Hepatitis treatment in Ayurveda -Liver Cirrhosis

Hepatitis Treatment in Ayurveda 

Liver is known as the seat of metabolism. Body’s hormones, neurotransmitters, carbohydrate, proteins, vitamins, nutrients, fats, toxins, bacteria and viruses are all processed by liver. There are so many functions performed by liver and the list is endless.

Liver is the biggest gland in the body and bears the burden of everything on itself. A person's entire blood supply passes through the liver several times a day, and at any given time there is about a pint of blood there.

• Liver helps in digestion also as it secretes bile to digest the fats and break them down into smaller molecules called fatty acids.

• It also produces prothrombin and fibrinogen, both blood-clotting factors, and heparin, a mucopolysaccharide sulfuric acid ester that helps keep blood from clotting within the circulatory system.

• The liver converts sugar into glycogen and stores  it until the muscles need energy and it is secreted into the blood stream as glucose. In case of stress, the glycogen is again converted back into glucose to provide energy to the body.

• The liver makes protein molecules and cholesterol and converts carbohydrates into proteins and into fats, which are stored for later use.

• It produces thousands of enzymes required for digestion and other body functions.

• The liver produces urea when it breaks down proteins and also releases carbon di oxide and ammonia during this process. This is excreted by the kidneys. Therefore too much protein consumptions puts extra load on liver as well as kidneys, as proteins are rich in proteins.

• The liver also stores trace elements like iron, copper and vitamins like A,D and B12.

• The viruses, bacterias and other toxins are processed by liver and are converted into less harmful substances. The toxins come in the form of synthetic medicines, alcohol, adulterants, preservatives, pesticides, pollutants

• Liver also neutralizes internally produced toxins like nitrogenous wastes and other left overs of the cellular metabolism.

Because of the significant role the liver plays in maintaining our health, we must do all we can to keep it functioning properly.

Symptoms of Sluggish liver 

Fatigue
Weakness
Lack of appetite
Digestion problems
Imbalance in blood sugar levels
Skin diseases
High cholesterol
Constipation

Severe Liver Disease 

Continues liver stress leads to severe problems like Jaundice, hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.

What is Liver Cirrhosis – When due to prolonged liver illness and liver damage, the scarring of liver occurs. This is called Cirrhosis. The main sign and symptoms are lack of appetite, fullness of stomach, filling of water in abdomen, water retention in legs, swelling all over body, anemia, weakness, fatigue. Ayurveda offers treatment of liver cirrhosis also. There are herbs which have been very useful in treatment of liver cirrhosis as well.

What is Hepatitis  and its treatment in Ayurveda

Hepato means pertaining to liver and “itis” means inflammation or swelling.   The swelling or inflammation of liver is called Hepatitis. Any injury to liver cells can lead to Hepatitis.
The injury can be due to virues, bacteria, toxins, synthetic medicines or alcohol.
Hepatitis is the term usually used when the injury to the liver is because of a specific virus known as Hepatitis virus.
The viral hepatitis is the most common of all causes of liver inflammation.
The most common hepatitis viruses affecting the liver are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E and now recently discovered F and G.

Yakrit plihantak Churna is an effective herbal blend which is used since ages in Ayurveda to treat all liver conditions including fatty liver, liver cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Remedies for Hepatitis B-C and Liver Cirrohosis due to Alcohol

The following combination is useful 

 1. Yakrit plihantak churna - 1 teaspoonful twice daily or boil 2 tablespoonfuls in about 400 ml of   
     water , boil until it remains 50 ml. Filter and consume. Add sugar to taste if not diabetic 

1.     2.       Tab. Arogyavardhni vati – 2 tablets twice daily, after meals with plain water

       3.       Cap. Phyllanthus niruri  – 2 capsules twice daily
       4.     Cap. Echinacea ( kalmegh )  – 2 Capsules twice daily

       5.     Tab. Livomap   – 2 tablets  twice daily 

       6.       Cap. Punarnava – 2 capsules twice daily
       7.     Cap.  Liver Detox - 2 twice daily 

       8.       Mix all the following in the below mentioned quantity, make 60 Sachets and consume 1 sachet   
               twice daily with honey.

Praval Panchamrit- 10 gm

Kamdudha Ras –  10 gm

Kalmegh Navayas Loh – 10 gm

Tapyadi Loh – 5 gm

Yashad Bhasma – 5 gm

Mukta Pishti – 2 gm

Akik Pishti – 10 gm

Swarn Makshik Bhasma – 5 gm

Punarnava mandur – 10 gm

Jahar Mohra Pishti- 10 gm

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Make 60 Sachets of Equal quantity- consume 1 twice daily with honey.

For getting all these remedies delivered at your doorstep, please contact my assistant at +91-9915593604 or e mail at - herbalremedies123@yahoo.com 

Dr. Vikram Chauhan- MD (Ayurveda )  explaining about Liver cirrhosis treatment in Ayurveda. The cirrhosis can be caused by any reason - Hepatitis, Alcohol, Drugs or any other toxins. 

Hepatitis A   The virus of Hepatitis A spreads via Faeco-oral route i.e. it is transmitted through flies and unhygienic food.  Once infected with HAV, some symptoms such as dark yellow urine and fatigue will begin to appear within 25 days. Hepatitis A is a relatively easier to handle disease. Rest along with a few ayurvedic medicines help to restore the healthy liver functions. Hepatitis B -  It is a blood to blood transferred disease. Hepatitis B is on the increase world-wide now a days. It is transmitted through direct contact with blood, serum, saliva and sexual contact.  This is becoming an epidemic worldwide as it spreads in drug addicts, prostitutes ( unprotected sex with Hepatitis B positive person), usage of unsterilized tattooing equipments, healthcare workers, blood transfusion of unscreened blood.  Hepatitis B is a major complicated disease which can progress to liver failure or cirrhosis. The treatment is necessary. The vaccine to prevent the disease is available. Hepatitis C -  It is again a serious form of liver disease with no known treatment in modern medicine except some interferones or anti-virals. Ayurveda offers much more help and although it is difficult to treat disease, but still the results are much better by using Ayurvedic medicines for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is also  transmitted through blood and body fluids in transfusions, injections, the sharing of IV needles with drug users, and possibly by sexual contact with exposed partners. Hepatitis D – It only occurs in the presence of Hepatitis B virus and therefore the treatment is the same as of Hepatitis B. Hepatitis E – This is another type similar to Hepatitis A. It is another common type of hepatitis in developing countries. It occurs in epidemics. The infection route for it is faecal-oral, the same as the route for Hepatitis A virus;  and you must be very careful in what you eat and drink. Treatment of Hepatitis in Ayurveda 

Usually Hepatitis A is self-limiting. Most of the Hepatitis A virus patients will return to normal in between four to six weeks time but still Ayurveda helps to improve the recovery time. In many cases, the normalcy time is about 1-2 weeks.  The antibodies that the body's immune system develops kill the infection and also produce immunity to Hepatitis A virus

But with Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus, many people will go into a chronic phase that leads to chronic phase. With chronic HBV and HCV, 30% of patients develop cirrhosis of the liver or hepatocellular carcinoma. Ayurveda offers a great hope for these patients who are suffering from Hepatitis B and C. 

In modern medicine, the only protection against hepatitis are the HAV and the HBV vaccines. There is nothing available for HCV protection so far. Therefore, limiting our exposure to hepatitis is the best prevention. We have to take the responsibility for prevention of hepatitis ourselves. This means using safe sexual practices, taking precautions when exposed to blood and blood products; avoiding the sharing of IV needles; taking care to eat in restaurants that enforce hand-washing policies among their employees; and avoiding scavenger seafood. 

What is Liver Cirrhosis Cirrhosis of the liver is a chronic, diffuse degenerative liver disease in which the functional organ tissue degenerates, the lobules are infiltrated with fat and structurally altered.

Cirrhosis is the 7th leading cause of death by disease in the United States. In most cases, though, there is a loss of liver cell function, and an increased resistance to blood flow through the damaged liver tissue (a condition known as portal hypertension) leading to oesophageal varices. Severe cirrhosis leads to ammonia toxicity, hepatic coma, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and kidney failure. As liver cells are destroyed, they are systematically replaced by scar tissue.

The most common cause of cirrhosis is believed to be alcohol overconsumption. 

Alcohol is metabolized by liver and suffers injury during that process. Alcohol not only destroys liver cells but also robs them of their ability to regenerate quickly. 

Treatment of liver cirrhosis

More than half of all liver disease could be prevented if we acted on the knowledge we already have. Avoiding or limiting the use of alcohol. Man-made chemicals also pose an extreme threat to the liver

       

 Once cirrhosis has been diagnosed, sodium and fluids should be restricted, and all alcohol consumption should be stopped immediately.  Antiemetics, diuretics, and supplemental vitamins are prescribed. Patients should avoid exposure to infections and eat small but frequent meals of nutritious foods. The liver is the only organ that can generate healthy, new tissue. It is therefore possible to regenerate a cirrhosis-damaged liver if extraordinary therapies are followed and the underlying cause of the cirrhosis is eliminated.

Ayurvedic treatment of Hepatitis and other liver diseases like Cirrhosis

Hepatitis A responds very well to herbs. Eclipta Alba, Picrorrhiza, Punarnava, Bhumi Amla give excellent results in treatment of Hepatitis. These ayurvedic herbs are made into a blend by Planet Ayurveda pharmacy and the blend is known as “Yakrit Plihantak Churna”.  The herbal capsules can also be consumed which are made from the extracts of these herbs. These are known as Liver Detox Capsules, and can be purchased at www.planetayurveda.com . It is recommend that people take these herbs on a prophylactic basis when travelling to parts of the world where hepatitis infection is a risk.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hepatitis B -  Hepatitis C

Ayurvedic treatment consists of continuous use of herbs like Phyllanthus Amarus, Phyllanthus Niruri, and Eclipta Alba which have proven their ability to reverse HBV infections in approximately 60% to 70% of patients. More significantly, with these herbs we are able to stop the process, which leads to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. They are even found to be very useful in Liver cirrhosis. These herbs are blended in the formulation – Yakrit Plihantak Churna ( Check www.planetayurveda.com) 

The herbs can stop the progression of the disease and these herbs are able to stop conversion of hepatitis into liver cirrhosis. In many cases, the hepatitis can become negative as well for the hepatitis B as well as C but still in many who do not become negative but can be prevented from developing into full blow cirrhosis or liver failure. 

How to Protect Liver from Damage 

• Avoid Alcohol 

• Avoid Caffeine 

• Avoid chemical based synthetic drugs, anti-biotics 

• Avoid drinking and eating at unhygeining places

• Be careful when you are getting your blood tests done or getting blood or donating blood. 

• Avoid tattooing with unsterilized instruments • Avoid shaving at public saloons or those who use same razor for everyone, especially in underdeveloped countries • Practice protected sex Liver disease in Ayurveda –  Ayurveda explains the liver disease as “kaamla” and the main complications of Kaamla disease are Halimak, Kumbha Kamla and Paanki. The Kumbha kamla is jaundice with water accumulation. The Halimak Kaamla is Jaundice with fever. The Paanki is Jaundice with diarrhea. Treatment plan of Hepatic disorders – 

According to Ayurveda, the treatment consists of consuming herbs which are helpful in secretion and making of bile. Herbs like Katuki, Bhumiamla, Kaasni, Punarnava, Bhringraj are all found to be useful in such conditions. The regular use helps in all types of Hepatitis and even in Liver cirrhosis.  All these herbs are found in Yakrit Plihantak Churna which can be used in the treatment of Hepatitis as well as fatty liver. We have explained this Churna ( powder) as effective combination of herbs for fatty liver mainly but this is found to be very useful in treating hepatitis of all types as well as liver cirrhosis. 

Yakrit Plihantantak Churna and Fatty liver Package  - Check www.planetayurveda.com/yakrit.htm for more details about Yakrit plihantak Churna 

The fatty liver package is designed in such a way that it helps the body to clear off hepatitis viruses, bacteria and other toxins. It helps the liver to regenerate and makes an excellent combination to fight fatty liver, sluggish liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver.

Research work on herbs found in Yakrit Plihantak Churna -  Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh)

Andrographolide, the active constituent isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata, showed a significant dose dependent (0.75 - 12 mg/kg p.o. x7) protective activity against paracetamol-induced toxicity on ex vivo preparation of isolated rat hepatocytes. It significantly increased the percent viability of the hepatocytes as tested by trypan blue exclusion and oxygen uptake tests. It completely antagonized the toxic effects of paracetamol on certain enzymes (GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase) in serum as well as in isolated hepatic cells. Andrographolide was found to be more potent than silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective agent.[4]

For centuries Andrographis has been an important herb in the Asian healing systems of Ayurveda, Unani and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditionally this herb has been used to potentiate immune system response to inflammation and infections, and as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (lowers fevers) and a hepatoprotective (liver protector).

Phyllanthus Amaris (Bhuiamala)

Phyllanthus Amaris has been researched for its effects on hepatitis, and in 1988 Thyagaran et al. (ibid) reported that 22 of 37 cases of Hepatitis B lost their "carrier" status after using the herb for a month. In the placebo control group only 1 person out of 23 had equivalent results! Read More about Bhuiamala>>>> 

Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava)

An alcoholic extract of whole plant Boerhavia diffusa given orally exhibited hepatoprotective activity against experimentally induced carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats and mice. The extract also produced an increase in normal bile flow in rats suggesting a strong choleretic activity. The extract does not show any signs of toxicity up to an oral dose of 2g/kg in mice.[7]

Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj)

The hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol/water (1:1) extract of Eclipta alba was studied at subcellular levels in rats against (CCl4) -induced hepatotoxicity. The loss of hepatic lysomal acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase by (CCl4) was significantly restored by Ea. The study shows that hepatoprotective activity of Ea is by regulating the levels of hepatic microsomal drug metabolising enzymes.[6]

Swertia Chirata(Chirayata)

Simultaneous treatments with S. Chirata (in different doses, viz, 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg body wt daily) and (CCl4) caused improvement at both biochemical and histopathological parameters compared to that of (CCl4) treatment alone but it was most effective when S. chirata was administered in a moderate dose (50 mg/kg body wt).[2]

Terminalia belerica(Baheda)  Compound I isolated from fraction TB5 of Terminalia belerica and finally identified as 3,4,5-trihydroxy benzoic acid (gallic acid) was evaluated for its hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) - induced physiological and biochemical alterations in the liver. Administration of compound I led to significant reversal of majority of the altered parameters. Our results confirm the presence of hepatoprotective activity in altered parameters. Our results confirm the presence of hepatoprotective activity in Compound I.[3]

Tinospora cordifolia(Guduchi)

Outstanding results in people suffering from jaundice have been obtained using a herb called Tinospora Cordifolia: In 1993, Rege et al. (ibid) used the herb in malignant obstructive jaundice: half of the group received conventional treatment - drugs and drainage - the other half were treated with drainage plus T. Cordifolia. After conclusion of treatment, 50% of the drug-treated group were found to have blood poisoning while none of the herb treated group developed this problem. After surgery, only 40% of the drug-treated group survived, whereas an amazing 92.4% 0f those treated with the herb lived.

The hepatoprotective effect of T. Cordifolia has been studied in carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats. While acute damage was enhanced by prior exposure to the drug, it proved effective in the prevention of fibrosis, and in stimulating regeneration of hepatic tissue.[1]

Picrorhiza kuroa (Katuki)

Picrorrhiza Kurroa is one of the herbs they recommend to support the liver not only in everyday situations, but in cases where severe viral infections attack: a 1996 study by Vaidya found protection against viral hepatitis, and other studies have demonstrated its helpfulness in protecting against alcohol.[8]

The hepatoprotective activity of picroliv, the irridoid glycoside mixture from Picrorhiza kuroa, was determined in adult male albino rats. Pretreatment with picroliv prevented the hepatotoxic effects of paracetamol and galactosamine as evidenced by varios biochemical and histopathological observations. Maximum hepatoprotective effect was observed with daily oral doses of 6 and 12 mg/kg for 7 or 8 days. The antihepatotoxic action of picroliv seems l