What is Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
- Acute Hepatitis B: Happens soon after infection; may last weeks to months.
- Chronic Hepatitis B: When the infection persists beyond 6 months. This can cause serious complications like cirrhosis (scarring of liver) or even liver cancer.
Causes & How It Spreads
Hepatitis B virus spreads through blood and body fluids, not by food/water like Hepatitis A.
- Unsafe injections or use of shared needles (drug use, tattoos, piercings with unsterile tools).
- Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- From mother to baby during childbirth.
- Blood transfusion (if not properly screened).
- Sharing razors, toothbrushes, or blades contaminated with blood.
Symptoms
Many people don’t show symptoms at all (silent infection). If symptoms occur, they may include:
Early phase (acute):
- Fever, weakness, loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Joint pains, skin rashes in some cases
Liver-related symptoms:
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Dark urine, pale stools
- Enlarged liver
- Severe tiredness
Chronic phase:
- Many patients may remain symptom-free for years.
- Slowly, liver damage builds up → cirrhosis, fluid in abdomen, bleeding problems.
Complications
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Liver failure (in advanced cases)
- Liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Long-term carrier state (patient feels healthy but can spread infection to others)
Homeopathy Perspective
Homeopathy aims to:
- Reduce acute symptoms
- Support liver function and regeneration
- Prevent progression to chronic complications
Commonly indicated remedies:
- Chelidonium Majus – Liver pain (right side), jaundice, nausea, bitter taste, constipation with clay-colored stools.
- Carduus Marianus – Liver swelling, cirrhosis tendency, jaundice with itching.
- China (Cinchona Off.) – Weakness, loss of fluids, liver sensitive, jaundice with bloating and flatulence.
- Phosphorus – Liver enlargement, fearfulness, craving for cold drinks, weakness, bleeding tendency.
- Mercurius – Jaundice with offensive sweat, metallic taste, liver sensitive.
These are general indications; actual remedy depends on full patient case-taking.
General Precautions & Care
Avoid alcohol completely (damages liver more).
Take only doctor-approved medicines (some painkillers, antibiotics are harmful to liver).
- Eat light, nutritious diet – fruits, boiled vegetables, rice, dal, whole grains.
- Avoid oily/fried/spicy foods.
- Drink boiled/filtered water.
- Ensure safe sexual practices (use protection).
- Do not share needles, razors, or toothbrushes.
- Vaccination: Hepatitis B vaccine is very effective for prevention (given at birth and in adults at risk).
Summary
Hepatitis B is a liver infection spread through blood and body fluids. Some people recover quickly (acute), but in many, it can silently become chronic and damage the liver over years, leading to cirrhosis or cancer. Homeopathy can support the liver and reduce symptoms, but prevention is best with safe habits and vaccination.
