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Types of Liver Diseases and Its Treatment in Ayurveda

One of the most important organs of our body without which, survival is not possible. The weight of the liver is 3 pounds, and it is normally the size of a football. As living with one kidney is possible, but without the proper functioning of the liver is never possible.

The main role of liver in our body is to filter the impure blood or detoxification of blood and its part to play role in the digestive system and in metabolism cannot be ignored, as metabolic processes of the body is handled by the liver, like breaking down of the substances during digestion, it removes the toxins from the body, extracting chemical energy from the body and converting it into mechanical energy.

liver function

It is the storehouse of vitamins, minerals, and proteins when our body needs these vitamins and minerals it releases them according to the need.The liver when receives blood from the digestive organs, it then converts blood into purifying form.

All these liver functions (purification and storing) is done by liver cells known as “hepatocytes”. Hepatocyte filter and accepts this blood. The Liver receives the blood means which part of nutrients should remain and how much waste should be discarded via stool. What should be stored in the liver like glycogen form of Breakdown of fats is the handiwork of liver, as the liver breaks them down for proper utilization of fats and it stores them as well for releasing of energy.

Bile, which plays an important role in our digestive system is also the product of the liver, which produces 800 to 1000 milliliters of bile per day. Bile duct, which is part of our digestive system, which helps in breaking down of fats is transported through the bile duct to the small intestine for a further breakdown of fats.

Liver when breaks down the proteins, the by product which remains is called ammonia. The Liver turns this toxic ammonia into a substance called urea. The liver releases this into the blood where the kidneys excrete it via urine.

Liver also helps in breaking down of many others in organic things like synthetic medications, alcohol. The liver has many jobs to do for us to remain healthy as enhancing the immunity and helps the immune system to fight against infections, creating proteins that help in the clotting of the blood.

Blood cells, which are not in use are also broken down by the liver. It also works as a storehouse for the storage of unused blood sugar in the form of glycogen.

It is a regenerator for itself; means it regenerates as it has the capacity to grow into itself, as after surgery or injury the removal of tissue from liver starts growing back to a certain extent. The existing cells make the liver grow back and new liver cells start to multiply. It is amazing fact that in duration, just within 7 days, even after removing 2 third of the liver, the liver regain to its original position.

The diseases which affects the liver

Billary Atresia

This is a condition which targets infants, it should be treated timely if it is not treated, the condition can cause liver scarring and it can affect liver tissue.

Hepatitis A

Viral hepatitis is a viral infection due to which inflammation occurs in the liver. The reason for this disease is the lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation conditions. This condition prevails in unhygienic conditions. Cleanliness is the only key to getting out of this situation.

Hepatitis B

This is the disease which can affect liver badly; the reason for this disease is sexual contact. Contaminated needles, when exchanged with an infected person, or accidentally injecting themselves with a contaminated needle, who is already suffering from this problem can also be the reason of this disease breakout. It is a dangerous disease as it can cause the failure of liver and cancer.

Auto Immune Hepatitis

This condition causes the body’s immune system to attack itself and it starts destroying healthy liver tissues.

Cirrhosis

It is a condition where scar tissues replace healthy liver tissues. Many conditions can cause cirrhosis like consuming alcohol for a long period of time in excess and genetic disorder like Wilson`s disease can also be the reason for this disease to occur.

Symptoms of liver conditions

There are many liver diseases; they have just begin with flu kind of signs and symptoms, but progress to more sever signs of liver damages, like dark color urine and jaundice.

These are the liver disease symptoms

Nose bleeding
Vomiting
Pain in joints
Fatigue
Low sex drive
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Itchiness in the skin
Stomach discomfort or pain
Blood vessels on the skin which become abnormal

Ayurvedic treatment for liver diseases

agni-ayurveda

Agni (Digestive Fire)

It is the fire which is metabolic fire to digest the food. When it is disturbed, a digestion process also gets disturbed. Pitta dosha when gets aggravated, it creates problems in digestion.

cleansing liver

Cleansing Liver Foods

To draw toxins from the body and excess of 3 doshas like Vata,Pitta and Kappha out of the tissues and into the digestive tract so that they can be eliminated from the body. Ayurvedic employs diets and lifestyle therapies for their cleansing.

Herbal remedies

There are various herbal remedies that help improve liver functioning and prevent liver disease which are the following

Turmeric

pure-turmeric-powder-500x500

Studies show that usage of turmeric is the best herbal usage for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Burdock

It’s a root known as burdock root. Its antioxidants lessen the harmful effects of toxic substances formed from acetaminophen or other chemical-based medicines, which have many side effects.

Milk thistle

milk-thistle-seed-powder-organic

It is also very beneficial in people, especially those who are affected with cirrhosis of the liver. The use of milk thistle helps in reduction of liver-related diseases like hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Its usage can prevent the inflammation associated with hepatitis C and can protect against the damage to liver cells.

How Ayurveda Treat Liver cirrhosis with Diet & Herbal Remedies

Overview

Liver cirrhosis can be compared with Kumbhkamala in Ayurveda. Mostly alcohol is responsible for it. Liver has to perform multiple functions like production of biles to absorb vitamins & fats, regulation of proteins and flushing out the toxins & pathogens.

Although it is a disease which can’t be reversed, but if treated earlier it saves you from further troubles. Ayurveda has natural and herbals ways to treat this disease in a humble way.

The liver is seen as your body’s engine and processing plant, which is responsible for multi-tasking job of generation, digestion, metabolism of numerous compounds, filtration of blood and distribution of vital nutrients to different cells and organs.To keep the plasma tissue (rasa dhatu) clean, the liver catches the bad toxins (Ama), which have accumulated in the liver, and throws them out.

According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda the liver is an organ that is as fresh as a daisy. It keeps working as long as we live and has the same importance as the heart.
Currently, due to the rising amount in the consumption of all alcoholic drinks over the globe, we are at a risk of hurting our liver, whereas it becomes a duty of all humans to safeguard it from any such mishaps.
When liver gets disturbed, many infections are lurking in our environment to strike, if the liver is strong it keeps all infections at bay, but when it is hurt and gets weak, your body can be ambushed by any infection, then better be ready to face the music, which can also prove to be fatal if ignored.

Some of the most common liver diseases are:

1.Alcohol-related liver disease:

Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or alcoholic beverages.

2.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:

Liver damage can happen from fat build-up caused by obesity, high blood sugar level, insulin resistance or high levels of fats in the blood.

3.Hepatitis:

Infection can be caused by hepatitis A, B, C or D virus.

4. Primary biliary cirrhosis:

Mostly it is a result of autoimmune disease.

5.Haemochromatosis:

It can be a genetic condition in which an iron overload can cause liver cirrhosis.

Every individual has different reasons to cause liver cirrhosis, but by changing your diet plans and life style you can restore the health of the liver.

Natural Treatment for Liver cirrhosis

Arogyavardhini Vati

Ayurveda has an effective and most common remedy called Arogyavardhini, which heals the scarred liver. In fact it is a compound of katuki and calx that protects the patients from chronic deteriorating conditions like Jaundice happening.
Arogyavardhini Vati functions by reviving the liver muscles and is extremely beneficial in cirrhosis of the liver, jaundice and in case of poor liver functioning. This remedy comes in the form of powder (churna) and is also available in tablets.

Katuki

Katuki is a word of Sanskrit meaning bitter and another herbal remedy which is very effective and helpful. It is just available in powder form. It is a fragile herb that can be found growing in the pristine environment of the lower Himalayas. Its demand is gaining more because it possesses large scale therapeutic benefits.
It triggers the liver to produce more bile and soothes it from the congestion and pain. It also facilitates the tissues for working normally. It rejuvenates the liver after purifying the blood. It is a soft laxative and such a remedy excretes out the aggravated Pitta (excess bile) from the liver and makes it function in normal conditions. It also stimulates the fat metabolism and lowers bad cholesterol level. Mix 1 teaspoon of katuki powder with an equal amount of honey and have it thrice a day.

Bhringaraja

Bhringaraja is another herbal remedy in Ayurveda that can help the people who have infantile liver cirrhosis. Traditionally, Bhringaraj was used to treat diseases like Jaundice and fatty liver. Its leaf juice or plant extract may be given to patients of injured liver either alone or along with other products such as honey, pepper, or punarnava.
Your liver works in an arduous way to eradicate toxins from your body and Bhringaraj has the capacity to protect this vital organ from damage by harmful chemicals. Its ingredients like demethyl-wedelolactone and wedelolactone are thought to account for these beneficial effects as they show not only anti-hepatotoxic activity but are also able to help regenerate liver cells. Take 1 teaspoon of Bhringaraja, thrice a day. I know it tastes bitter, but you can add some honey to sweeten the taste.

Papaya

4. Papaya seeds are beneficial in cirrhosis, especially if liver cirrhosis happen due to alcohol. Papaya seeds can either be taken in raw form or can be put in a grinder to take out their juice. For the best way to have it is, mix 1 tablespoon of this juice with 10 drops of fresh lime juice, be regular and try it for a month, be ready for pleasant surprises.

Prevention & Tips

If liver cirrhosis has gone more complicated and has become Jaundice, then you need the juice of Raddish leaves, mixed with water. This process will enhance the appetite and regulates the movement of bowels, thus helps in digestion. This experiment proved with lots of patients saying that they do get positive results within 8 to 10 days.
If Jaundice has become severe, enhance the amount by taking fresh buttermilk. Persist on having healthy meals regularly. Better avoid the food which is rich in proteins and sugar. If you have a high quality of protein, which is available in goat milk, almonds and cottage cheese, then it can be given to the patients with cirrhosis. Avoid having pulses and legumes.

Other Remedies

There are many more remedies in Ayurveda that can restore liver like Vasaka, Triphala and kakamachi. All are herbal formulations.

Note

All these herbal remedies are tried in liver conditions and have a high success rate. Just make sure that all these herbs are grown in an organic manner to reap in the maximum benefits. It will be a lot more better that you consult with a highly qualifies and renowned Ayurvedic doctor before proceeding as he/she can guide in an adorable way.