The liver is the master organ of the body, and most people
consider the liver to be more important in the normal functioning of the
body than even the brain and the heart. If there is any damage to the
liver, then there could be serious complications, such as constipation,
chronic gastritis, morning sickness, etc. Problems with the liver could
be jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatomegaly (enlargement of the
liver), all of which are life-threatening conditions. Hence it is very
important to take proper care of the liver.
Some symptoms which indicate something is wrong with the liver are:-
1 Loss of appetite
2 Diarrhea
3 Flatulence
4 Pain in the abdomen
5 Difficulty in breathing and coughing
Ayurveda
places the liver at the center of the body. It is the house of all the
five digestive agnis, or fires, and hence if anything goes wrong with
the liver, digestion will be the first activity to come under peril. The
liver is also responsible for converting plasma (Rasa dhaatu) to blood
(Rakta dhaatu) in conjunction with the spleen. Thus, liver defects can
cause serious blood ailments also.
This article deals with various Ayurvedic methods and home remedies to take proper care of the liver.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Liver Care
1. Berberis (Berberis vulgaris)
Berberis
is nicknamed as the jaundice berry for its beneficial effects on the
treatment of jaundice. It is a bitter tonic which is made from the bark
of the berberis tree. It is taken in amounts of quarter teaspoon when
jaundice strikes.
2. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)
Chicory is
one of the most useful herbs in treatment of liver problems. Almost all
parts of the herb are important - flowers, seeds and roots. The juice
of the chicory plant promotes the secretion of the bile. Hence it is
used in different ways in treating liver problems such as bilary stasis,
sluggishness of the liver, bile obstruction, jaundice and enlargement
of the spleen.
3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion
stimulates the liver and the gall bladder for the proper utilization of
fats within the body. It also helps in the detoxification of the liver.
Its juice is used in treatment of most liver problems. Even for people
with hepatitis, dandelion tea is very beneficial.
4. Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa)
This
herb is used for treatment of several liver problems including
jaundice, hepatitis and derangement of the liver. Its root is prescribed
in such conditions. A specially prepared decoction of the root (60
grams root powder mixed in half a liter of water and boiled for about
half an hour) is given in doses of 30 to 60 milliliters twice or thrice
daily.
5. Henna (Lawsonia inermis)
The cooling effect of the
henna is also beneficial in the treatment of liver problems. Its bark
is effective in the treatment of liver problems such as jaundice and
enlargement of the liver.
6. Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
The
Indian aloe stimulates the liver into carrying out its functions
normally. It is used in the treatment of jaundice and enlargement of the
liver.
7. Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)
Indian sorrel
is used in the treatment of jaundice. It is taken in the form of fresh
juice mixed with buttermilk made from cow's milk. It is to be taken once
daily during jaundice.
8. Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Picrorrhiza is a very commonly prescribed herb in the treatment of jaundice.
9. Trailing Eclipta (Eclipta alba)
The
trailing eclipta has beneficial results in several liver problems. It
can be used for the treatment of catarrhal jaundice and liver
enlargement. A decoction of the juice of the herb is prescribed in doses
of one teaspoon twice a day. To make the juice more effective, it can
be added with essences of cardamom and cinnamon. The herb is also
beneficial if there is mucus discharge accompanied with the catarrhal
jaundice. In that case the juice of a few leaves is mixed with crushed
peppercorns and taken with curds early in the morning for seven
successive days.
10. Turpeth (Operculina turpethum)
Treatment
of jaundice is usually started in Ayurveda with the medication of
turpeth. It is given in the form of a powder in quantities of one to two
teaspoons in hot water twice a day.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Liver Care
When
there is a liver problem, detoxification of the liver is necessary.
This is done by fasting for a day. After that, no food that is difficult
to digest must be consumed. Bitter vegetables must be given, such as
bitter gourd and bitter drumstick. Goat's or cow's milk must be taken
instead of buffalo's milk. Instead of curds, buttermilk must be given.
Garlic must be included in the diet.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Liver Care
For
jaundice and several other liver problems, Ayurvedic treatments begin
with two herbs - kutki (picrorrhiza) and nisoth (turpeth). These herbs
are taken in a mixed powder form in quantities of one or two teaspoons
in hot water twice daily. Arogyavardhini is taken as a common medicine
since it contains both kutki and nisoth.
Bhringaraja (trailing
eclipta) is the drug of choice for almost all liver ailments. It can be
even given to children suffering from liver problems. It is taken with
honey as a vehicle because it is quite bitter in taste.
(4) Home Remedies for Liver Care
1. The juice of two raw oranges must be taken once a day for up to a week.
2.
Add a little salt and some roasted cumin seeds to a glass of
buttermilk. Have it early in the morning. This keeps the liver healthy
and protects it from disorders.
3. Extract the juice of about ten papaya seeds. Mix it with a teaspoonful of lime juice. Have this juice once a day.
4. A mixture of carrot and spinach juice is also very beneficial for liver problems.
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