Liver cirrhosis treatment in ayurveda

Liver is one of the most crucial organs of the human body and it also acts as a gland as it releases chemicals that are used by other parts. Liver is also the largest internal organ which has enormous amount of functions like detoxifying the body, producing chemicals to make other organs function smoothly. It also reserves vitamins apart from the chemicals. Vitamin B12, A, D, K and iron are stored in the liver for various processes in the body. The liver is also responsible for the production of bile that aids digestion.

WHAT IS CIRRHOSIS OF LIVER?

Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver ailments. It is a chronic condition in which the liver gradually deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. Scar tissues replace the healthy tissue which partially obstructs the blood flow through the liver. Cirrhosis keeps progressing slowly and gradually till it causes liver failure. The damage can be irreparable if the cirrhosis has reached an advanced stage but if it’s mild then it can be repaired and function properly.

CAUSES

• Alcoholism
• Hepatitis B and C
• Fatty liver
• Obesity
• Non- alcoholic fatty liver disorder
• Diseases that damage  bile ducts
• Inherited diseases
• Drugs, toxins infections
• Budd-Chiari syndrome (causes thrombosis in the hepatic portal vein)

SYMPTOMS

• Anorexia
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Bruises
• confusion
• Jaundice
• Brownish or orangish tint to the urine
• Fever
• Hematochezia

COMPLICATIONS

• Edema
• Ascites
• Bruising bleeding
• Portal hypertension
• Esophageal varices
• Gastropathy
• Splenomegaly
• Jaundice
• Gallstones
• Sensitivity to medications
• Liver cancer

DIAGNOSIS

• Aminotransferases - AST & ALT are moderately increased
• Alkaline Phosphatase – increased
• Gama - glutamyl phosphatase – much higher
• Bilirubin – increased
• Globulins - increased
• Thrombocytopenia
• Leukopenia
• USG abdomen
• CT or MRI scan
• Laparoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Radioscopy
• Liver biopsy

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Ayurveda refers to cirrhosis of liver as kumbha kamla and it can be treated with herbs

1. KALMEGH (Andrographis paniculata)

This herb is known as the 'king of bitters. Indian Echinacea efficaciously acts on viral, bacterial, parasitic infections or disorders. Kalmegh and various other herbs have shown beneficial effects on the body. It acts as a stimulator for the basic immune activities, enhances body's inflammatory mechanism. It aids in curing Liver disorders effectively. It has amazing Hepatoprotective and hepatostimulative properties.

Kalmegh leaves extract can be taken to cure jaundice.

Take 1 gram each of leaves of Kalmegh, powdered Bhumi amla Phyllanthus niruri], and 2 grams of Liquorice and add it in a cup of water and boil it till it decreases to 50 ml. strain and consume.

2. BHUMI AMLA (Phyllanthus niruri)

This herb is highly recommended to those who are suffering from liver disorders. It drastically improves liver functions and can be taken in the form of a powder.

3. BHRINGRAJ (Eclipta alba)

It has miraculous effects on liver ailments and the entire plant can be used in curing the disorders. It can be taken by patients of any age group.

4. MAKOY (Solanum nigrum)

Makoy or wonder cherry has wonderful hepato protective activities and can be used to treat liver diseases. It specifically reduces the high levels of alkaline phosphatase. This herb is used in almost all medicines for liver disorders and it has no side effects.

5. KASNI (Chicorium intybus)

It has clinically proven hepato protective properties. It has various pharmacological actions and works wonders on other organs also. It cures liver and kidney disorders efficaciously. It is consumed in a powdered form. It has no reported side effects and is totally safe to use in a given dosage.

6. KATUKI (Picrorrhiza kurroa)

This herb is used in a lot of medicinal formulations and has amazing actions against hepatic ailments. It has straight actions on the liver as it is hepato protective in nature. It also has anticholestatic actions. It stimulates the formation and eradication of bile from the gall bladder and liver. It is an antioxidant and helps in immunomodulation. It can be consumed in the form of a tea to extract maximum benefits out of it. There are no reported side effects so it is absolutely safe.

7. PUNARNAVA (Boerhaavia diffusa)

It provides the most amazing results in liver disorders. It acts as a rejuvenator and has various pharmacological action. It is an antioxidant also. Punarnava provides the most amazing Hepatoprotective properties. It is consumed in the form of a tonic. Its roots can be powdered and used in various medicinal preparations to aid in eliminating excess water and toxins from the body.

8. SHARPUNKHA (Purple tephrosia)

This herb specifically helps in treating liver and spleen disorders. Consuming this herb can enhance liver functions and help in warding off liver disorders.