JAUNDICE

Jaundice or Icterus, is yellowing of the white portion of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes that is caused by excessive amounts of bile pigments in blood tissues. These pigments, normally present in the blood because of the breakdown of hemoglobin, are filtered through the liver and excreted in faces. The excessive accumulation of bile pigments is usually due to liver disease or hepatitis, in which case, the yellowing is referred to as Koshtaasrita kaamalaa in Ayurveda.

Saakhaasrita kaamalaa (surgical jaundice) on the other hand, refers to yellowing caused by an obstruction. Anything from gallstones to a cancerous growth can cause the blockage and surgery is often required to remove it.

There are various types of hepatitis such as haemolytic jaundice, in which there is an increased production of bile pigment because of damage to red blood cells. Antibodies created by a mismatched blood transfusion can cause damage.

Newborns can also have jaundice because of a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. In these cases, there is a temporary defect in synthesis of the enzyme that breaks down bile to an excretal form.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hepatitis vary depending on the specific cause of illness (virus, bacteria, toxin, etc) and flu-like sysmptoms, which may include-fever, a generally tired or ill feeling, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches. There may be itching all over the body.

With significant liver inflammation, liver chemicals may build up in the blood and urine, causing the following symptoms; jaundice ( a yellow tint to the skin and whites of the eyes), bad breath, a bitter taste in the mouth, dark teeth, coloured urine, and light clay colured stools. There is also pain or tenderness around the liver.

Care should be taken before proceeding for home remedies. Avoid eating junk, spicy and salty foods, pastries and cool drinks. Drink sufficient water. Take fresh fruits and vegetables. Spend more time on the bed.

Home remedies:

A Jaundice Patient can choose any one of the following methods for cure.

•             Mix one Tea spoonful of Phyllanthus Niruri (Bhoomyaamlaki) leaf / root paste with honey.  Take it daily thrice until cure.

  

Boerhavia Diffusa (Punarnava) helps tone the urinary system and promotes health of the urinary tract. It helps maintain efficient kidney function, with its diuretic action. The herb supports the body's natural ability to remove fluids. So take Punarnava Mandoor tablet daily once for 2 to 3 weeks.

Navayaas Lauha taken is dose of 125 mg thrice daily is an effective remedy for Jaundice.