Ayurvedic Perspective on Liver Health & Natural Detox Remedies
Abstract
The liver is the largest gland in the human body. It is located mostly in the right upper portion of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm and a portion of it goes to the left upper part of the abdomen as well. It has two lobes. The liver secretes bile and this bile helps in the digestion of fat. It metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It stores glycogen, vitamins and other substances. It synthesizes blood clotting factors, removes toxic matter and wastes from the blood. The liver has the property of regeneration. There are many diseases that affect the liver and its functions, these include- Liver cirrhosis, Jaundice, Hepatitis, Ascites, biliary atresia, etc. Now we are going to discuss in detail about yakrit in Ayurveda and disorders related to it.
Ayurvedic overview
In Ayurveda, the liver is called “ YAKRIT`” The explanation of Yakrit (liver) is different in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda Samhitas, organogenesis and embryology are generally explained in terms of Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Saptadhatu, etc. Acharyas have explained Yakrit (liver) genesis from RAKTA DHATU ( blood tissue) during the embryonic stage. As per Acharyas, Yakrit is developed from Matrijabhava. According to Samhitas, the location of the liver is below and right to the heart. The color of Yakrit is Krishanalohitam (reddish-brown). As per acharya Vagbhata, the color of Yakritkhanda (lobes of the liver) is similar to the shukajihva (tongue of parrot). The appearance of Yakrit is a mountain-like solid structure.
In Samhitas, the synonyms of Yakrit(liver) are- Jyotisthana , Kalakhanda, Yakritpinda, Yakritkhanda, Raktashaya, Raktadhara.
, The main function of Yakrit is RANJANA KRIYA i.e. to offer red color to Rasa dhatu. But according to Acharya Vagbhata, this function is done by Amashaya (stomach). And as per Acharya Sushruta, the Ranjakagni colored the Rasa dhatu, which comes to Yakrit and Pleeha (spleen).
Disorders related to Liver
1. Liver Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a condition that results from late-stage scarring (fibrosis) or permanent damage of the liver. The liver has regeneration property which means each time when your liver is injured, whether by disease or excessive alcohol consumption, or any other cause – it tries to repair itself. During this, scar tissue forms. It causes the blockage of blood flow and affects the normal function of the liver.
Causes
The causes of liver cirrhosis are
- Chronic alcohol intake
- Chronic viral hepatitis
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation in the liver)
- Biliary atresia
- Glycogen storage disease
Symptoms
There may not be any symptoms in the early stage of cirrhosis of the liver. But as the damage to the liver gets more, you may have
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling of tiredness
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of weight
- Upper abdominal discomfort
- Muscle cramps
If the function of the liver gets worse, the patient may have some more symptoms like-
- Easily bleeding and bruising
- Sleep disorders, memory loss, confusion and personality changes
- Loss of libido
- Swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen ( Ascites)
- Dark color of the urine
- Yellowish discoloration of the skin and white portion of the eyes (Jaundice)
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver can be based on the following tests-
- Liver function test
- Complete blood count
- Viral markers (for Hepatitis B and C )
- Antinuclear antibody test (ANA test), Anti -Mitochondrial antibody test(AMA test ), Anti -smooth muscle antibody test (SMA test)
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
- Fibroscan
- Liver Biopsy
Risk Factors
Some risk factors for cirrhosis of the liver are
- Obesity
- Excess alcohol intake
- Body piercings or tattoos
- Type 2 diabetes
- Family history of any liver disease
- Injecting drugs via sharing needles
- Unprotected sex
- Chemical or toxins exposures
2. Hepatitis
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver cells. When there is damage to the liver, its function gets affected. This condition can be self-limiting or can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. The common cause of hepatitis is Hepatitis viruses. There are five types of hepatitis viruses that can cause hepatitis, are- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. The main function of the liver gets affected due to hepatitis. It can also spread by certain sex practices.
Types of Hepatitis
1. Hepatitis A
It is caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It is a short-term liver infection and is highly contagious. This virus is present in the feces of the infected person and is spread by contaminated food or water. This can be severe or life-threatening. Children are most commonly affected and also people living in overcrowding areas or with poor sanitation are at risk.
2. Hepatitis B
It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It is an acute and short-term infection but can turn chronic if left untreated, especially in children. It is spread through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids. It can also be transmitted from infected mother to infant, during childbirth or breastfeeding. It can also transmit through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, body piercing, or having tattoos. Healthcare workers are at high risk of this infection.
3. Hepatitis C
It is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. It is a short-term infection but can turn into a chronic infection. It is transmitted through the blood contact of an infected person. It can spread through sharing injecting needles, sexual contact, medical procedures, etc. It can turn into a life-threatening disorder.
4. Hepatitis D
It is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It occurs mostly in those who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus. It can spread through the blood contact of an infected person or through sexual contact. It is a rare infection but together with Hepatitis B virus infection, it can be a fatal disease.
5 Hepatitis E
It is caused by the Hepatitis E virus. It spreads by the fecal-oral route. It is transmitted by the intake of contaminated food, water, or raw or uncooked pork meat. It is found in countries with poor sanitation.
Causes of Hepatitis
There are many factors that can cause hepatitis
- Hepatitis virus-A,B,C,D,E
- Excess alcohol intake
- Prolonged use of some drugs like Isoniazid.
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Autoimmune disorders
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Dark color of urine
- Pale stool
- Yellowish discoloration of urine and white part of the eyes
Diagnosis
Your doctor will do a physical examination and look for the signs of liver damage. Some blood tests and imaging are also advised to diagnose hepatitis-
- Liver function test ( to see elevated total bilirubin, ALT, AST, GGT)
- Viral markers
- Antibody test ( IgM, IgG )
- Abdominal ultrasound
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Liver biopsy
Risk Factors
- Healthcare workers
- Poor sanitation
- Unsafe sexual intercourse
- Multiple sex partners
- Having sex with an infected partner
- Men who have sexual relations with men
- Sharing needles for IV use
- Medical procedures like hemodialysis, blood transfusion
- Having a weak immune system
3. Ascites
Ascites is the accumulation of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. About 50% of liver cirrhosis patients develop Ascites. The accumulation of fluid more than 25 ml in the peritoneal cavity is considered ascites, although the volume of fluid can be more than 1 liter. Approximately 50% of cirrhotic ascites patients have a 3-year mortality rate.
Causes
The most common causes of ascites are
- Liver cirrhosis
- Malignant disease of liver and peritoneal
- Heart failure
- Tuberculosis
- Dialysis
- Budd- Chiari syndrome
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pancreatitis
Some other causes of ascites are
- Chronic alcohol intake
- Obesity
- Iv drug use
- Type 2 diabetes
- Severe malnutritionv
Symptoms
The symptoms of ascites are
- Increase in the size of the abdomen
- Heaviness in the body
- Bloating
- Weight gain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the lower legs
Diagnosis
Ascites can be diagnosed by physical examination or by some tests
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
- Fluid sample or Peritoneal fluid culture test
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Fluid thrill test
Risk Factors
Common risk factors of ascites are
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hepatitis B and C
- Acute liver failure
- Malignancy
- Heart failure
- Tuberculosis
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Pancreatitis
- Budd-Chiari syndrome
- Constrictive Pericarditis
- Chronic alcohol intake
Herbal Treatment For Liver Disorders By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies for the treatment of liver disorders. Planet Ayurveda is a leading herbal manufacturing company Offering products worldwide. The products of this company are 100 percent pure and vegetarian and free from adverse effects. Planet Ayurveda provides the following herbal products for the management of liver disorders
Liver Care pack
The liver care pack of Planet ayurveda contains the standardized extracts of Ayurvedic herbs like
- Yakrit Plihantak churna
- Phyllanthus Niruri
- Echinacea capsules
- Liver detox capsules
Products Description
1.Yakritplihantak Churna
It is a polyherbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda. It improves liver function naturally. It contains the standardized extracts of ayurvedic herbs like- bhumi amla (phyllanthus niruri), kalmegh (andrographis paniculata), bhringraj (eclipta alba), sharpunkha (tephrosia purpurea), makoy (solanum indicum), etc. It helps in liver detoxification. It is useful in fatty liver, liver cirrhosis, jaundice, liver damage due to toxins, alcohol, and infections.it increases bile production and excretion from the liver. It helps in the regeneration of the damaged liver cells.
DOSAGE – 1 tsp twice daily with plain water or fresh juice,45 min. after meals.
2. Phyllanthus Niruri
It is a single herb formulation of Planet Ayurveda prepared by the standardized extracts of bhumi amla (phyllanthus niruri). It helps in the proper functioning of the liver, cases of hepatitis, fatty liver, jaundice, and liver enlargement, due to its anti-hepatotoxic property. this is a wonderful appetite stimulant. and a natural stone breaker and hepato-protective.
DOSAGE – 1-2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
3.Echinacea Capsules
It is a single herb formulation of planet ayurveda prepared by the standardized extracts of kalmegh (andrographis paniculata ). It is a natural anti-viral, antibiotic and anti-parasitic. It works as an immune stimulant and immune booster.This is a cardio-protective and anti-thrombotic agent and useful in skin ailments, cardiac disorders, depressed immunity, and cancers.
DOSAGE – 1-2 Capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Liver Detox Capsules
It is a poly herb formulation of planet ayurveda prepared by the standardized extracts of ayurvedic herbs like- katuki (picrorhiza kurroa) , punarnava (boerhavia diffusa), kalmegh(andrographis paniculata), haritaki(terminalia chebula), etc. It is an effective supplement for natural liver detoxification. It helps in the regeneration of damaged liver cells and gives new strength to the body.
DOSAGE- 1-2 Capsules twice or thrice daily with plain water after meals.
Conclusion
Liver disorders like liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc cases are increasing day by day. These are life-threatening and should be given care at primary stages. Patients go after allopathic medicines without knowing their side effects. But Ayurveda has natural treatment without any side effects. Planet Ayurveda herbal products are 100% vegetarian, natural, without any chemicals and side effects. Planet ayurveda herbal products like liver care packs are very effective in liver disorders.
Txhe liver is the largest gland in the human body. It is located mostly in the right upper portion of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm and a portion of it goes to the left upper part of the abdomen as well. It has two lobes. The liver secretes bile and this bile helps in the digestion of fat. It metabolizes proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It stores glycogen, vitamins and other substances. It synthesizes blood clotting factors, removes toxic matter and wastes from the blood. The liver has the property of regeneration. There are many diseases that affect the liver and its functions, these include- Liver cirrhosis, Jaundice, Hepatitis, Ascites, biliary atresia, etc. Now we are going to discuss in detail about yakrit in Ayurveda and disorders related to it.
Ayurvedic overview
In Ayurveda, the liver is called “ YAKRIT`” The explanation of Yakrit (liver) is different in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda Samhitas, organogenesis and embryology are generally explained in terms of Panchamahabhuta, Tridosha, Saptadhatu, etc. Acharyas have explained Yakrit (liver) genesis from RAKTA DHATU ( blood tissue) during the embryonic stage. As per Acharyas, Yakrit is developed from Matrijabhava. According to Samhitas, the location of the liver is below and right to the heart. The color of Yakrit is Krishanalohitam (reddish-brown). As per acharya Vagbhata, the color of Yakritkhanda (lobes of the liver) is similar to the shukajihva (tongue of parrot). The appearance of Yakrit is a mountain-like solid structure.
In Samhitas, the synonyms of Yakrit(liver) are- Jyotisthana , Kalakhanda, Yakritpinda, Yakritkhanda, Raktashaya, Raktadhara. The main function of Yakrit is RANJANA KRIYA i.e. to offer red color to Rasa dhatu. But according to Acharya Vagbhata, this function is done by Amashaya (stomach). And as per Acharya Sushruta, the Ranjakagni colored the Rasa dhatu, which comes to Yakrit and Pleeha (spleen).
