Ayurveda Treatment For Jaundice

 

Jaundice is characterised by the appearance of yellowness in the eyes and skin. In ayurveda this is called kamala. It is caused by excessive circulation of bile pigment in the blood. The liver is responsible for the production of bile. If there is any obstruction in the bile duct or impairment in the functions of the liver or excessive destruction of the red blood cells, then bile pigment appears in excess in blood. Normally they come out of the body through urine and stool. If however if there is obstruction in the bile duct then the stool become pale white in colour. The urine however continues to be excessively yellow in all type of jaundice.

Sign and Symptom
Apart from the yellowness of the eyes and skin, many other symptoms are manifested depending upon the cause of the jaundice. The digestion specially that of fat is impaired and consequently and the patient becomes excessively weak. Destruction of Red Blood Cells(RBCs) and circulation of bile pigments in excessive quantity results in the impairment of the oxidation of the tissue cells resulting in defective metabolism and associated complaints. There may be itching all over the body.

Treatment
In ayurveda, in such condition purgation is administered in the beginning. Since the patient is weak, strong purgative are contra-indicated. Only cholagogue type of purgatives  which stimulate the function of liver and increase the flow of bile in the bile duct are used. Trivrit (Operculina turpothum) and katuki(Picrorrhiza kurroa) are the two drugs of choice for its treatment. The root bark of trivrit and the rhizome of katuki are used separately or mixed together in powder form. Depending upon the strength of the patient and the seriousness as well as the stage of the disease, the powder of this drug is given in a dose of  one to two teaspoonful, twice daily with hot water.

Two compound preparations frequentlt used in the treatment of this condition are avipattikara churna and arogyabardhini vati. Trivrit  is an important ingredient of former and  katuki of the latter. The former which is in powder form is given in a dose of one twaspoonful twice daily with warm water. Latter which is in form of tablets (of 0.25 gram each) is given in a dose of two tablets three times  daily followed by hot water or mixed with honey.

Bhumyamalaki (Phyllantuhus niruri ) is very commonly used in the treatment of all types of jaundice. The juice of this plant is given to the patient in a dose of one teaspoonful three times a day mixed with honey. This can also be given in the form of paste. Other drug which are also used in this condition are vasaka(Adhatoda vasica), kakamachi( Solanum nigrum) and triphala(three myrobalans).

Diet
Sweet things and liquid food like sugar cane juice, orange juice and dry grapes are believed to be given to the patient in  large quantities. This increase urination which helps in the elimination of bile pigments which are excessive in the blood. Vegetables and meat soups can be given to the patients. Vegetables with bitter taste are useful in this condition. Food articles which are sour and pungent in taste  and spices are not good for this condition. Salt should be taken in limited quantity. Pomegranate although sour, is good. Curd shouldnot be given. But buttermilk can be given to the patient provided it is not sour. Alcohol in any form is contraindicated.

Other regimen
The patient should be given complete rest. He should avoid heat, sun, sex and psychic factors like anger and anxiety.