JAUNDICE
Jaundice is not a disease in itself but a symptom of other liver disorders such as gallstones, hepatitis and cirrhosis.
When the liver is laid low by an infection it cannot produce enough bile to keep the body cells and tissue healthy. At this point jaundice develops and the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellow tint. It is not fatal in itself but its presence can greatly delay recovery from the original complaint so it is best to treat it as soon as possible to allow the body to fight back.
It can also occur in newly born babies, usually within the first three days of life. An infants’ liver is not yet mature enough to metabolize a molecule called billrubin, which affects the livers ability to make red cells. It is quite common in newborns and besides a slight discomfort and yellowing of the skin causes the baby no lasting damage and will clear within a few days.
In chronic type Jaundice, digestive distress like nausea, anorexia, epigastric discomfort, slight pain or heaviness immediately after meals are common symptoms.
Ayurvedic Diet
Ayurvedic diet as cure and prevention of jaundice
Foods that should be avoided
Foods that are recommended both as a preventive measure and for the healing process:
Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Jaundice
· Ghritkumari (Aloe Vera)- the pulp of one of its leaves is to be taken with black salt and ginger every morning for a period of ten days.
· Picrorrhiza is one of the two best Ayurvedic remedies for jaundice. It is known as kutki in Ayurveda. Powder of this herb is mixed with hot water and taken twice a day.
· Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa) - The root of the gokulakanta plant is potent in 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.
· Nisoth and Kutki. Their roots are administered to the patient in powder form. The two herbs can be taken either together or individually, depending on the seriousness of the jaundice and the internal strength of the patient.
· Avipattikara choorna and Arogya Vardhini vati are the usually prescribed medicines in jaundice. These are to be taken in teaspoonful quantities twice a day with water or with honey.
· Another general medicine which can be used in all kinds of jaundice is the Bhumyamalaki. Its juice is given mixed with honey in a teaspoonful quantity thrice a day. Vasaka, Kakamachi and Triphala are the other drugs used.
When fever is present, give tab. Sootashekar 250 mgm; 3 times a day for 7 days. To get rid of vitiated Pitta, mild purgative should be given.
Chronic type – when the jaundice lasts for more than one month, care must be taken to give palliative treatment for Pitta and to improve liver function. As the digestion and the tissue formation are hampered, there is general weakness and low immunity. Along with anti – Pitta diet, use liver protective herbs like phyllanthus, berberis aristata, picrorrhiza, and eclipta – alba. Any of these herbs can be used in dose of 1 to 2 gms. A day for 1 month
Tab. Pandupanchanan rasa (BR) 250 mgm, twice a day for 15 days or tab. Loknath rasa 125 mgm; twice a day with kumariasava (SSY) or amritarishta (BR) 15 ml. 3 times a day for 15 days, is also helpful.
If required, use rejuvenating herbs like tinospora cordifolia1 gm. Per day for 1 month or amritarishta 15 ml. 3 times a day for 1 month. Ask the patient to take plenty of raw and bitter green vegetables.
Other Ayurvedic recommendations for jaundice cure
Ayurvedic yoga position for jaundice sufferers
The fish position (matsya asana), helps the metabolism to work sufficiently again to heal a condition such as jaundice.
The four stages of the fish position
Ayurvedic Treatments for Jaundice
OTHER Home Remedies for Jaundice
Juices of bitter vegetables like the bitter gourd are very effective in treating jaundice. Mash the vegetable and extract their juices by pressing with a cloth. This juice must be ideally had in the early morning. One glassful of juice per day is recommended.
Prepare a cupful of juice of beetroot and lemon in equal proportions. Having this juice for a few days will definitely cure jaundice.
Extract juice of amalaki (Indian gooseberry, Emblica officinalis). Have this juice thrice in a day in a teaspoonful quantity. This is a potent remedy for all kinds of liver ailments.
When the liver is laid low by an infection it cannot produce enough bile to keep the body cells and tissue healthy. At this point jaundice develops and the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellow tint. It is not fatal in itself but its presence can greatly delay recovery from the original complaint so it is best to treat it as soon as possible to allow the body to fight back.
It can also occur in newly born babies, usually within the first three days of life. An infants’ liver is not yet mature enough to metabolize a molecule called billrubin, which affects the livers ability to make red cells. It is quite common in newborns and besides a slight discomfort and yellowing of the skin causes the baby no lasting damage and will clear within a few days.
In chronic type Jaundice, digestive distress like nausea, anorexia, epigastric discomfort, slight pain or heaviness immediately after meals are common symptoms.
Ayurvedic Diet
Ayurvedic diet as cure and prevention of jaundice
Foods that should be avoided
- Non-vegetarian food
- Cakes, Pastries, Chocolate & Sugar based drinks such as fizzy pop
- Ice cream, Spicy food
- Alcohol
- Generally you should avoid all heavy foods
Foods that are recommended both as a preventive measure and for the healing process:
- Vegetables such as tomatoes and radish.
- Lemon
- Sugarcane juice, orange juice and juices of other fresh fruits
- Dry grapes, Pomegranate is good for jaundice
- Dry fruits like dried dates, almonds and cardamom
Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Jaundice
· Ghritkumari (Aloe Vera)- the pulp of one of its leaves is to be taken with black salt and ginger every morning for a period of ten days.
· Picrorrhiza is one of the two best Ayurvedic remedies for jaundice. It is known as kutki in Ayurveda. Powder of this herb is mixed with hot water and taken twice a day.
· Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa) - The root of the gokulakanta plant is potent in 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.
- Jaundice berry- It is a bitter tonic which must be given to a jaundice patient several times a day in dose of quarter teaspoons. The fluid extract of the fruit also has similar properties.
· Nisoth and Kutki. Their roots are administered to the patient in powder form. The two herbs can be taken either together or individually, depending on the seriousness of the jaundice and the internal strength of the patient.
· Avipattikara choorna and Arogya Vardhini vati are the usually prescribed medicines in jaundice. These are to be taken in teaspoonful quantities twice a day with water or with honey.
· Another general medicine which can be used in all kinds of jaundice is the Bhumyamalaki. Its juice is given mixed with honey in a teaspoonful quantity thrice a day. Vasaka, Kakamachi and Triphala are the other drugs used.
When fever is present, give tab. Sootashekar 250 mgm; 3 times a day for 7 days. To get rid of vitiated Pitta, mild purgative should be given.
Chronic type – when the jaundice lasts for more than one month, care must be taken to give palliative treatment for Pitta and to improve liver function. As the digestion and the tissue formation are hampered, there is general weakness and low immunity. Along with anti – Pitta diet, use liver protective herbs like phyllanthus, berberis aristata, picrorrhiza, and eclipta – alba. Any of these herbs can be used in dose of 1 to 2 gms. A day for 1 month
Tab. Pandupanchanan rasa (BR) 250 mgm, twice a day for 15 days or tab. Loknath rasa 125 mgm; twice a day with kumariasava (SSY) or amritarishta (BR) 15 ml. 3 times a day for 15 days, is also helpful.
If required, use rejuvenating herbs like tinospora cordifolia1 gm. Per day for 1 month or amritarishta 15 ml. 3 times a day for 1 month. Ask the patient to take plenty of raw and bitter green vegetables.
Other Ayurvedic recommendations for jaundice cure
- Take sufficient rest
- Avoid excessive heat
- Avoid stressful situations and anger
- Cut down on physical exertions
Ayurvedic yoga position for jaundice sufferers
The fish position (matsya asana), helps the metabolism to work sufficiently again to heal a condition such as jaundice.
The four stages of the fish position
- Lie on your back with your feet straight and place your hands beneath the thighs.
- Arch your back whilst pressing on your elbows leaving your head resting on the floor
- Whilst exhaling slowly maintain this position whilst keeping your torso relaxed
- To return to the original position lift your head then release the arms
Ayurvedic Treatments for Jaundice
OTHER Home Remedies for Jaundice
Juices of bitter vegetables like the bitter gourd are very effective in treating jaundice. Mash the vegetable and extract their juices by pressing with a cloth. This juice must be ideally had in the early morning. One glassful of juice per day is recommended.
Prepare a cupful of juice of beetroot and lemon in equal proportions. Having this juice for a few days will definitely cure jaundice.
Extract juice of amalaki (Indian gooseberry, Emblica officinalis). Have this juice thrice in a day in a teaspoonful quantity. This is a potent remedy for all kinds of liver ailments.
