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Ayurvedic Medicine For Liver Cirrhosis

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Liver cirrhosis is a disease in which the liver becomes damaged due to scar tissue replacing healthy liver tissue. This condition is chronic, meaning that it is irreversible. As the scar tissue progresses, the functioning of the liver worsens. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help in slowing it down or stopping it from worsening.

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The liver performs more than 500 functions in the body. Its key functions include helping in digestion by producing bile, which helps in the breakdown of fats in the small intestine, detoxification of the blood by filtering out toxins, as well as converting poisonous ammonia into urea, which gets excreted through urine.

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The impairment of the liver prevents it from processing nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins. It also prevents the production of proteins and other substances produced by the liver.

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How The Condition Is Seen In Ayurveda

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The primary cause of liver cirrhosis, according to Ayurveda, is an imbalance between the three doshas of the body (bodily energies that are responsible for different functions of the body.

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The liver is where the Pitta resides because it is responsible for metabolism and digestion due to its quality of heat. Aggravated Pitta causes inflammation in the liver, damaging its cells. Aggravation of Vata dosha may cause disruption in movement, which leads to improper digestion and, therefore, blockages in the body’s srotas (channels). 

Aggravation of Kapha dosha can lead to congestion, water retention, and slow digestion. This leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body.

Although this condition is believed to be irreversible in modern medicine, Ayurveda believes that there is a chance of the liver cells regenerating if the condition is treated in its early stages. 

Symptoms Of Liver Cirrhosis

The early stages of liver cirrhosis may not show any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, some early signs start to appear. These are:

  • Fatigue and weakness: It is one of the earliest signs of liver cirrhosis. The individual may constantly feel exhausted and weak.
  • Jaundice: This appears as yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes due to the liver’s failure to process bilirubin.
  • The accumulation of bile salts under the skin can cause severe itching in some people.
  • Ascites: This happens when the fluid accumulates in the abdomen due to impaired liver function and causes swelling and discomfort.
  • Edema: When the fluid accumulates in the legs, and causes swelling.
  • Bruising and bleeding easily: This happens because the liver is unable to produce the proteins that are responsible for blood clotting.
  • Weight loss: considerable weight loss and muscle wasting can also happen in cirrhosis.
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking: The impairment of the liver can cause toxins to accumulate in the brain, causing cognitive difficulties.
  • Appearance of small, spider-like blood vessels on the skin: these happen because of the hormonal imbalance caused due to liver impairment.

Common Causes And Contributing Factors

Some common causes and contributing factors for liver cirrhosis are:

Modern Causes

  • Chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol: It is one of the primary reasons for liver cirrhosis. It can cause severe inflammation of the liver and damage its cells.
  • Hepatitis B and C: These viral chronic infections can also cause chronic liver inflammation and lead to cirrhosis.
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: These are usually linked to diabetes and obesity, and can cause liver scarring due to fatty accumulation in its cells.
  • Autoimmune Hepatitis: This happens when the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy liver cells, causing scarring and chronic inflammation.
  • Biliary cirrhosis: This takes place in the bile ducts, which move the digestive liquid from the liver to the small intestine. It involves blocking of these ducts, triggering cirrhosis.
  • Drugs, toxins, and infections: Long-term exposure to harmful toxins, chronic infections, and certain medications can also cause chronic liver damage. 

Ayurvedic Causes

Ayurvedic causes for liver cirrhosis include:

  • Imbalance in the doshas of the body due to various lifestyle and dietary choices.
  • Aggravation in the Pitta dosha, causing inflammation in the liver.
  • Aggravation in the Vata dosha, obstructing the movement in the body
  • Aggravation of Kapha dosha, leading to congestion, water retention, and slow digestion
  • The imbalance in doshas causing blockages in the strotas of the organ
  • These blockages lead to poor digestion and metabolism, causing toxins to accumulate and impair liver function.

Ayurvedic Medicines For Liver Cirrhosis

Ayurvedic medicines for liver cirrhosis include herbal medicines that aim to detoxify the liver, repair its tissues, and support liver health. Some of these medicines are:

  • Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba): A known rejuvenating herb, it helps in improving liver function and repairing the damaged hepatic cells.
  • Katuki (Picrorhiza Kurroa): It is primarily used as a powdered root with honey and is believed to rejuvenate liver cells and increase their production. It is also constipation that is associated with liver dysfunction.
  • Papaya seeds: they help people who have liver cirrhosis caused due to excessive alcohol consumption. It can be eaten raw or as a juice along with lime juice. It helps in reducing liver inflammation and improving liver function.
  • Turmeric: It is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant, which is a staple for liver maintenance. It boosts immunity and detoxifies the liver, preventing further damage.
  • Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng): it promotes bile and other liver enzymes production and fights the effects of stress and toxins on liver cells.
  • Garlic: Garlic contains compounds such as allicin, alliin, and ajoene, which are anti-inflammatory in nature and possess antioxidant qualities. 
  • Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): It is traditionally used for liver and kidney diseases. It helps with digestion, appetite, and prevents further liver damage.

While these medications can be taken in moderation, for the best results and safe use, it is strongly recommended to take them under the guidance of experienced Jiva Ayurvedic doctors.

Ayurvedic Treatments For Liver Cirrhosis

Along with herbal remedies, Ayurveda also includes detoxification therapies such as Panchakarma to cleanse the body from within and alleviate mental stress through yoga and meditation. Some treatment therapies used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis are:

  • Virechana: It is a therapeutic purgation that helps to cleanse the digestive tract. A milder version of this therapy, along with medications like Haritaki, is used to manage Ascites.
  • Basti: It is a medicated enema that is used to balance the Vata dosha and aids in colon and liver health.
  • Abhyanga: it’s a herbal oil massage which improves circulation in the body, and eases muscle tension.
  • Swedana: it’s a herbal steam therapy which is used to aid detoxification and alleviate stress.   

Dietary And Lifestyle Factors To Be Considered

More than half the cases of liver cirrhosis take place of a person’s dietary and lifestyle choices. Comparatively, a very low number of cases stem from genetic or uncontrolled reasons. This tells us that this chronic condition can be avoided or stopped from worsening to a great extent just by focusing on our diet and lifestyle. Some tips to achieve relief from liver cirrhosis symptoms are:

Dietary Tips

  • Include proteins in your diet. They should include both plant-based as well as lean animal proteins, such as legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), nuts, seeds, tofu, Fish, chicken, and egg whites.
  • Consume whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat products over refined grains.
  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables such as apples, berries, carrots, leafy greens, and garlic. These possess antioxidant qualities and help with digestion.
  • Avoid alcohol, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, but be mindful of sodium content.
  • Eat frequent, smaller meals. They can be easier to manage and help prevent feeling overly full.

Lifestyle Tips

  • Exercise regularly.
  • Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio, such as walking, on most days to help reduce liver fat, improve insulin sensitivity, and support weight management.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Regular exercise and a healthy diet help with weight management, which can improve liver function.

While these changes in daily life are necessary for aiding liver cirrhosis, it is also necessary to consult professional Ayurvedic help from experts at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø to get a holistic healing program.

When To Consult An Ayurvedic Expert At ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

Professional Ayurvedic help should be consulted as soon as you notice the characteristic symptoms of liver cirrhosis. These are:

  • Persistent fatigue or weakness
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Noticeable yellow tint in your skin or the whites of your eyes
  • Persistent or severe itching without a visible rash
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Swelling in legs (edema)
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking (hepatic encephalopathy)
  • Unexplained weight loss 

But why ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø?

Here, our Ayunique Treatment philosophy focuses not only on relieving the symptoms of this painful condition but also on inquiring into its root cause and healing the patient holistically. Our treatment programs for each patient are planned after assessing their prakriti, which is their bodily constitution of doshas, so that the patient can get exactly what they need. 

Conclusion

Liver cirrhosis is a painful condition that can degrade the quality of one’s life significantly. It is a chronic condition, which means it is irreversible. This makes it even more necessary to treat it as soon as possible because early diagnosis and early beginning of treatment can greatly reduce the progression of the disease. 

For a holistic treatment, and not just a symptomatic one, you should contact Ayurvedic experts at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, where you will not only get relief from its symptoms, but also get the root cause of the condition treated too. 

FAQS:-

What are the types of Liver Cirrhosis?

The types of Liver Cirrhosis include alcohol Cirrhosis due to excess alcohol consumption, biliary Cirrhosis from bile duct disorders, and cryptogenic Cirrhosis caused by unidentified causes.

How is Liver Cirrhosis diagnosed using Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic practitioners can diagnose Liver Cirrhosis based on the symptoms, patient history, lifestyle assessment & pulse diagnosis.

How can Ayurveda help prevent Liver Cirrhosis?

Ayurveda can prevent Liver Cirrhosis by recommending a healthy diet, herbal supplements, and lifestyle modifications that minimise liver harm and promote liver function.

What is a simple Liver Cirrhosis diet chart recommended in Ayurveda?

A basic Liver Cirrhosis diet chart includes easily digestible cooked foods, with lots of fruits and vegetables, moderate protein, and low in fats and spices to reduce liver strain.

Can Liver Cirrhosis be reversed?

Liver Cirrhosis can not usually be completely reversed, but Ayurveda can help ease the symptoms and prevent further liver damage.

What lifestyle changes does Ayurveda recommend to ease Liver Cirrhosis?

For the management of Liver Cirrhosis, Ayurveda recommends avoiding alcohol, eating right, light exercise, and monitoring salt intake.

Are there any Ayurvedic herbs that support liver health?

Herbs like Bhringraj, Katuki, and Punarnava are considered to support liver function and control Liver Cirrhosis symptoms in Ayurveda.

What are the complications of untreated Liver Cirrhosis?

Complications include fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bleeding disorders, liver cancer, and even hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction because of liver failure).

How does alcohol affect Liver Cirrhosis?

Alcohol speeds up liver damage and accelerates Cirrhosis, especially in those patients with existing liver conditions.

Is Liver Cirrhosis contagious?

No, Liver Cirrhosis is not contagious. It's caused by liver damage from alcohol use, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease, among other causes.

Can Liver Cirrhosis cause other health issues?

Yes, it may result in severe health issues such as renal failure, diabetes, and increased sensitivity to infections due to a weak immune system.

How frequently should a person with Liver Cirrhosis see an Ayurvedic practitioner?

Regular consultations are recommended every 3 to 6 months, or more frequently if symptoms worsen, to help adjust treatments and manage the condition.

 

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