The Natural Ayurvedic way of Treating Jaundice

Almost everyone of us would have heard of Jaundice, but what most of us do not know that it is a silent killer. Yes, if neglected, and if proper care is not taken, it can kill. But, what exactly, is jaundice?

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a liver disorder, where the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellow tint.It can occur when there is an obstruction in the bile duct, or if there is destruction of the red blood corpuscles.This characteristic yellowness can even be seen on the fingernails also. Do you know that even the stools and the urine get colored during jaundice?. The yellow color is an indication of the presence of excess bile in the body.

What is the Cause of Jaundice?

Jaundice can occur when there is an obstruction in the bile duct, or if there is destruction of the red blood corpuscles. It can also occur when there is an increased intake of oily, spicy, alkaline, or very hot foods. Increased intake of alcohol can also lead to jaundice. The Ayurvedic school of thought says that such foods aggravate the Pitta, which in turn, impairs the blood and the muscle tissues of the liver, causing blockage in the channels of the liver. Sleeping in the daytime, excessive physical work, overindulgence in sexual activity, suppressing the natural urges of the body, and psychological factors like lust, fear, anger, and stress could also be causative factors in Jaundice.

What are the Symptoms of Jaundice?

The common jaundice symptoms are:

• Drowsiness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Yellowish discoloration of the eyes, skin, and nails
• Flatulence
• Lack of appetite
• Burning sensation in the body
• Low-grade fever
• Indigestion
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of libido

How Can Jaundice be Treated?

Jaundice can be treated through natural means. Take a look at the following options:

Ayurvedic Treatment of Jaundice

Ayurvedic treatments for jaundice begin with a purgation therapy. This helps to remove the toxins accumulated in the liver and the rest of the body. But, strong purgatives are avoided.

The normal drugs chosen for treatment of jaundice in Ayurveda are Nisoth and Kutki. Their roots are administered to the patient in a powder form. The two herbs can be taken, either together or individually, depending on the seriousness of the jaundice and the strength of the patient.

Avipattikara choorna and Arogya Vardhini vati are the normally prescribed medicines for jaundice. These medicines have to be taken in dosages ofteaspoonful quantities twice a day with water or with honey.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Jaundice by Herbs

1. Berberis (Berberis vulgaris):

This is a very effective herb for all kinds of liver ailments, especially jaundice. This herb is so effective that it has been nicknamed 'jaundice berry'. It is a bitter tonic which must be given to a jaundice patient several times a day. The dose is one fourth of a teaspoon.

2. Chicory (Chichorium intybus):

The chicory plant is extremely useful in the treatment of liver ailments. The flowers, seeds, and roots are very commonly used for the treatment of all types of liver ailments. The Chicory juice can help in the treatment of sluggishness of the liver, obstruction of the flow of bile, and the enlargement of the spleen - all of which are factors that are associated with jaundice. Chicory can also help promote the healthy secretion of the bile.

3. Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa):

The root of the gokulakanta plant is extremely useful for the treatment of liver diseases such as jaundice and hepatitis. An infusion of the root of the herb in water is prepared and is given to the patient twice or thrice each day.

4. Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis):

Indian aloe is another excellent remedy for treating liver problems, especially jaundice. The pulp of the leaf should be taken with black salt and ginger every morning for a period of ten days. This can effectively cure jaundice.

5. Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata):

This herb is also useful in the treatment of jaundice. The herb should be taken with buttermilk prepared from cow's milk.

6. Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa):

It is one of the best known Ayurvedic remedies for jaundice. This herb is known as Kutki in Ayurveda. The powder of this herb should be mixed with hot water and taken twice a day.

7. Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes anguina):

An infusion of Snake Gourd should be taken along with coriander for the treatment of jaundice.

8. Turpeth (Operculina turpethum):

Turpeth is another good Ayurvedic remedy for the treatment of jaundice. The powder of this herb should be mixed in hot water and taken twice a day.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Jaundice

• Juices of bitter vegetables such as that of bitter gourd are very effective in treating jaundice. This juice must be ideally taken in the early morning. A glassful of juice per day is recommended.
• Having a cupful of equal quantities of beet-root and lemon juice every day is effective in curing jaundice.
• A teaspoon of Amla (Indian Gooseberry) juice, taken thrice a day is an excellent remedy for all types of liver ailments.
• A glass of tomato juice, mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper, taken on an empty stomach in the mornings, is a very effective home cure for jaundice.
• Radish leaves contain compounds that induce appetite and regularize the movement of the bowels. Drink about half a litre of the extracted juice daily, and in about ten days, the patient would definitely get relief from the disease.
• Add a tablespoon of honey to one teaspoon of papaya leaf paste. Eat this regularly for about one or two weeksto be cured from jaundice.
• Take about 10-15 basil leaves and make a paste. Add half a glass of freshly prepared radish juice to it. Drink this daily for about two to three weeks and you will find yourself rid of jaundice and other liver ailments.
• Boil a cup of barley water in about three litres of water and allow it to simmer for about three hours. Drink this water as frequently as possible throughout the day forrelief from jaundice.
• Squeeze the juice of a couple of lemons and add it to a glass of water. Drink this juice thrice a day, as it protects the liver cells from damage.
• Take a glass of warm water and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Mix well and drink this three or four times a day.

Dietary Treatment of Jaundice

1. Sweet Foods:

Sweet foods are suitable for jaundice patients. Sweet foods, such as sugar cane, orange, pomegranate, and other fresh fruits should be consumed in the form of juices to facilitate easy digestion. Dry grapes are also good for jaundice.

2. Fresh Vegetables:

Fresh vegetables must be included in the diet and should form an essential part of the diet. One thing that must be remembered is that they must be cooked in very little oil and kept as green as possible. Another thing to be remembered is that the use of spices should be restricted. Bitter vegetables such as bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumsticks are suitable for a jaundice patient.

3. Intake of Fats:

Fat intake should be limited, and even curds must not be given to the jaundice patient. Buttermilk can be given if the butter has been removed from it.

4. Alcohol:

Alcohol can be extremely dangerous to a jaundice patient. It can seriously complicate the disease, and with fatal consequences. Hence, alcohol is a big No, No.

Tips to Prevent Jaundice

• Avoid spicy and fried foods
• Avoid junk and carbohydrate-rich foods
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, and tea
• Drink boiled water and avoid non-pasteurized milk
• Eat less of pulses and legumes