🌿 Folk Prescriptions

The author conducted a systematic observation and treatment of 106 cases of chronic hepatitis B using integrated TCM and Western medicine, achieving satisfactory results, reported as follows:1. Clinical DataAll cases met the diagnostic criteria revised at the 1995 National Conference on Infectious Diseases and Parasitology in Beijing [1]. Out of 159 outpatient patients, they were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group consisted of 106 cases: 81 males, 25 females; age range 16–72 years, average (38.4 ± 11.6) years; disease duration 6 months to 20 years, average (7.3 ± 4.2) years; including 57 moderate chronic cases, 24 severe chronic cases, and 25 cases with hepatitis and cirrhosis. The control group had 53 cases: 42 males, 11 females; age range 15–68 years, average (37.5 ± 10.8) years; disease duration 8 months to 16 years, average (6.5 ± 3.8) years; including 26 moderate chronic cases, 12 severe chronic cases, and 15 cases with hepatitis and cirrhosis. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).2. Treatment MethodsBoth groups received Inosine 0.2g, Vitamin C 0.2g, and Hepalot 0.2g, three times daily orally. The control group additionally received Hepatitis Ling 2ml intramuscular injection once daily. The treatment group received additional TCM: basic formula: Bupleurum 10g, Rhubarb 10g, Artemisia 20g, Half-Sunflower 20g, White Flower Snake Grass 30g, Isatis Root 15g, Plantain Seed 10g, Salvia 30g, Red Peony 15g, Codonopsis 15g, Chicken Gizzard 15g, Fermented Three Treasures (Fermented Godfrey, Malt, Sprouted Barley) each 20g. Add Agarwood and Cardamom for abdominal distension and poor appetite; add Poria and stir-fried Atractylodes for loose stools; add Yam and Astragalus for lower limb weakness; add Eclipta Prostrata and Goji Berry for dry eyes; add Softshell Turtle Shell, Oyster Shell, Notoginseng, and Safflower for obvious cirrhosis. One dose per day, decocted and taken orally, for continuous two months.3. Results3.1 Efficacy Criteria: Marked improvement in clinical symptoms and normalization of all liver function test indicators = effective; improvement in symptoms and partial improvement in liver function indicators = effective; minimal improvement in symptoms and liver function = ineffective.3.2 Results: Among the 106 cases in the treatment group, 75 were markedly effective, 26 effective, and 5 ineffective, with a total effective rate of 95.28%. Among the 53 cases in the control group, 16 were markedly effective, 21 effective, and 16 ineffective, with a total effective rate of 69.91%. The treatment group’s efficacy was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.01).4. DiscussionChronic hepatitis B is a common and difficult-to-treat condition. Many chronic hepatitis B patients and HBV carriers may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer, seriously endangering health. To date, there is no effective treatment globally. Interferon therapy has low effectiveness and only suppresses viral replication, making recurrence likely.Through years of clinical practice, the author recognizes that the pathogenesis of liver disease mainly stems from damp-heat epidemic toxins invading the body, damaging the liver and spleen, and causing disharmony of qi, blood, yin, and yang—what is termed “toxic stasis interlocking, deficient constitution with excess pathogen.” Treatment should therefore address the root by detoxifying and resolving stasis (treating symptoms), and strengthening the body (treating the root). The self-designed formula uses Bupleurum to elevate yang and regulate qi; Rhubarb to cool blood, detoxify, and purge the bowels. Together, they create opposite yet complementary actions. Isatis Root, Half-Sunflower, White Flower Snake Grass, Artemisia, and Plantain Seed clear damp-heat and epidemic toxins. Salvia and Red Peony resolve stasis and unblock collaterals. Combined with Rhubarb, these herbs expel damp-heat and toxins downward. Codonopsis, Chicken Gizzard, and Fermented Three Treasures tonify the spleen and stomach, reinforcing the foundation of postnatal constitution, ensuring pathogen elimination without harming the healthy qi. Strong healthy qi enables resistance against pathogens.During treatment, some patients show no significant drop in transaminase levels initially, and a few even show rising levels. The author interprets this as evidence of the body’s struggle between healthy and pathogenic qi—the activation of cellular immunity. Continuing treatment allows healthy qi to prevail, leading to gradual symptom improvement and normalization of test indicators.This observation shows that integrated TCM and Western medicine treatment for chronic hepatitis B is significantly superior to conventional Western therapy. This demonstrates clear advantages of TCM principles, formulas, and pharmacology in treating hepatitis B, warranting further exploration and systematization.