Jaundice treatment in Ayurveda

Jaundice is a liver disorder. It is a sign or symptom of several different diseases.

Jaundice causes white area of skin and eyes to acquire a distinct yellow colour. This is due to the presence of a bile pigment called bilirubin in very high levels. Bilirubin is a normal breakdown product of haem. Haem is the iron-based compound contained in haemoglobin.

Liver is one of the largest organs in the human body and is the metabolic powerhouse with more than 500 identified functions. Liver produces substances such as bile and proteins, metabolizes our foods and detoxifies blood of unwanted hormones, chemicals and toxins. Liver produces and stores glycogen which regulates the body’s energy supply.

The two main kinds of jaundice are haemolytic jaundice and obstructive jaundice.

The most prevalent disorders of liver are jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis and tumors.

 

Jaundice

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a diffused inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis may be caused by alcohol, drugs ( toxic reaction and overdose) or due to viral infections. Numerous viruses can cause hepatitis such as glandular fever virus and the HIV virus. The main hepatitis causing viruses are A, B, C, D, E and F. The most clinically significant of these are Hepatitis-A, Hepatitis-B, and Hepatitis-C.

Acute hepatitis symptoms are generally similar regardless of the virus involved. Significant symptoms include mild flu like illness with nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

Other symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain and diarrhoea
  • As virus damage liver cells, jaundice and dark urine commonly occur

Hepatitis A virus

Infectious Hepatitis A is spread by consuming contaminated water or food. Hepatitis A virus thrives in food preparation areas where sanitation conditions are poor.

Hepatitis B virus or HBV

Serum Hepatitis B spreads through contaminated blood or body fluids. Most common mode of transmission is amongst drug users who share needles. Other groups at risk of HBV infection include people who are sexually promiscuous and health care workers.

Hepatitis C virus or HCV

HCV transmits in a similar fashion to that of HBV though contraction via sexual activity seems less easy. The incubation period is six to nine weeks and most individuals are not aware that they have been infected.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Liver Cirrhosis is characterized by death of the liver cells which are then replaced with scar tissue.

Ayurveda and liver

The liver has long been considered one of the most important body organs in traditional Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. In Ayurveda, liver is associated with emotion of suppressed anger, the seat of fire element (pita) and root of blood channels.

Ayurvedic name for liver is “Yakrut”. The word yakrut has two verbs, “ya” and “krut”. Ya denotes activity, “krut” denotes breaking down. Ayurveda considers liver as a centre and origin (mula sthana) of the circulatory system (raktavaha srotas).

Jaundice treatment

There are two types of jaundice. One is the obstructive type jaundice and the other is Haemolytic jaundice.

Treatment approaches for both are different. However philosophy is the same as follows:

  • Maintain digestive fire
  • Reduce pitta dosh
  • Reduce tissue destruction in liver

Regular use of mild purgative herbs will remove blockage in the biliary tract. From an ayurvedic perspective, this will also reduce excess pitta dosha.

Below is a list of some well-known ayurvedic herbs used in treating liver disorders. They regulate liver functions, cleanse and detoxify liver and also stimulate bile flow. Apart from that, these herbs have an anti bacterial action and also help in reducing constipation.

  • Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh)
  • Phyllanthus Amaris (Bhuiamala)
  • Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj)
  • Tinospora cordifolia(Guduchi),
  • Picrorhiza kuroa (Katuki)
  • Triphala which is a combination of
    • Emblica officinalis or Amalaki
    • Terminalia bellirica or Bibhitaki
    • Terminalia chebula or Haritaki

Hepatitis treatment

According to Ayurveda hepatitis is due to bhutha which means microbes or parasites in the body. Combining that theory with modern view, these are bacteria and viruses.

Ayurveda treatments for hepatitis are not purely based on the strain of viruses. Treatments vary from person to person. This based on the individuals dosha constitution and also according to stage of disease as well.

Hepatitis A treatment

Several effective single herbs and combination herbal medicines are used for different types of hepatitis. Herbs and medicines used for preventing Hepatitis A are pitta mitigating medicines which are hepato-protective as well.

Hepatitis B

Hepatits B and Hepatitis C need a very careful approach to treatment. Strong hepato-protective herbs and antiviral herbs are required for this virus. An experienced ayurvedic practitioner can decide the combinations and dosages.

Following are some of the well-known herbs that destroy the viruses:

  • Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
  • Wild Indigo ( Tephrosia purpurea )
  • Stonebreaker (Phyllanthus niruri)
  • Malabar nut (Adhatoda vasica)
  • Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Apart from destroying the viruses, these herbs are well known to stop the progression of the disease. Progression of Hepatitis B if left unchecked may lead to cirrhosis or cancer of the liver.

Ayurvedic treatment for Cirrhosis

First line of ayurvedic treatment for cirrhosis is removing toxins or ama. Subsequently, treatments for maintain a good digestive fire are required. Jaundice treatments and fatty liver treatments are the next steps to prevent liver issue destruction. Final phase is rasayana treatment for liver tissue regeneration.

Ayurvedic diet in managing liver disorders

Maintaining a proper diet is very important while treating liver disorders. Food we consume should not deter the treatments. Diet chosen must be supportive of the treatment regime. Ideally diet should be catalytic in nature to the ayurvedic treatments and herbal medication.

Avoid fatty foods, highly refined foods and acidic food. Reduce the intake of sugar and avoid alcohol completely. Increase consumption of red beet root juice, grape juice, pomegranate juice and lemon juice. Food rich in vitamin B, vitamin C and zinc has been seen as very helpful during these times.Consume food that is easily digestible. Vegetable protein soups are excellent for tissue regeneration. Medicated buttermilk and milk can also be taken according to individual condition.