Diseases demonstrate no mercy!
Due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary consumption, excessive alcohol, smoking, and stress, thousands of people are becoming victims of fatal diseases, and drying on a daily basis.
One of these lethal diseases is Jaundice, also known as icterus. In India, it is commonly called “Piliyan”, characterized by yellow skin caused by aggravated bilirubin levels in the blood.
It shows no mercy, no matter, whether it is an infant, teenager, youngster, or aged person. If the patient is suffering from acute viral hepatitis, then there are the chances that Jaundice may go away on its own with the healing of the liver. But in most cases, especially in adults, it requires strict and proper medical action.
But why to jump into such a situation?
When you can protect yourself by following certain dietary precautions, and herbal remedies. Ayurvedic treatment of jaundice is a holistic approach that enhances liver health using natural measures such as herbs, dietary adjustments, and precautions.
What is Jaundice?
It is a disease that is caused by excessive production of bilirubin the the bloodstream. It adversely affects the functioning of the liver, thus co-currently causing problems such as vomiting, nausea, reduced appetite, dark urine, abdominal ache, fatigue, weight loss, loose stool, dark urine, and pale & yellowish skin.
If left untreated for prolonged periods, it may give rise to several other interrelated problems such as Kernicterus (brain damage, caused by excessive bilirubin), Cerebral palsy, and loss of hearing.
Ayurvedic perspective
In Ayurveda, the Jaundice is known as Kamala. There are different perceptions regarding this roga given by ancient Ayurveda practitioners and munis. As per Charakacharya, it is an advanced stage of Pandu roga, whereas Vagbhataacharya considered Kamala as a separate disease, and different from Pandu rogas.
Ayurvedic treatment is a holistic way through which the dushit rakta is purified and a balance is achieved between vitiated body-governing doshas in the body.
Symptoms of Jaundice
One can prevent future serious complications resulting from untreated jaundice, by diagnosing and treating indicators of this jaundice at initial stages. The major starting symptoms of jaundice that are seen among the patients are as below;
- Pale skin
- Yellow or apple-green sclera (the white part of the eye)
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loose stools
- Dark tinge in the urine
- High fever
Causes of Jaundice
There could be several causative factors depending upon the types of jaundice. However, some of the prime causes of jaundice are as below.
Viral infections
Jaundice may take place due to several liver infections such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and Epstein-Barr virus infection (infectious mononucleosis).
Heavy drinking
Excessive alcohol consumption delivers several adverse effects on the liver. Whenever your liver filters the consumed alcohol, certain liver cells die. However, the liver can develop new cells but prolonged drinking habits reduce this generative ability.
B12 deficiency
One prime reason for jaundice occurrence is the lack of B12 vitamin in the body. Such deficiency may be accompanied by Pernicious anemia, which is an auto-immune disorder where the body’s immune system starts harming healthy cells instead of foreign harmful substances.
Medicational procurement
Prolonged consumption of synthetic medications may also be responsible for the occurrence of jaundice. Certain medications impair the flow of bile, as a result, the patient experiences issues such as pale skin, loose stool, dark urine, and stomach pain.
Herbal Remedies for Jaundice
There are various ayurvedic treatments for jaundice. Apart from medications, you can also try some home-based remedies for getting rid of this liver malfunction. Below are some easy yet compelling home remedies for jaundice that are free from side effects and yield only the desired results.
Bhringraj
It can be considered a natural liver cleanser due to its Rakta-Shudhi (blood purification) qualities. Bhringraj has several healthy components that protect the liver from toxin accumulation.
Remedy
- One can consume 2-3 tsp. of Bhringraj powder along with lukewarm water. Try to take it before consuming your daily meals. You can also add honey to this mixture for enhanced taste and relief.
Triphala
The combination of 3 excellent herbs namely; Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, Triphala acts as a natural liver tonic for managing jaundice. Being Pitta pacifying in nature, it promotes bile blow flow and keeps other related issues such as enlargement of the liver and fatty liver at bay.
Remedy
- To prepare Triphala powder take 3 herbs- Amla, Harad, and Baheda in equal proportions. Dry them under sunlight for straight 4-5 days. Now grind these dried herbs to make a fine powder.
- Take 1 spoon of it daily, one hour prior to going to bed with lukewarm water. It will work overnight to reduce the toxic load on the liver.
Mint
The soothing effects of mints serve as an excellent measure for promoting a healthy liver. The tassir (nature) of mint is cooling, calms the digestive fire inside the body, and initiates internal healing of the body.
Remedy
- Take a handful of mint leaves and extract their juice. Now mix 1-2 tsp of honey in this and drink once a day. Besides making the liver healthy, it will also improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Black cumin
These tiny seeds hold immense power to treat liver-related diseases such as fatty liver, jaundice, hepatitis A, B, C, and cirrhosis of the liver. Being loaded with antibacterial traits, the cumin seeds also kill the harmful bacteria present inside the body.
Remedy
- One can chew a pinch of black cumin seeds orally, or else they can be added to the routine meals. You can also soak them in water at night, and consume it on an empty stomach in the morning.
Dry plum
Commonly known as Aloo Bukhara. It is used as a natural supplement for enhancing liver health and the smooth functioning of other vital organs.
Remedy
- Take 5 pieces of it and soak them overnight. Then first thing the next morning, you have to do is drink its water empty stomach.
Basil
Basil, also known as Tulsi, is rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is beneficial in removing the infection from the body and is very good for liver health.
Remedy
- Take 12-15 basil leaves and add them into a jar along with some water to make a thick paste. Now add this paste to half a glass of radish juice. Drink it daily to get rid of jaundice, or any other similar liver disease.
General tips to prevent Jaundice
- Don’t eat anything which is yellow in color.
- Say a complete NO to coffee, tea, cold drinks, beer, wine, alcohol, or any other similar beverage.
- Perform yoga. It will strengthen your liver and also improve its functioning. Some of the liver-friendly asanas are Dhanurasana, Matsyasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, and Naukasana.
- Make sure to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, it will help the body to eliminate harmful toxins throughout the body. Firstly, boil the water and then let it come down to normal room temperature (cool).
- Consume healthy & fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, beetroots, turnips, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, yams, spinach, tomatoes, papayas, melons, avocados, berries, grapes, and melons.
- Completely avoid junk, stale, spicy, oily, and fried food. Also, stop consuming non-vegetarian food items such as eggs, chicken, mutton, beef, and seafood. Excessive dairy products are also not advised for jaundice patients, because they are a rich source of saturated fat, causing an increase in insulin resistance.
Takeaway
It is important to clarify that the mentioned remedies are mere guidances given by Ayurveda experts, and the patients are advised to consult a healthcare specialist or expert before opting for any of these remedies.
You can also consult with the doctors of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda, Hospital, where natural treatment is given after analyzing the medical condition and body constitution of the patient.
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