Tag: Ayurvedic Overview

January 23, 2025

Ayurvedic Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder noted in the general population worldwide. It is a chronic condition that can substantially reduce quality of life and work productivity. It is characterized by recurrent abdominal discomfort in association with alternate episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Its chronic nature, signs and symptoms which vary periodically from mild to severe have many negative effects on the quality of life. The exact cause of IBS is not known. IBS is a disorder that is not confirmed by a specific test. Instead, diagnosis is based on specific symptoms. The symptoms occur with no structural pathology of the Gastrointestinal tract. Physiological, behavioral and psychosocial factors are responsible for IBS. Herbal Ayurvedic medicines have been used widely in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients. Ayurveda emphasizes the use of herbal remedies for IBS management and dietary changes. In this article we will discuss the IBS causes, symptoms, and ayurvedic approach to Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

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INTRODUCTION

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder and also psychosomatic disorder that affects so many people worldwide. People with IBS experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps. With IBS, you may also have frequent diarrhea, constipation or both. IBS doesn’t cause tissue damage in your GI (gastrointestinal) tract. The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome can be made by performing a careful review of the patient’s symptoms, taking a thoughtful history (e.g., diet, medication, medical, surgical, and psychological history). In 1988, a group of international experts met in Rome to discuss functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), and introduced the Rome criteria for diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). In 2016 Rome criteria IV was released with some specific key changes. Rome IV described IBS as a functional disorder of bowel in which abdominal pain is associated with defecation and changes in bowel habits.

TYPES OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Rome IV describes IBS with its subtypes, they are as follow:

  1. Constipation Predominant (IBS-C) – It is characterized primarily by chronic constipation. With associated symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, chronic constipation, bloating and gas, straining during bowel movements, incomplete evacuation.
  2. Diarrhea Predominant (IBS-D) – It is characterized primarily by chronic diarrhea. Its symptoms are frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain and cramping, urgency, bloating, bowel movement frequency.
  3. Mixed or alternating pattern (IBS-M) – It is defined as alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea, with people experiencing both symptoms over time. Its symptoms are abdominal pain and cramping, alternating bowel habits between constipation and diarrhea, incomplete evacuation, mucus in stool.
  4. Unclassified (IBS-U) – It is a subtype of IBS that’s diagnosed when symptoms don’t fit into the other three subtypes.
  5. Post-Infectious (PI) IBS – This occurs after an episode of infectious gastroenteritis. The symptoms are similar to IBS.
  6. Tympanitis Predominant IBS – In this type of IBS, the clinical symptoms are rumbling sounds heard in the abdomen and increased bowel movements with lots of undigested food particles.

CAUSES OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

The exact cause of IBS isn’t known. These conditions, also called disorders of the gut-brain interaction. Although what causes IBS is not known, multiple factors have been proposed to lead to the condition. Such as alterations in gut motility, infections including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, stressful life event, or an intestinal infection.

SYMPTOMS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Symptoms of IBS can appear frequently. Or, they may occur during flare-ups. In other words, you don’t always experience symptoms. Instead, symptoms may go away (and you’ll have normal bowel movements). At other times, symptoms may return.

Symptoms of IBS include:

  • Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two.
  • Excess gas and bloating.
  • Abdominal pain or cramps.
  • Mucus in stool.
  • Some extra intestinal symptoms can be there, such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain during menstruation.
  • Discomfort in the upper stomach area.
  • Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement.

COMPLICATIONS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Complications of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can include:

  • Hemorrhoids
  • Malnutrition
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Migraine headaches
  • Depression and anxiety

DIAGNOSIS OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

The exact diagnosis of IBS has proved extremely difficult. IBS can be diagnosed based on a good understanding of the symptoms. Some criteria to diagnose IBS are as follow:

  • The Rome IV diagnostic criteria for IBS states that those with IBS have certain symptoms that must have been present for the past three (3) months and started at least six (6) months before.
  • Blood Tests: IBSchek and IBS-Smart – these tests are done for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) or with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D) in adults.
  • Stool Tests: To check for bacterial infections and inflammation, a stool sample is taken.
  • Additional tests to diagnose IBS can include:
    1. Colonoscopy
    2. CT scan
    3. Upper endoscopy

All these imaging tests are done to evaluate the possibility of some other underlying disease.

TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

There are several medications that can be used in the treatment of IBS, such as:

  • Antidiarrheal medications
  • Laxatives
  • Low-dose antidepressants
  • Probiotics

Some therapies can be used such as:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Meditation
  • Yoga

The goal of IBS treatment is to provide relief from the symptoms.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT

In Ayurveda, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be correlated with Grahani on the basis of its clinical manifestation. Grahani is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract which is produced due to weakness of Agni (digestive fire), causing food to be partially digested, leading to the formation of Ama (toxins). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be managed by managing the agni (Digestive fire) and ama (toxins) in the body. It is the derangement of dosha (humor) that causes different diseases based on the site of their aggravation and localization. In Ayurvedic classical texts, we get references for Grahani as Agni Adhishtana (position of digestive fire), which is the site for Agni (Digestive fire). The word Grahani is taken from Grahana which means to hold or to retain something. Thus it does the karma (action) of Annagrahana (the process of retaining uncooked food). The function of Grahani is similar to the functions of stomach and duodenum. The basic pathophysiology (Samprapthi) is found at the Grahani and Pakwasaya levels, due to Agnidushti (disturbance in digestive fire). Therefore, medicines that contain Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestant), Anulomana (regulation of movement), or Grahi (hold ingested food) qualities are ideal for the treatment of IBS (Grahani). Psychological issues are also involved, therefore the Satwavajaya Chikitsa (psychotherapy) is beneficial, as well as exercises and relaxation techniques, and can help with management.

TYPES OF GRAHANI (IBS)

IBS is mainly a functional motility disorder, and the movements and the absorption are mainly undertaken by vata dosha. In the Atisara phase (diarrhea) of IBS, the chala (moving), laghu (light) gunas of vata and sara (mobility), drava (liquid) gunas of pitta are involved. In the Vibandha (constipated) phase of IBS, the ruksha (dry) and sita (cold) gunas of vata are mainly involved. Due to the imbalance of three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha), Grahani (IBS) is divided into different types. They are as follows:

  • Vataj Grahani – Frequent attacks of pain in the sides, thighs, groins and the neck, dryness of throat, gastrointestinal irritation, emaciation, craving for all kinds of tastes, bloating which increases on an empty stomach and relieved by taking food, dyspnoea and cough.
  • Pittaja Grahani: Yellow colored loose stool containing undigested food material, burning sensation in the cardiac region and throat, excessive thirst and anorexia.
  • Kaphaja Grahani – Chronic rhinitis, nausea, vomiting, sweet taste in the mouth, cough, numbness and heaviness in the abdomen, low libido, eructation with foul smell and sweet taste, no emaciation but feeling of weakness.
  • Tridoshaja Grahani – The mixed symptoms of Vataja, Pittaja and Kaphaja Grahani can be seen.
  • Amaja Grahani – Constipation, pain, burning sensation, salivation, heaviness and anorexia are the associated symptoms of Grahani with Ama.
  • Sangraha Grahani – Liquid, solid, sticky stool passed with sound and mild pain, bowel irritation, symptoms appear with the gap of 1 month, 15 days, 10 days or daily, symptoms aggravates at day time while relieved at night time, difficult to treat and is chronic.
  • Ghatiyantra Grahani – A chronic type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that produces sounds while passing stool, similar to pouring water from a pot.

AYURVEDIC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Due to weak digestive fire, grahani releases the ingested food even in unripe condition. Agni (digestive fire) is deranged by fasting, overeating, eating during indigestion, irregularly eating, intake of unsuitable, heavy, cold, too rough and contaminated food, faulty adaptation to place, time and season, faulty administration of emesis and purgation. Thus deranged agni (digestive fire) becomes unable to digest even the light food and the food being undigested gets acidified and toxic. This Agnimandyamay (depletion of digestive fire) is due to psychological factors or local bowel factors. It leads to defective absorption of Rasa Dhatu (fluid content of the body). Due to this the function of other dhatus (elements) will be impaired. This will cause weakness in the body and it will create ama (toxic) condition in the body. Ama (toxins) disturbs the normal flora of GI tract and weakens the muscles and acid fluid configuration of GI tract. Thus leading to symptoms such as loss of appetite, chronic abdominal pain, incomplete evacuation, irregular bowel habit, constipation, diarrhea, etc. The factors which play a significant role in most of the digestive disorders are malfunctioning of Agni (digestive fire) and Vata Dosha along with psychological stress.

The samprapti (pathology) ghatak (components) of Grahani (IBS) are as follows:

  • Dosha (humors) – Sannipataja (mixed) (Vathadhikya)
  • Dushya (affected) – Rasa (nutrient fluid)
  • Agni (digestive fire) – Jatharagni (digestive fire)
  • Srotodushti (vitiated channel) – Atipravritti (excessive flow), Sanga (obstruction)
  • Srotas (channels) – Purishvahasrotas (channel carrying fecal matter)
  • Utbhavasthana (site of origin) – Pakvasaya (large intestine)

PREVENTION STEPS

Don’ts:

  • Avoid sleeping during the day and awakening at night.
  • Don’t take stress.
  • Avoid oily food, spicy food, sugary beverages.
  • Avoid dairy products.
  • Avoid eating soya bean, saga, kidney bean, sweet potato and potato.
  • Avoid citrus fruits like pineapple, mango, apple, etc.

Do’s:

  • Adequate sleep.
  • Drink lukewarm water.
  • Fruits like pomegranate juice, banana, ripe papaya.
  • Eat vegetables such as bottle gourd, pumpkin, round gourd, zucchini, carrots, etc.
  • Meditation.
  • Breathing exercises.

TYPES OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Rome IV describes IBS with its subtypes, they are as follow:

  1. Constipation Predominant (IBS-C) – It is characterized primarily by chronic constipation. With associated symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, chronic constipation, bloating and gas, straining during bowel movements, incomplete evacuation.
  2. Diarrhea Predominant (IBS-D) – It is characterized primarily by chronic diarrhea. Its symptoms are frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain and cramping, urgency, bloating, bowel movement frequency.
  3. Mixed or alternating pattern (IBS-M) – It is defined as alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea, with people experiencing both symptoms over time. Its symptoms are abdominal pain and cramping, alternating bowel habits between constipation and diarrhea, incomplete evacuation, mucus in stool.
  4. Unclassified (IBS-U) – It is a subtype of IBS that’s diagnosed when symptoms don’t fit into the other three subtypes.
  5. Post-Infectious (PI) IBS – This occurs after an episode of infectious gastroenteritis. The symptoms are similar to IBS.
  6. Tympanitis Predominant IBS – In this type of IBS, the clinical symptoms are rumbling sounds heard in the abdomen and increased bowel movements with lots of undigested food particles.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

In Ayurveda, the first step in the treatment of IBS is the reduction of Ama (undigested toxins). This will detoxify the body and bring doshas (humors) into balance. Here are a few therapies that can help:

Agnidipana

In this process, the regulation of the digestive fire (Jatharagni) is done by reducing ama (undigested toxins) from the digestive tract. Some herbs that help in Agni Deepana (stimulation of digestive fire) are Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Dhanyak (Coriandrum sativum), Jirak (Cuminum cyminum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), etc. These herbs have properties of Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestant), Grahi (hold ingested food), Vatanulomana (regulation of movement of vata in the right direction), and Vibandhahara (relief from constipation) which pacify the symptoms of IBS.

Vatanulomana

This process involves correction and balancing out Vata dosha. Some Vatanulomana (regulation of movement of Vata in the right direction) drugs that can be used in IBS are Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhanyak (Coriandrum sativum), etc.

Manonukulata

In some cases, the symptoms of IBS flare up when people experience stress and undergo psychological issues. This process involves relaxing and calming mental stress.

Panchakarma Procedures

Panchakarma therapy for IBS includes:

  • Abhyanga: Abhyanga helps in pacifying excess doshas and loosening toxins.
  • Sarvang Vashpa Svedana: Svedana opens the pores to help sweat out all toxins from the body.
  • Shirodhara: It is a warm oil therapy on the head. This process helps in relaxing the body and mind, thus reducing stress.
  • Nirooha Basti and Anuvasan Basti: Basti is the introduction of herbal decoctions and medicated oils into the colon through the rectum. It fulfills the purpose of eliminating Dosha, and nourishing and rejuvenating Dhatu.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal remedies, such as the IBS Care Pack, for natural treatment of IBS. These herbal remedies are formulated using the best quality herbs and strictly follow the principles mentioned in Ayurveda. These are free from chemicals, additives, and preservatives. All these herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda are natural, vegetarian, and 100% pure.

  1. Sanjivani Vati
  2. Pitta Balance
  3. Kutajghan Vati
  4. Digestion Support
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS, Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ayurvedic Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Ayurvedic Treatment, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Care Pack

Products Description

1. Sanjivani Vati

A herbal preparation made with 9 Ayurvedic herbs such as Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Vacha (Acorus calamus). It has properties like Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestant), Anulomana (regulation of direction), and Amahara (removal of undigested toxins). It cures diseases caused by Mandagni (digestive impairment).

Dosage: 2 tablets, twice a day with lukewarm water after a meal.

2. Pitta Balance

Made of various herbs such as JaharMohra Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound), Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia), and Mukta Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound from Pearls). It balances Pitta dosha and helps maintain good digestive health.

Dosage: 1 capsule, twice a day with lukewarm water after a meal.

3. Kutajghan Vati

Made of the herb Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), it is used for treating Atisara (diarrhea), Pravahika (amebiasis), and improving digestion.

Dosage: 2 tablets, twice a day with lukewarm water after a meal.

4. Digestion Support

Capsules made of 7 Ayurvedic herbs such as Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), and Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare). It helps in stimulating the secretion of digestive juices and strengthens the digestive system.

Dosage: 1 capsule, twice a day with lukewarm water after a meal.

CONCLUSION

In this article, we have concluded about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), discussing its causes, symptoms, and Ayurvedic treatment. In Ayurveda, undigested food leads to the formation of Ama (undigested toxins), which is responsible for producing various disorders of the digestive system. Symptoms of IBS are correlated with those of Grahani. Due to our poor eating habits, Grahani Roga is related to food absorption and digestion. Weak digestion can lead to the accumulation of toxins (Ama). All major symptoms of IBS can result from these toxins. Ayurvedic treatments for IBS provide effective results. Treatment must consider various aspects like Agni, Ama, and psychiatric problems, along with Pathya and Apathya Ahara (food) and Vihara (lifestyle).

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January 22, 2025

Effective Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease

ABSTRACT

In today’s world liver infections and fatty liver disease are major problems and fat accumulation in the liver due to excessive fat and excessive alcohol intake. Fatty liver has two aspects: alcoholic and non alcoholic aspects. NAFD is a type of fatty liver which does not occur due to heavy alcohol intake.NASH is a type of fatty liver which is not alcohol induced but damages liver cells and leads to cirrhosis of liver.Although it’s a curable disease, it may deteriorate over time because of negligence and lack of proper treatment.

Fatty Liver, Fatty Liver Disease, Types of Fatty Liver Disease, Cause of Fatty Liver, Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease, Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease, Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies for Fatty Liver, Fatty Liver Ayurvedic Treatment, Fatty Liver Care Pack

INTRODUCTION

Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. Fatty liver disease is also known as hepatic steatosis and steatotic liver disease. It is normal for the liver to store some amount of fat but when fat build up is more than 10% of liver’s weight then it causes some serious complications like scarring of liver, liver cancer, and esophageal varices. There are different stages of fat accumulation. Grade1 is mild, grade 2 is moderate, grade 3 is severe, potentially leading to liver damage, scarring (fibrosis), and cirrhosis. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing progression.

FATTY LIVER DISEASE TYPES

There are mainly two types of fatty liver disease (FDL)

  1. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

    2. This type used to be called Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Obesity or metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, central obesity, and hypertension will increase risk of getting it. Unlike the other main type, it is not caused by drinking alcohol. There are two forms of MASLD:

    • Simple Fatty Liver: This means there is fat accumulation in the liver. But there is no inflammation or liver cell damage found. Usually it does not get worse or cause any problem.
    • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH): This used to be known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It’s the advanced stage of FLD and means you have inflammation in the liver. inflammation and the liver cell damage that happens with MASH can cause hepatic fibrosis and later on leads to liver cirrhosis. Hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are types of liver scarring and liver cancer.

  2. Alcoholic-related fatty liver disease (ALD)

    3. This type is caused by excess drinking of alcohol. It is less common and can be prevented by reduction in alcohol consumption. If a person keeps consuming alcohol then it can cause serious conditions like enlarged liver, alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis.

CAUSES OF FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Fatty liver is commonly due to metabolic disorders (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia). Some other reasons are:

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs like corticosteroids and some cancer drugs
  • Malnutrition and weight loss
  • HIV, Hepatitis C

SYMPTOMS

Fatty liver disease usually does not cause symptoms. Some people may have symptoms like:

  • Tiredness
  • Pain in right upper part of abdomen
  • Weight loss

More commonly patients notice symptoms when FLD is processed into cirrhosis in the liver. Once cirrhosis is developed, patients have symptoms like:

  • Nausea
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Jaundice
  • Swelling in abdomen
  • Swelling in legs, feet, or hands
  • Bleeding (rectum, stomach)

COMPLICATIONS

Fatty liver can develop into hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. For people affected by NAFLD, the survival rate is 10 years for 80% of patients. Less than 10% people with cirrhotic alcoholic FLD will develop hepatocellular carcinoma. the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults, but up to 45% people with NASH without cirrhosis can develop hepatocellular carcinoma.

DIAGNOSIS

Most individuals are asymptomatic and it is not easily diagnosed. Medical history, physical examination, and tests are performed for the proper diagnosis.

Medical history and physical exam

  • As part of the medical history, the doctor will ask about alcohol use, to find out whether fat in the liver is a sign of alcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). He or she will also ask which medicines you take, to try to determine whether a medicine is causing NAFLD.
  • During physical examination, body weight and height are checked, and signs of fatty liver such as enlarged liver, jaundice-like symptoms, and signs of cirrhosis are checked.

Blood tests

  • Liver function and liver tests to detect liver disease and damage. The cells in the liver have proteins called enzymes. When these cells are damaged, the enzymes leak into the bloodstream, where they can be measured. If the liver is damaged, the level of these enzymes will be higher than normal. The serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level is greater than the aspartate transaminase (AST) level in the nonalcoholic variant and the opposite in alcoholic FLD (AST:ALT more than 2:1).
  • Fibrosis assessment tests, also known as FIB-4, to estimate the level of liver scarring (fibrosis). These blood tests result in an indirect score that estimates the level of liver scarring (fibrosis). Other blood tests show more direct markers of fibrosis.
  • Lipid profile to measure blood fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Other blood tests to rule out other causes of FLD like tests for hepatitis C and Wilson disease (a rare genetic condition).

Imaging tests

  • USG, CT scan, MRI are suggested. These imaging tests show fat accumulation in the liver but do not tell if it is a simple type of fatty liver disease or MASH. There are some tests that can show whether it is fibrosis by measuring the stiffness of the liver. When liver cells die, they’re replaced by scar tissue, which is stiff. The stiffer the liver is, the more scarring it has.
  • Transient elastography measures liver stiffness using a special ultrasound machine.
  • Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) combines ultrasound vibration frequency and MRI to create a visual map of stiffness throughout the liver.

Liver biopsy

It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing liver fibrosis. A liver biopsy can reveal a number of findings in fatty liver disease, including:

  • Steatosis: A buildup of fat in the liver
  • Inflammation: The presence of inflammation in the liver
  • Fibrosis: The presence of fibrosis in the liver
  • Hepatocyte Ballooning Degeneration: A key feature that distinguishes NASH from simple steatosis
  • Megamitochondria: Round or needle-shaped mitochondria that are more common in hepatocytes with microvesicular steatosis
  • Hepatic Siderosis: Mild iron deposition in periportal hepatocytes and/or pan-acinar reticulo-endothelial cells.

TREATMENT

Lifestyle changes can help in managing fatty liver at early stages and this includes:

  • Avoid alcohol
  • Weight loss: exercise, change in eating habits, and some medications like GLP1RA can help in reducing weight.
  • Take medications to manage metabolic conditions: Take prescribed medicines to manage diabetes, cholesterol, and triglycerides (fat in the blood). You may also need to take vitamin E and thiazolidinediones.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

According to ayurveda, the liver is the origin of pitta. Pitta regulates metabolic and biochemical functions of the body and maintains heat as pitta has hot and light characteristics Kapha has a cold and stabilized nature. When Kapha dosha rises above normal levels, it suppresses pitta and its function in supporting the liver. Therefore, it can be inferred from this correlation that fatty liver disease results from elevated Kapha dosha. Fatty liver means the presence of fat in the liver. It refers to Meda (fat) and Yakrit (liver). So in ayurveda it is termed as Medaja Yakrit Roga (fatty liver). NAFLD is called kaphaja yakrit dulludara. It is a most common complication of Udara Roga (abdominal disease).

Ranjaka pitta (fire that helps in production of blood), which turns Rasa Dhatu (plasma, interstitial fluids) into Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) is based in Yakrit (liver). It is associated with Raktavahi (Blood vessels) and Mamsvahi Dhamni (arteries nourishing muscle tissue) and its Mulasthan (origin place) is Rakta Vaha srotas (channels that transport blood). Yakrit is closely linked to Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Mamsa dhatu (muscle) and plays a significant role in Dhatu Parinama (essence of body tissues).

Samprapti (Etio-pathology)

Dushti of Annavaha (Channels that transport food), Udakvaha (channels that transport water), Rasa vaha (channel that carries circulatory fluids), Raktavaha (channels that transport blood), Medo vaha (channels that transport nutrients to body tissue) srotas etc. is caused by:

  • High fat diet
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Agnivikruti (disturbance in digestive fire) causes the creation of Apakva anna rasa (undigested food) which causes the vitiation of kapha dosha and uneven formation and deposition of fat in the liver. Agni Vikruti (disturbance in digestive fire) is caused by vitiated Vata.

Hepatocytes undergo inflammatory alteration when pitta is implicated in the pathophysiology and then this illness develops next stage NASH. When Vata is implicated then it develops fibrosis which leads to cirrhosis, ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma. Vitiation of samana vayu (balancing air), Apan Vayu, pachaka pitta (fire that digest food), Ranjaka pitta (fire that helps in production of blood), Kledaka kapha (moistening of food particle), rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Medo (fat) Dhatu and pureesha (body’ excretory product) are major variables involved in etiopathology of this disease.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  1. Daurbalya (Weakness)
  2. Arochaka (Anorexia)
  3. Avipaka (Indigestion)
  4. Varchograha (constipation)
  5. Pain in kostha (abdomen) due to vata
  6. Pipasa (thirst)
  7. Agninasha (loss of digestive fire)

According to Acharya Charak

  • Nila, Harit, Haridra (blue, green, yellow) coloured lines on the abdomen.
  • Pale discoloration of skin (Kamla)

Pathya (To be consumed)

  • Vegetables: carrot, beetroot, pumpkin, all green vegetables
  • Milk Products: plant-based such as tofu, almond milk, soya milk
  • Dry Fruits: almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, sunflower seeds (soaked overnight)
  • Spices: fennel, turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, black pepper
  • Oils/Fats: olive oil, rice bran oil, canola oil, cow’s ghee
  • Juices: coconut water, pomegranate juice, beetroot juice, barley water

Apathya (Not to be consumed)

  • Vegetables: cauliflower, eggplant, jackfruit, canned vegetables or vegetable soup
  • Milk Products: avoid all kinds of dairy products
  • Dry Fruits: cashews, peanuts, raisins, pistachios
  • Oils: coconut oil, palm oil, hydrogenated oils
  • Spices: red chilli, green chilli, table salt
  • Fruits: coconut, banana, mango, dates
  • Packed, processed, bakery foods

Treatment

In ayurveda dietary restriction, physical exercise, weight reduction are the first line treatment. Ayurveda has a potential remedies for fatty liver. Things to keep in mind while treating this disease are:

  • Agni Vikruti (disturbance in digestive fire)
  • Vitiation of kapha, meda
  • Agni Deepana (enhancing digestive fire)
  • Rookshana (drying therapy)
  • Sroto Shodhan (cleansing of channels)
  • Pacification of kapha, Meda, and Vata

This should be the first line of treatment. The careful use of Samshodhana, Samshamana, and ahara would help to reverse the fatty liver.

Shaman Chikitsa

In shaman chikitsa:

  • Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea)
  • Bhoomi Amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)
  • Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
  • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
  • Pippali (Piper longum)

All these single herbs are useful in shaman Chikitsa (pacifying therapy).

Shodhan Chikitsa

Virechana: It is the best shodhana karma for fatty liver. It helps to eliminate excessive pitta dosha along with Vata and kapha. It is indicated in both sroto shodhan (cleansing of channels) and excess dosha buildup.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR FATTY LIVER BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company that prepares 100% pure medications by following proper ayurvedic principles. Their products are natural and free from any kinds of additives, preservatives, chemicals, and fillers. For fatty liver, they have too many products but here we are talking about Fatty liver care pack. These products are totally safe and natural.

  1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
  2. Livo Plan Syrup
  3. Liver Detox Formula
Fatty Liver, Fatty Liver Disease, Types of Fatty Liver Disease, Cause of Fatty Liver, Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease, Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease, Ayurvedic Treatment for Fatty Liver Disease, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies for Fatty Liver, Fatty Liver Ayurvedic Treatment, Fatty Liver Care Pack

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

It is herbal powder that contains Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Makoy (Solanum indicum), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). This herbal powder is useful in liver anomalies and helps in treatment of cirrhosis, splenomegaly, fatty liver. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and some other herbs which are used in this formulation have characteristics like liver rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory, Choleretic Properties (stimulation of the production of bile from liver).

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice a day before meals with warm water.

2. Livo Plan Syrup

This is a herbal syrup that contains herbs such as Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kasni (Cichorium intybus), Patol (Trichosanthes dioica), etc. These herbs regenerate the liver cells and protect the liver from toxins. It eliminates the toxins from the liver and provides a healthy liver function.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice a day after meals.

3. Liver Detox Formula

This herbal capsule preparation is prepared by using herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Makoy (Solanum nigrum), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) etc. This formulation is mainly used for liver disorders, it protects the liver against cell damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant, hepatoprotective properties. It can also help to provide relief in gas and abdominal discomfort. These herbs are very beneficial for balancing pitta dosha in the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with warm water.

CONCLUSION

Liver is the largest organ inside your body. It helps your body digest food, store energy, and remove poisons. Fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver and if not treated properly, it can lead to scarring of the liver. Fatty liver can be cured by lifestyle modifications. In Allopathy only symptomatic management is done but Ayurveda has good management along with dietary & lifestyle modifications.

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