World Hepatitis Day 2017: 8 Ayurvedic herbs that can help treat jaundice (hepatitis A)

World Hepatitis Day 2017: These Ayurvedic herbs help the liver recover from jaundice.

By: Sandhya Raghavan | | Updated: July 26, 2017 6:03 pm

Herbal treatment of jaundice caused by hepatitis A is increasingly gaining popularity, especially since allopathy doesn’t have an established treatment for it. Apart from diet control and rest, WHO doesn’t recommend any treatment for the disease. That’s why people all over the country have been falling back on traditional Indian wisdom for the treatment of the condition. Many Indians prefer Ayurveda since it is economical and free of adverse effects that are commonly seen in allopathic drugs. Also Read - What are the best foods to eat during jaundice?

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Ayurveda follows a holistic approach to balance the tridoshas by prescribing a strict diet regimen and potent Ayurvedic herbs. Dr Surya Bhagwati from Dr Vaidya’s New Age Ayurveda names some of the common herbs that can help in the effective treatment of jaundice resulting from hepatitis A. Also Read - These Ayurvedic herbs can do wonders to boost your respiratory health

Kutki: This herb is known by its scientific name picrorhiza kurroa and is a common Ayurvedic medicine. Although it has many health benefits such as antioxidant, inflammatory and immunomodulatory qualities, it is prized mostly for its liver-protecting properties. It is one of the best remedies for jaundice.

Giloy: Also known as tinospora cordifolia, giloy is valued for its hepatoprotective, or liver-protecting properties. Ayurveda recommends this humble herb for the effective treatment of jaundice.

Nisoth: Nisoth is one of the two best Ayurvedic herbs for jaundice, the other being kutki. The herb is taken in a powdered form or mixed with water.

Vasaka: Vasaka is also known by its scientific name Justicia adhatoda, the leaves of which have been used to cure jaundice in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It acts by healing the liver from the inflammatory damaged caused by hepatitis.

Kakamachi: This herb is known by its scientific name solanum nigru. The fruits of the plant protect against liver toxicity. Long before science validated its liver-protecting power, Ayurveda had already discovered its healing powers.

Triphala: Technically, triphala is not a herb but a combination of three powerful herbs that have detoxing powers: amlaki or gooseberry, bibhitaki or terminalia bellirica and haridraki or terminalia chebula. The herb is administered in a powdered form to the patients for quick recovery from jaundice.

Indian aloe vera: The plant is used in Ayurveda to cure jaundice, mainly due to its liver-friendly properties.

Bhumi amalaki: The plant is used not only in Ayurveda but also in Siddha school of medicine for liver protection. It is known by its scientific name Phyllanthus Niruri. Down in Kerala where Siddha vaids use it for its various medicinal properties, it is known by its Malayalam name keezhanelli.