. Upon physical examination, it was found that her conjunctiva, nail beds, and face were dark yellow.
The treatment was planned in two phases. In the first phase, Virechana Karma (therapeutic purgation) was performed, followed by six months of oral medicines. No complications were observed during both phases. Minimal use of electronic gadgets was advised during nighttime alongside fixed sleeping time. Pranayama was advised for 15-20 minutes every morning.
After the treatment for 13 months, the patient was found to be healthy and clinically stable. Subsequent health reports came negative for hepatitis B. The patient was stable and asymptomatic during the follow-up period of 4 months.
This study provides a lead in ayurvedic medications curing hepatitis B. More practical studies with more subjects are needed to establish the scientific basis of this combination, the research paper concludes.
