Alternative Remedies for Swollen Legs From Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C sufferers notoriously suffer from liver problems, but they can also be susceptible to developing swollen legs that are beset with rashes and pain. Luckily, there are many herbs and supplements that can help treat swollen legs and a few that may help fight the disease itself. As with any new course of treatment, consult with your physician before deciding to follow the herbal path.

Swollen Ankles and Legs

Treatment of swollen legs may take up to six months, but it can be extremely effective if you are diligent and don't skip any doses. Take one Butcher's Broom ruscogenin tablet a day, which is typically a dose of 100 micrograms, to treat burning and itching on your leg. Try a 60- to 120-milligram dose of gotu kola liposome tablets or capsules to stabilize the tissues supporting your veins and to increase the amount of oxygen transported through your body. Horse chestnut aescin tablets can be taken in a 150-milligram dose once a day to improve the elasticity of blood vessels. However, do not take gotu kola or horse chestnut if you are trying to become pregnant.
Hawthorn solid capsules, when taken in a 150-milligram dose three times a day, can make fragile veins stronger. Oligomeric pranthocyanidins (OPCs) grapeseed or pine-bark extract tablets come in 100-milligram doses, which you should take daily to improve the strength and flexibility of your blood vessels (See Reference 2).

Circulatory Problems

To further reduce swelling in your legs, take herbs that generally help improve circulation, such as a tea made from horsetail. It can help improve circulation by strengthening the walls of your arteries and veins. The herbs Siberian ginseng, gingko biloba and ginger root can be used as a tea or in capsule form to improve circulation in the body. When taking the pill forms, try 300 milligrams of Siberian ginseng, 240 milligrams of gingko biloba, and 250 milligrams of ginger root.
The homeopathic remedy tabacum is often used for those who have icy cold legs, limb cramps and mental fatigue. A low potency of 12c or lower (where c is equal to 100 times the standard homeopathic potency) a few times a day will work best with tabacum.
These remedies, when taken in tandem with swollen leg herbs, may be able to improve your condition in less time than if they were taken alone (See Reference 1).

Hepatitis C

To some degree, you may be able to help your leg swelling by attacking the hepatitis C condition itself. Use herbs such as milk thistle and licorice to protect and heal your liver. Try a combination of apple cider vinegar, fulvic acid, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide and oil of oregano, as it has been found to be an effective home remedy for some who suffer from the disease. Eat a healthy diet and cut out all alcohol and drugs to improve your body's natural ability to fight the disease. If you're unhappy that your doctor is unconvinced about this course of treatment and you want to explore it, see a licensed homeopath or naturopath to learn more about alternative remedies (See Reference 3 and Resource 2).