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Natural herbal &
homeopathic remedies useful in Jaundice (Hepatitis)
Jaundice (Hepatitis)
HEALTH HERBS & NUTRITION
- REMEDIES - DIGESTIVE SYSTEM - jaundice (hepatitis)
Usually characterized by yellowing of the white of the eyes and
skin, jaundice happens when the yellow bile pigment, called
bilirubin, gets accumulated in the blood, mostly due to liver
malfunctioning. Jaundice may be caused by an obstruction of the bile
ducts which normally discharge bile salts and pigment into the
intestine. The bile gets mixed with blood and this gives a yellow
pigmentation to the skin. This bilirubin appears in the blood when
red blood cells get degenerated. Basically, the capacity to remove bilirubin from the blood is impaired in jaundice.
In most
cases, this catarrhal jaundice causes nausea for a few days and one
feels depressed. Rigid food regimen is usually followed to treat
this disorder. So, in short, jaundice is not a disease, but is most
affected as a result liver diseases.
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Skin, urine and the white of the eyes get yellow |
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Severe itching everywhere on the body, specifically in
obstructive jaundice as the bilirubin level in the blood
goes up |
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Appetite loss followed by extreme weakness and fatigue
in general |
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Nausea and mild to severe constipation |
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Fever (fluctuating between 99 and 100) along with headache |
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Slight pain in the liver region may also accompany the
above symptoms |
There
are basically three types of adult jaundices, another a rare one and
two related to the new born babies:
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Hemolytic due to breakdown of red blood cells -
The red cells in the blood have a life of 120 days. If
their life span is reduced or if their generation occurs
in large numbers, it leads to jaundice |
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Liver-cell, usually caused by hepatitis
(Viral hepatitis, which includes hepatitis A, hepatitis
B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D and hepatitis E) or cirrhosis
that causes liver failure |
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Obstructive, when the bile flowing from the gall bladder
(or the liver directly) is stopped by gall stones in the
common bile duct. Some other type of obstruction is also
possible like the common bile duct getting squeezed due
to some reason, like inflammation of the liver |
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Favism is another type of hemolytic jaundice, although
quite rare, that occurs when an inherited defect in a
particular enzyme causes the destruction of red blood
cells leading to anemia, because the RBCs become
sensitive to a chemical found in a type of broad bean |
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Jaundice in newly born babies, or neo-natal jaundice or
physiological jaundice, is not uncommon and this occurs
as the liver of the infant is not mature enough to
excrete bilirubin efficiently. This problem usually gets
fixed automatically in a few days |
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A more serious form of neo-natal jaundice occurs when
the blood types of the mother and her child are simply
not compatible. During pregnancy, mother’s body detects
this alien type of blood, and produces antibodies which
pass across the placenta to the fetus where the red
blood cells are eventually broken down. This might call
for a blood transfusion after the birth of this poor
child |
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Some other known causes of jaundice include:
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Drug-induced cholestasis as a result of bile pools in
the gallbladder because of the effects of drugs
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Drug-induced hepatitis triggered by antidepressants,
anti-cancer drugs, steroids, oral contraceptives,
testosterone
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Biliary stricture
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Alcoholic liver disease (alcoholic cirrhosis)
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Cancer of the pancreas
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Primary biliary cirrhosis
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Ischemic hepatocellular jaundice caused by inadequate
oxygen or inadequate blood flow to the liver
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Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (bile pools in
the gallbladder because of the pressure in the abdomen
with
pregnancy)
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Hemolytic anemia
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Disorders present since birth that cause problems
processing bilirubin (Gilbert's syndrome, Dubin-Johnson
syndrome, Rotor's syndrome, or Crigler-Najjar syndromes)
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Malaria |
Treatment of jaundice depends on knowing the underlying causes such as a
gallstone, hepatititis or a virus. Then, the underlying cause be
treated immediately. The most important thing is to prevent
kernicterus, which involves toxic levels of bilirubin accumulating
in the brain. Jaundice in babies should be treated immediately.
Phototherapy or light treatment is used to reduce bilirubin levels.
Occasionally, a change of blood is required.
People have used herbal remedies for many years to promote liver
health and functioning. Herbal ingredients are not only
extremely effective and safe to use for liver problems, particularly
jaundice, but also gentle enough for the body’s system. Popular
herbs such as Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle) and Taraxacum
officinale (Dandelion) are beneficial for the liver and digestive
system. In addition, Verbena officinalis (Vervain) is an excellent
hepatic tonic but is also effective for overall health.
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Silybum marianus (Milk Thistle) - Commonly seen
on dry waste grounds all throughout the Europe and Asia,
milk thistle derives its name, from a myth, of milk
falling from the Virgin’s breast onto it. Its seeds are
rich in a substance known as silymarin, which is
actually a mix of several organic compounds that are
known to be very beneficial in protecting the liver.
They also have anti-inflammatory quality. These
properties of milk thistle make it a fantastic remedy
for minor digestive and bile flow related problems. It
has been used since ancient times for treating a wide
variety of ailments but particularly liver problems. It is widely prescribed for preventing and
treating liver disorders including viral hepatitis and
liver disease associated with long-term alcohol usage.
Studies suggest that this herb protects the liver from
damage by viruses and toxins including alcohol and drugs
and is widely used for treating Hepatitis C. Milk
Thistle is also a potent antioxidant and laboratory
studies indicate it may have useful anti-cancer
properties. |
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Taraxacum officinale - More commonly known as
Dandelion, this herbal ingredient contains bitter
principles which have a beneficial effect on the liver
and digestive system. It is considered a very effective
general tonic and is known to improve bile flow and
reduce inflammation associated with hepatitis and
cirrhosis. Dandelion also improves gall bladder
functioning and helps to dissipate gallstones. Dandelion
is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including
Vitamin A, D, C, various B Vitamins, iron, lecithin,
silicon, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. |
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Verbena officinalis - Also known as Vervain or
Wild Hyssop, this herb is native to the Mediterranean
region. Used as a hepatic (liver) remedy, it will treat
inflammation of the gallbladder and is also used for
jaundice. It is well-known for its ability to relieve
tension and stress and relieve mild depression. |
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – This tropical
perennial is a native to Asia, Africa and the West
Indies. Its pointed long leaves hide the low lying
cluster of flowers which rises from the middle of the
plant. The medicinal qualities of this herb lie in its
rhizome which contains curcuminoids and essential oil.
The rhizome is cylindrical in shape and yellowy orange
from inside, owing its color to the curcuminoids.
Turmeric is an excellent remedy for not only lack of
appetite, indigestion and stomach acidity but also liver
and gall-bladder problems. Its essential oil timulates
bile secretion and curcuminoids have a protective effect
on the liver. |
Some most effective home remedies for jaundice are:
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Mash a ripe banana with a teaspoon of honey and take
twice a day. Continue for a few days. |
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Mix the following and take a few times in a day. This
freshens up your taste as well.
Honey – 1 tablespoon
Mint – 1 teaspoon
Fresh lime – 1 teaspoon
Ginger juice – ½ teaspoon |
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Make a fine paste of tender papaya leaves and take ½ a
teaspoon of it with some water. Repeat a few times. |
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Make a fine powder of 1 teaspoon each of rock salt,
liquorice and chicory seeds and take ½ teaspoon of it
with some water two times in a day. |
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In case of haemolytic jaundice, to stop the breakdown of
red blood cells or rather, to build new red blood cells,
nutrients, specifically proteins, iron and
B vitamins
are needed. Therefore, food full of poultry, fish and
eggs should be taken. Dairy and Soya bean products are
also good sources of all these three nutrients. |
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Whole meal bread and dried apricots are rich sources of
iron whereas brown rice, nuts and wheat germ provide for
the B vitamins. |
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Another important requirement for RBCs formation is
folate, which can be found in green leafy vegetables,
pulses and liver. |
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Carrots - Carrots are a natural medicine for
jaundice. In Europe, they give carrot juice, carrot soup
and hot carrot to the patients of jaundice. |
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Papaya - Grind finely 75g of raw papaya with the
skin on and dissolve it in 1/4 liter of water. Mix sugar
or glucose to taste and give it to the patient thrice a
day. It shall provide you with immense relief within 3
days. You can make it more tastier by adding lemon and
black pepper to taste. The milk in papaya is considered
extremely beneficial. |
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Eat small and more number of meals at regular intervals
to avoid putting strain at your liver and make sure that
your diet also has a lot of carbohydrate to supply
enough energy to your liver in particular and body in
general to help recover as early as possible. |
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Don’t take fatty or spicy food, as these put a lot of
strain on your poor liver. |
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Eat small and more number of meals at regular intervals
to avoid putting strain at your liver and make sure that
your diet also has a lot of carbohydrate to supply
enough energy to your liver in particular and body in
general to help recover as early as possible. |
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Adequate rest is the only therapy known, other than
medications and diet control. |
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