Can Korean Red Ginseng Cure Hepatitis A or B?

There are no known cures for hepatitis A or B, natural or otherwise. Korean red ginseng has some interesting and proven uses for a wide variety of conditions and it also contains nutrients and minerals that are good for you. But red ginseng cannot cure hepatitis A or B, though there is some evidence that it may help chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A

• The word hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis A virus causes the type of liver disease known as hepatitis A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it usually resolves itself on its own in a matter of weeks, sometimes it may take months to go away but there are no special medications to take for hepatitis A. Once you have had the disease you will not contract it again. There is a vaccine to prevent it.

Hepatitis B

• The hepatitis B virus causes this form of liver disease. There are two types of hepatitis B, acute and chronic. The acute form has no specific medication to treat the disease; it is usually a short term illness. If you have the chronic form, there are some medications used to treat it in severe cases; many times no medication is needed at all. You should be monitored by a doctor if you have chronic hepatitis B; it is a long term illness, in some cases it can lead to severe liver damage. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B.

Korean Red Ginseng

• Korean red ginseng has many synonyms and is commonly referred to as panax, panax ginseng, red ginseng and Asian ginseng among others. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and routinely used in traditional Chinese medicine for overall health, inflammation, fevers, increasing wisdom, mental alertness, energy and an aid for digestion, Holisticonline.com says.

  There have been studies done with Korean red ginseng that indicate it may help with certain liver functions but more studies are needed. The National Institutes of Health has given it the rating of C for chronic hepatitis B, meaning that there is some evidence it may help but it is unclear. In other words, Korean red cannot cure hepatitis B. There is no evidence available that it can cure hepatitis A.

Forms

• You can purchase dried root extract from Korean red ginseng plant in supplements, energy drinks, tea and tinctures. Dosage is subject to different factors but 100 to 200 mg can be used daily for two to three weeks with no known side effects.

Considerations

• Korean red ginseng is generally safe to use but may increase or lower blood pressure. If you are on medication for either of these conditions, consult your physician before using red ginseng. It may also lead to overstimulation if used in excess or over a long period of time. Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.

  If you suspect that you may have hepatitis A or B consult with your doctor to discuss the best treatment for you.