Jaundice is a clinical manifestation of disorders underlying bilirubin metabolism, hepatocellular dysfunction or biliary obstruction. It occurs due to inability to secrete bile effectively. The levels of bilirubin in blood are normally below 1.0 mg/dL and levels over 2-3 mg/dL typically results in jaundice.
It is caused due to elevated blood levels of bilirubin which leads to yellow discolouration in the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Bilirubin is a yellow- coloured waste product that occurs in the normal catabolic pathway and breaks down the haeme.
What is the cause of Jaundice according to Ayurveda?
According to Ayurveda, anaemia is one of the causes of jaundice whose reference has been found in one of the shlokas mentioned in Charak Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic text).
“paandu rogee tu yo atyarthama pittalaani nishevate
tasya asruk maamsam dagdhwaa rogaaya kalpate”
(Reference: Charak Chikitsa Sthana 16/34)
Meaning: When the person is suffering from Pandu (anaemia) and during the process of recovery or after getting cured, the patient consumes Pitta aggravating foods and life activities in excess, the blood gets aggravated and burns the muscles.
This leads to the manifestation of Kamala (jaundice). Since it manifests on the backdrop of neglected or improperly cured pandu roga (anaemia), the same causes that cause pandu roga are also the causes of kamala.
What are the symptoms of Jaundice?
The symptoms of jaundice have been described in Charak Samhita. According to that:
“haridra netraha sa bhrusham haridra twak nakha aananaha rakta peeta shakrut mootro bheka varno hata indriyaha daaha avipaaka daurbalaya sadana aruchi karshitaha kamala bahu pitta usha koshta shaaka aashryaha mataa”.
Reference: Charak Samhita 16/35-36)
Meaning:
- Eyes, skin, nails and face become turmeric coloured
- Bloody red or yellow -coloured faeces
- Body looks like that of a frog in rainy season
- Destruction of sense organs
- Burning sensation
- Indigestion
- Weakness
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Tastelessness and anorexia
- Emaciation
What is the Ayurvedic treatment of Jaundice?
Pandu roga and kamala are treated on same lines.
Master Charak has clearly explained in the 16th chapter of Chikitsa Sthana that Virechana is the best treatment among all the treatments of Kamala Rogas (Kosthas Akashrita i.e., infective hepatitis). The general line of Ayurvedic treatment of jaundice is Shodhana and Sanshamana Chikitsa.
In Ayurveda, it is said that Yakrit (liver) is the mula–sthana (root place) of Rakta (blood). For elimination of Pitta dosha, Virechan is described as the best chikitsa (treatment).
The herbs that act as Rasayana, Tridoshghana, improve dhatu formation, Raktshodhaka, Pittashamaka are prescribed for the treatment of jaundice.
Some of the herbs useful in the treatment of Jaundice are:
- Kutaki (Picrorrhiza kurroa): Katuki is one of the best herbs for liver related disorders. The rhizomes and roots of this herb are mainly used for medicinal purposes.
- It is quite useful in jaundice as it protects the liver against cell damage caused by free radicals due to its hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties.
- Kutaki is known for intense bitter taste in Ayurveda but it is cooling, cleansing and anti-bacterial in nature.
- As a Pitta pacifier, it acts as an anti-inflammatory, detoxifier and anti-microbial.
- Being raktadoshahara (blood purifying) in nature, it is widely used in the treatment of jaundice in Ayurveda.
- It acts as a detoxifier as it can unblock the duct system so that bile does not accumulate in the bloodstream.
- Triphala: Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic Rasayana formulation that is prescribed in various disorders. It is a combination (equal proportion 1:1:1) of dried phala (fruits) such as Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).
- Triphala has hepatoprotective property and plays an important role in the detoxification of the body.
- It acts as a purgative and helps in expelling toxins from the system.
- Chicory (Chichorium intybus): The flowers, roots, seeds are most frequently used in Ayurveda for the treatment of liver disorders.
- The liquid extract of chicory is useful in treating sluggishness of liver, obstruction in the flux of bile which are associated with jaundice.
- Intake of this herb is useful in the healthy secretion of bile as well.
- Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe vera has a soothing effect on the liver. It is a perfect remedy for all types of liver disorders.
- For jaundice, the combination of the pulp of its leaves should be taken with ginger and black salt every morning.
- Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): Kalmegh is commonly known as ‘King of Bitters’. The bitter taste of Kalmegh helps in removing the toxic substances from the body. It reduces Pitta and Kapha doshas.
- It is useful in the treatment of vitiated Pitta in the liver. As per Ayurveda, vitiated Pitta dosha in the liver is responsible for jaundice.
- The excess pitta dosha causes disturbances in the secretion of liver enzymes.
- It exhibits hepatoprotective and hepato-stimulative properties.
Some Home Remedies for the treatment of Jaundice are:
- Aaragwadha (Cassia fistula): The pulp of Aaragwadha mixed with dry ginger powder, pippali (long pepper) and maricha (black pepper) should be consumed twice a day.
- Triphala Kwath: Decoction of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) mixed with honey should be consumed twice a day.
- Neem Leaves: The juice of neem leaves mixed with honey is also beneficial in jaundice.
- Radish Juice: The fresh radish juice is also very effective for jaundice. Take it twice a day.
In addition to herbs, some Ayurvedic medicines are quite effective in the treatment of jaundice. The medicines that have properties such as Pittahar (pacifies Pitta dosha), Pittrechak, yakrit uttejak (stimulates liver to secrete digestive enzymes), rechan, deepan, pachak (digestive), shothhara (relieves inflammation), jwarhara (pacifies fever), panduhara (provides relief in anaemia), raktvikarhara (corrects the vitiated blood tissue), tridoshahara (pacifies all the three doshas), pittasarak, daha prashman (reduces burning sensation) and rakpittahara (useful in blood disorders) are used.
Some Ayurvedic medicines useful in the treatment of Jaundice are:
1.Arogyavardhini Vati
- Kumari Asav
- Punarnava Mandoor
- Lauhasava
- Bhringraj Powder
Diet and Lifestyle:
- Intake of cereals such as old rice, barley, godhuma (wheat) are recommended.
- Fruits such as oranges, watermelon, apples, grapes, pears should be taken.
- The intake of fried food items, foods containing artificial flavours and preservatives should be strictly avoided.
Thus, Jaundice can be successfully treated with herbs, herbal remedies and changes in diet and lifestyle.
Symptoms & Treatments of Jaundice According to Ayurveda
Contents
Jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes due to the accumulation of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells. In Ayurveda, jaundice is primarily linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs the liver and digestive functions.
Understanding Jaundice in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, jaundice is typically a manifestation of excessive Pitta in the body, particularly the Pitta dosha that resides in the liver. When the liver is overwhelmed and unable to process bile (a digestive fluid produced by the liver), the toxins accumulate in the bloodstream and cause the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes. The root cause of jaundice can also be linked to factors such as poor digestion, infections, liver diseases, or an imbalance in other doshas, especially Kapha and Vata.
There are two main types of jaundice according to Ayurveda:
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Bodhaka Jaundice (Functional Jaundice): Caused by the dysfunction of the liver due to an imbalance in Pitta and Ama (toxins).
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Sannipatik Jaundice (Acute Jaundice): Caused by a combination of all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and may result from infections or chronic liver issues like hepatitis.
Symptoms of Jaundice According to Ayurveda
The symptoms of jaundice in Ayurveda may vary based on the type and severity of the condition but typically include:
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Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: The most prominent sign of jaundice, known as “Peetapradha” in Ayurveda, is the yellowing of the skin and sclera (the white part of the eyes).
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Abdominal Pain: The liver may become tender, causing pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
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Nausea and Vomiting: Due to impaired digestion and the accumulation of toxins in the body.
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Loss of Appetite: The digestive fire (Agni) becomes weak, leading to a lack of hunger.
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Fatigue and Weakness: The body is unable to efficiently metabolize nutrients, leading to generalized weakness and tiredness.
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Dark Urine: Urine may appear dark, a result of excess bilirubin being excreted.
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Pale Stool: The stool may become light-colored due to a lack of bile.
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Fever: In some cases, jaundice may be accompanied by a mild fever, especially if the cause is an infection.
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Itchy Skin (Pruritus): The buildup of bile salts in the skin can cause itching.
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Indigestion and Bloating: Poor digestion due to liver dysfunction may cause bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Jaundice
Ayurvedic treatment for jaundice focuses on balancing Pitta dosha, detoxifying the liver, and improving digestion. The treatment includes herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and panchakarma (detoxification therapies).
1. Herbal Remedies
Several herbs in Ayurveda are known for their liver-protective and detoxifying properties, which can help treat jaundice:
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Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa): A powerful liver tonic, Kutki is used to strengthen the liver, improve bile flow, and reduce Pitta. It is highly effective in treating jaundice and liver diseases.
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How to Use: Kutki can be taken in powdered form or capsules as recommended by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
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Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Bhringraj is known for its liver detoxifying, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used in Ayurveda for liver conditions, including jaundice.
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How to Use: Bhringraj can be taken as juice, powder, or capsules to improve liver function.
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Chicory (Cichorium intybus): Chicory helps in improving bile secretion, detoxifying the liver, and treating digestive disorders that contribute to jaundice.
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How to Use: Chicory is often used as a herbal tea or powder, which can be taken daily.
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports liver function and helps eliminate toxins (Ama) from the body. It is especially helpful in conditions involving bile stagnation.
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How to Use: Turmeric can be consumed in golden milk (turmeric with milk) or taken as a capsule. It can also be added to food as a spice.
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Amla (Emblica officinalis): Amla is rich in vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps improve liver function and detoxifies the body.
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How to Use: Amla can be consumed as powder, juice, or as part of Triphala.
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Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion root is an excellent herb for promoting liver health and improving bile production. It also has diuretic properties, which help flush out excess toxins from the body.
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How to Use: Dandelion root can be consumed as a tea or in capsule form.
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Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Guduchi is known for its immune-boosting and detoxifying properties. It helps in cleansing the liver and improving overall metabolism.
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How to Use: Guduchi is available in capsules, powder, or juice.
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2. Dietary Recommendations
A proper diet is a crucial part of Ayurvedic treatment for jaundice. The goal is to reduce Pitta, promote digestion, and prevent the accumulation of toxins in the liver.
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Follow a Pitta-balancing diet: Avoid spicy, oily, and fried foods that aggravate Pitta dosha. Opt for cooling, light, and easily digestible foods.
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Include fresh vegetables, whole grains (like rice, barley, and quinoa), fruits (especially sweet and cooling fruits like apples, pomegranates, and melons), and legumes.
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Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can put additional strain on the liver and worsen the condition.
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Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential to help flush out toxins and support liver detoxification.
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Lemon water: Drinking lemon water in the morning helps to cleanse the liver and stimulate bile production.
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Avoid processed and junk foods: Processed foods and sugary snacks can worsen indigestion and contribute to the buildup of toxins in the body.
3. Lifestyle Practices
Ayurvedic treatments for jaundice also emphasize lifestyle changes that help promote liver health and support detoxification:
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Rest: Adequate rest is important to allow the liver to detoxify and heal. Avoid overexertion and ensure that you get sufficient sleep.
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Regular exercise: Mild, gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or stretching can stimulate circulation and enhance detoxification.
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Stress management: Stress can worsen the condition, so practicing techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises (pranayama), or yoga can help reduce stress and balance the doshas.
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Avoid exposure to toxins: Stay away from environmental toxins such as smoke, chemicals, and polluted air that can burden the liver.
4. Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapy)
Panchakarma is a series of Ayurvedic therapies that focus on detoxifying the body and balancing the doshas. For jaundice, Virechana (purgation therapy) and Basti (medicated enemas) can be particularly beneficial in clearing excess toxins (Ama) from the liver and digestive system. These therapies are usually performed under the supervision of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.
5. Herbal Formulations
In Ayurveda, there are several formulations that combine multiple herbs to detoxify the liver and manage jaundice. Some of these include:
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Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca piedra): This herb is widely used for liver health and has shown effectiveness in treating jaundice.
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Liv.52: A popular Ayurvedic formulation known for improving liver function and treating liver-related disorders, including jaundice.
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Triphala: A combination of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, which promotes digestion and detoxification, helping to reduce liver toxicity.
Conclusion
Jaundice is a serious condition, and while Ayurveda offers effective natural remedies, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Ayurveda provides valuable support by improving liver function, reducing inflammation, promoting digestion, and restoring balance to the body. A combination of **herbal