Tag: Ayurvedic management of liver disorders

September 22, 2021

AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR LIVER DISORDERS

INTRODUCTION

Liver is the prime organ of detoxification and the main organ involved in regulating the chemical levels in the blood. The main job of the function is filtering the blood coming from the digestive tract and then passing the purified blood to other parts of the body. Due to regular intake of unwholesome articles like alcohol and use of other modern medications (such as steroids and antihypertensive drugs etc.) for a longer duration of time and other causes lead to the gradual alteration in the liver tissues which result in the loss of functions of liver and ultimately leading to liver disorders. In this article we’ll discuss the common clinical features and general causes/risk factors for the liver disorders along with the best herbs for preventing & treating the liver disorders.  

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS 

The clinical manifestation of the liver disorder depends upon the degree of damage to the liver or severity or chronicity of the disease. However, the common clinical picture of various liver disorders may appear as yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin (jaundice), abdominal pain and swelling specifically in right hypochondriac region and severe itching, chronic fatigue, abnormal appetite (mostly reduced or loss of appetite) with difficulty in digestion resulting in multiple and frequent episodes of nausea and vomiting, darkening of the color of urine and edema in legs and ankles. 

Photo Album

CAUSES

There are numerous causes that lead to liver disease. The most common causes/ risk factors for developing liver disease include genetic predisposition, heavy alcohol intake, obesity, diabetes mellitus (type 2), viral infections, unprotected sex, blood transfusion, overuse or long term use of modern medicines having hepatotoxic side effects, etc. 

AYURVEDIC VIEW

Various liver disorders are categorized under the general term yakrit roga in Ayurveda. Yakrit rogas ranges from kamala (jaundice), halimak (green texture in stool; a complication of kamla), kumbh kamla (ascites due to jaundice/liver cause), yakrit vidradhi (hydatid cyst), yakrit vridhi (hepatomegaly), yakridalodar (cirrhosis of liver), yakritarbud (tumors of liver) and other such diseases. The main vitiated doshas involved are tridosha with the predominance of pitta. 

AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR LIVER DISORDERS

1. Bhumyamlaki

(Phyllanthus niruri) contains the phytochemical Phyllanthin in the leaves which have hepato-protective activity. It has been indicated in kamla (jaundice), yakrit-pleehavridhi (hepatomegaly-splenomegaly) and other blood disorders along with urinary tract related disorders and respiratory disorders. This herb is proven to have anti-inflammatory properties in various hepatitis conditions and has significant results in reducing the AST- ALT levels.  

                                                      (Reference- Bhavprakash Nighantu Haritkyadivarga 152)

2. Katuki

(Picrorhiza kurroa) It is rich in picrorhizin, along with other phytochemicals that include deepak appetizer, pachak digestive stimulant, and pitta virechak (aids in pacifying pitta). It functions mainly on the liver and intestines.  Also, its bhedni guna is very beneficial in breaking down the accumulation of endotoxins and then removing those through purgation. 

3. Kalmegh

(Echinacea- Andrographis paniculata) is another beneficial herb for liver problems such as fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease. This herb is used in liver disorders as it removes the accumulated toxins within the liver and contains phytochemicals such as alkaloids that promote the regeneration of the damaged liver cells.

4. Makoy

(Solanum nigrum) is a small weed-like herb with amazing healing properties. It also acts primarily on the liver by bringing down the raised level of alkaline phosphatase, due to underlying liver diseases such as alcoholic liver damage, fatty liver and all types of hepatitis and side by side fastening up the regeneration process of the liver cells.

5. Punarnava

(Boerhavia diffusa) is the best herbal diuretic herb. It aids in removing the excess fat and fluid from the body. Obesity as mentioned above is the main risk factor for developing liver disease and its diuretic action aids in getting relief from the ascetic or hepatomegaly conditions resulting from various liver disorders.

6. Kasni

(Cichorium intybus) has the unique ability to heal the liver cells even in the worst conditions of the liver. It is the blood purifier, thus helping in reducing the excess load on the liver, preventing the liver cells from further damage by free radicals and also providing time for the better and faster healing of the liver in various liver disorders.

7. Sharpunkha

(Tephrosia purpurea) is the most effective herb for enlarged liver and spleen. It helps in the regeneration of liver cells and also regenerates the capacity of the spleen to hold blood. Sarpunkha is a natural alkalizer that helps in reducing abdominal discomforts such as hyperacidity and flatulence due to liver problems. 

8. Bhringraj

(Eclipta alba) has been a well known herb for hair related problems since ages. But latest research shows that this herb has a wonderful role in normalizing the liver functions and helps in regeneration of new liver cells. It is beneficial in liver damage due to excessive toxins, fatty liver and other such conditions. 

9. Haritaki

(Terminilia chebula) is the best herb for detoxification of the body as it removes the toxic material by breaking up the blockages in the channels in the intestines, and other ducts, cleansing the body and reducing strain from the heart and other body organs. This will ultimately enhance the human body’s capability to recover from the ongoing disease and also make the action of herbal drugs more effective. It is used for therapeutic purgation, removes the toxins directly from the intestine reducing stress on the liver and promoting the faster recovery of the liver from various liver disorders.

Planet ayurveda is a globally emerging manufactures and supplier of herbal formulation that are made with the strict adherence to ancient ayurvedic texts.

Planet Ayurveda’s experts made the combination of herbal formulations for various liver disorders under the name of LIVER CARE PACK andThese packs contain a combination of 4 efficient formulations i.e. Yakrit Plihantak Churna, Echinacea Capsules, Phyllanthus Niruri, and Liver Detox Formula.

liver

BUY-NOW-BUTTON-2

 

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It is an amazing classical polyherbal blend beneficial for various liver and spleen related disorders. Its ingredients include katuki, bhumyamalaki, kalmegh, makoy, sarpunkha, kasni, bhringraj etc

Dosage-1 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals

2. Phyllanthus Niruri 

these are the standardised extract of bhumyamalaki prepared in the house of Planet ayurveda. It has hepatoprotective properties due to which it detoxifies liver cells. 

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Echinacea capsules 

Echinacea capsules are single herbal formulations prepared using standardized extract of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). It is also a very good herb for managing Liver disorders. 

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Liver Detox Formula

it is best product made by Planet Ayurveda’s team for the detoxification of the liver and the whole body. It contains hepatoprotective herbs such as kalmegh, makoy, punarnava and purgative drugs such as haritaki and katuki along with other herbs. 

Dosage– 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Liver is one of the unique organs having the regeneration capabilities in the hepatocytes even after damage due to diseased condition, if adequate nourishment is provided to the liver along with these herbal supplements, one can prevent or treat various liver disorders.

Continue Reading

August 12, 2019

Ayurvedic Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Introduction

The Liver is the second largest organ of the human body whose weight is approximately 1.6 kg.

Some of the main functions of liver are

  • It metabolizes important proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
  • It helps in producing and clearing cholesterol in the body.
  • The liver secretes blood clotting factors which help in stopping the excessive blood flow during a cut or any injury.
  • It also secretes bile. Bile helps in the digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.
  • It stores iron, copper, and Vitamins such as A, D, E, K and B12.
  • The liver cleanses the blood by eliminating harmful wastes, drugs, and toxic substances from it.

causes of liver diseases

What are the common disorders that affect the liver?

Disorders that affect the liver are Hepatitis (Inflammation of the liver), Cirrhosis (scarring), fatty liver and cancer. Common causes of liver disorders are metabolism, hereditary, virus infection such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, intake of alcohol and drugs.

What is fatty liver?

The normal liver has 5% fat only. When the amount of fat increases by 10%, then healthy liver tissues gets converted into fatty tissues. This disorder is known as fatty liver or steatosis. In other words, this condition can be described as a liver that sucks fat.

What are the causes of fatty liver?

  • Excessive intake of alcohol
  • Overweight
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes Mellitus

causes of fatty liver

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

Fatty liver has two basic types:

  • Persons who have more alcohol intake, the fatty liver reaches the first stage of the disease, which gradually leads to cirrhosis if the alcohol intake is continued.
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a term used to describe the fat deposition in those patients who take alcohol in smaller quantities or do not consume alcohol at all.

What is NASH?

Due to the deposition of fats in the Patients Suffering from NAFLD, there is an inflammation and necrosis (death of tissues of the liver). The presence of dead tissues and inflammation lead to a chronic disorder known as Non-Alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH). The word Steato means fat and Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Patients who are suffering from NASH are at the risk of developing cirrhosis.

NAFLD and NASH — Facts and Figures

  • In India, the incidence of NAFLD is commonly seen in obese, diabetes or prediabetic people.
  • 80% of patients suffering from NAFLD are obese.
  • It affects 40-70% of the patients suffering from diabetes.
  • In normal children, NAFLD disease has increased up to 3-10% in the last 10 years and increases up to 8-80% in overweight/obese children.
  • Nearly 2-3% thin and 15-20% obese people have NASH.

What are the risk factors associated with NAFLD?

The risk factors associated with NAFLD are:

  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Age: It mostly occurs in the persons above the age of 50 years. It is most commonly seen in men.
  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood.

What are the symptoms of NAFLD?

There are no specific Signs and Symptoms of NAFLD. But, when the disease develops, it causes pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen and fatigue.

How NAFLD is diagnosed?

Following are the tests that are used for the diagnosis of NAFLD:

  • LFT: It is a blood test which measures the concentrations of various enzymes and proteins in the blood which are produced by the liver. Patients suffering from NAFLD have elevated levels of liver enzymes.
  • Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the liver to collect a tissue sample. Liver biopsy is done to differentiate between NASH and fatty liver.

What are the disorders and complications associated with NASH?

Patients suffering from NASH have higher risks of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disorders or stroke.

What are the steps to prevent NAFLD?

The change in lifestyle is the first step towards the prevention of NAFLD.

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Choose a healthy diet.
  • Be regular with your physical exercises.
  • Don’t take any medicine without a physician’s consultation.
  • Intake of alcohol should be under control.
  • Quit smoking.

Modern treatment for liver disorders include the prescription of drugs but currently available drugs have more systemic toxicity therefore, physicians hesitate to administer these drugs for long term use.

According to modern medicine, liver transplantation is one of the options for chronic liver disorders but this treatment option bears several risks and is unaffordable for most of the patients in many countries, particularly in India. Further, liver transplant is a complex procedure as it requires sophisticated infrastructure, expensive drugs and prolonged stays in ICUs.

What is the Ayurvedic perspective on liver disorders?

In Ayurveda, the liver is considered as a well-known organ. It is known as”Yakrit”. The word “Yakrit” is made from two words: Yat + Krit. “Yat” means conversion and “Krit” means to do. Yakrit is a site of Raktdhatu where blood is stored. In Ayurveda, there are many herbs and their extracts that have been shown to possess hepatoprotective activities.

These herbs have biochemical active components that protect the liver from oxidative stress, promote virus elimination, block fibrogenesis, anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, liver generating properties. Traditional Indian Medicinal system known as Ayurveda has generated extensive empirical knowledge and treated various complicated disorders since ages.

NAFLD can be successfully treated with the help of herbs and herbal remedies.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Fatty LIver

Natural Treatment of Fatty LIver

What is the treatment of NAFLD by Planet Ayurveda?

Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies for the treatment of NAFLD. These remedies are:

  1. Indian Echinacea Capsules
  2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
  3. Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules
  4. Liver Detox Formula

1. Indian Echinacea Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s Echinacea Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Andographis paniculata. This herb is known as “King of Bitters”. In Sanskrit, this herb is known by the name “Kalmegh”. This herb has been used for liver disorders, lack of appetite, purification of blood since ages. It reduces vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is useful for the treatment of liver disorders as it stimulates liver, expels out excess Pitta from the body.

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2.Yakrit Plihantak Churna

Planet Ayurveda’s Yakrit Plihantak Churna is a wonderful combination of unique herbs that are known to improve the functioning of the liver. The herbs used in this formulation influence the functioning of the liver by regenerating liver cells, relieving inflammation, eliminating toxins, etc.

Ingredients used in the preparation of Yakrit Plihantak Churna are:

Sr. No. Ingredient Name Common Name Parts Used Quantity (200 gm)
1. Phyllanthus niruri Bhumi Amla Whole 60 gm
2. Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh Whole 20 gm
3. Eclipta alba Bhringraj Whole 20 gm
4. Tephrosia purpurea Sharpunkha Roots 20 gm
5. Cichorium intybus Kaasni Roots 20 gm
6. Picrorrhiza kurrao Katuki Stem 20 gm
7. Solanum indicum Makoy Whole 20 gm
8. Boerhavia diffusa Punarnava Roots 20 gm

Dose: 1/2-1 teaspoonful of herbal powder with plain water after meals should be taken.

3.Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules

Phyllanthus Niruri Capsules contain the standardized extract of the herb Bhumyamalaki. This herb is considered as hepatoprotective. This herb reduces vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is a coolant by nature. Therefore, these capsules are very useful in enhancing the functioning of the diseased liver. Its root, leaves and the whole plant is used as an herbal supplement. This plant has also been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for urinary calculi.

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4.Liver Detox Formula

Liver Detox Formula by Planet Ayurveda is obtained from the mixture of different herbs that are helpful in the cleansing liver and keeps it healthy and strong. This formulation is designed to revive the damaged liver cells and gives strength to the body.

Ingredients of Liver Detox Formula are:

Sr. No. Ingredient Name Common Name Quantity
1. Picrorrhiza kurrao Kutki 200 mg
2. Boerrhavia diffusa Punarnava 100 mg
3. Andographis paniculata Kalmegh 50 mg
4. Solanum indicum Makoy 25 mg
5. Chicorum intybus Kaasni 25 mg
6. Achillea millefolium Biranjasipha 25 mg
7. Tamarix galluca Jhavuka 25 mg
8. Capparis spinosa Himsra 25 mg
9. Terminalia chebula Haritaki 25 mg

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

Continue Reading

Click the CROSS button to close