How Ayurveda Can Help in Treating Hepatic Encephalopathy?
In this shloka, Causes are Explained.
- Due to excessive jerking and traveling, excessive bodily movements and sexual intercourse the liver and spleen gets displaced from its normal position which results in their enlargement and accumulation of the blood in it through rasa also causes their enlargement.
(Reference: Charak Samhita (Chikitsa Sthan) chapter-13 and shloka-35 and 36)
If you have/had the liver disease for a while and notice something different about the way you feel and act. Sometimes you may be forgetting things or get confused when someone is talking to you. Your friends may feel your speech is slurred or you say things which are not appropriate. There may be changes in behavior.
It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). But in rare cases, a person with this disease may slip into a coma.
As per Ayurveda Aspect
The liver disorder is termed as “Yakrit Vikara” in which yakrit means liver and vikara means the disorder or disease.
According to Acharya Sushruta, the liver is made up from the blood (rakta) during the embryonic stage which is the main site of blood.
The main causes of yakrit vikara are:
- Madhyapana (excessive alcohol consumption)
- Diwaswapana (Excessive sleep in the day time)
- Ratri Jagran (Night awakening)
- Kshata (injury)
- Guru and abhishyandi bhojana (Intake of heavy and unhealthy food items)
It is classified under two categories:
- Mlana Yakrit (improper functioning of the liver)
- Yakrit vridhi (Enlargement of the liver)
As Per Modern Aspect
What is Hepatic Encephalopathy?
Hepatic encephalopathy is a disease caused by the buildup of toxins in the brain due to certain liver disease and affects a lot of things like mood, speech, sleep, behavior, etc.
In some of the cases, the symptoms are so mild that it is even hard to notice. The right and proper treatment can help in keeping the condition under control but if you don’t take proper treatment or don’t take care of yourself then the condition will continue to get worse.
What are the Types of Hepatic Encephalopathy?
Acute hepatic encephalopathy develops due to severe liver disease.
Several conditions related are:
- Acute fulminant viral hepatitis: This condition occurs suddenly.
- Toxic hepatitis: It is caused due to excessive exposure to chemicals, drugs, and alcohol.
Reye’s Syndrome:
This condition is rarely seen in children that causes sudden swelling and inflammation in the brain and liver.
What are the Causes of Hepatic Encephalopathy?
This disease starts when the liver gets damaged from a disease like chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis or Reye’s syndrome. The toxins get into the bloodstream and travel to the brain. They get accumulated over there and causes the physical and mental symptoms of HE.
Several things can trigger the condition and make it worse. Some causes are:
- Infection
- Constipation
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- Bleeding from esophagus, stomach or intestine
- Certain medications like pain relievers, water pills or sleeping pills
- Having kidney disorders
- Excessive alcohol intake
- High protein diet intake
- Trauma or surgery
What are the Stages of Hepatic Encephalopathy?
The stages of this condition are based on the severity of the symptoms. There are 5 stages:
Stage 0: At this stage, there are minimal symptoms
Stage 1: The symptoms are mild with changes in sleep habits
Stage 2: The symptoms are moderate and the patient may feel lethargic
Stage 3: The symptoms are so severe that the patient is unable to perform the daily tasks.
Stage 4: It is characterized by coma.
What are the Symptoms of Hepatic Encephalopathy?
There are several symptoms that start slowly and get worse bit by bit.
- Forget the things
- Get confused
- Low concentration power
- Musty breath disorder
- Feel excited or nervous
- Sudden change in the behavior
- Not feel interested
- Get Cranky
Some other physical changes in the body that may be noticed:
- Bad breath
- It is hard to move the hands
- Slurred speech
- Feels sluggish
Natural Treatment for Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Liver Detox:
Liver detox is formulated with pure and natural herbs like punarnava, kakmachi, katuki, kaasni, kalmegh, haritaki, himsra, etc. These herbs are effective in detoxification of the body in a natural way. These capsules are effective in treating symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy. It also boosts up the liver functions and maintains the hormonal balance.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
- Phyllanthus Niruri:
Phyllanthus niruri is a herbal formulation prepared from the herb “bhumi Amalaki” which is widely used in treating liver disorders. It possesses anti-viral, anti-parasitic and antibiotic properties. It has been used in Ayurveda in since many ages because it reduces the vitiated Kapha and Vata dosha in the body which is the main cause of hepatic encephalopathy. It is also a coolant in nature.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
- Echinacea Capsules:
Echinacea capsules are formulated with the pure extract of Andrographis paniculata which is also known as the “King of bitters”. The other name of this herb is Kalmegh. It regenerates the liver cells and protects healthy cells. This herb has been used in Ayurveda for many ages as it reduces the vitiated pitta dosha in the body and purifies the blood.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
- Brahmi Capsules:
Brahmi capsules are prepared from the pure extract of Brahmi herb. This herb has been used in Ayurveda for many ages as it pacifies the vitiated Pitta and Kapha dosha in the body. The active compounds present in it are helpful in regenerating the brain cells and causes no harm if used for a longer period of time. It keeps the mind relax and cool and treats symptoms associated with brain-related disorders. It provides strength and supports the nervous system of the body.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
- Gotu Kola Capsules:
Gotu kola is the most common herb used in Ayurveda that works on the nervous system. These capsules are prepared from the pure and standardized extract of the herb Centella Asiatica. According to Ayurveda, it pacifies the Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha in the body and relaxes the central nervous system.
Dosage: 1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals.
