JAUNDICE
Jaundice is characterised by the appearance of yellowness in the eyes and skin. In Ayurveda this is called kamala. It is caused by excessive circulation of pitta (bile pigments) in the blood. The liver is responsible for the production of pitta. If there is any obstruction in the bile duct, or impairment of the functions of the liver, or excessive destruction of the red blood cells, then the pitta appears in excess in the blood.
Classification of Jaundice:
Generally, jaundice is of two types.
1) Haemolytic jaundice and 2) Obstructive jaundice
Ayurvedic classics divided jaundice in two types according to its origin.
1) Direct and 2) Indirect
Direct origin is again subdivided in ‘Koshthashrit Kaamala’ (Haemolytic jaundice) and ‘Shaakhashrit Kaamala’ (Obstructive jaundice). If ‘Koshthashrit Kaamala’ (Haemolytic jaundice) is not treated properly, it will lead to ‘Kumbh Kaamala’.
When an Anaemic patient consumes excessive ‘Pitta’ vitiating diet (i.e. excessive hot, sour, salty or pungent food articles), the other variety of jaundice (indirect way of origin) may occur.
Causes of Jaundice :-
- Heavy intake of oily, spicy, sour, salty, alkaline,
- Intake of very hot foods; alcohol; and sesame oil
- Pandu roga
- Vidahi Ahar sevan
- Excessive physical work
- Overindulgence in sexual activity
- Suppression of the natural urges
- Psychological factors like fear, anger, and stress
Symptoms
- Lack of appetite
- Burning sensation in the body
- Low-grade fever
- Indigestion
- Excessive thirst
- Loss of libido
- Yellow tinge in Eyes
- Yellowish discolouration of skin
- Nails become yellowish
- Face become yellowish
- Faeces become red or yellow coloured
- Bloody red or dark yellow coloured urine
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Lack of appetite
Jaundice Treatment in Ayurveda
- Snehana- Intake of medicated ghee like tiktak ghruta or mahatiktaka ghrut
- Vaman- Emesis treatment
- Mrudu virechana- Purgation by erand oil
Following are recommended as herbal medicine for jaundice:
- Haritaki kalka with gomutra
- Guduchi swaras with honey
- Triphala kwath
- Gomutra haritaki
- Darvyadi leha
- Punarnava mandur
- Aarogyavardhini
- Sugarcane
- Tomato Juice
- Radish leaves
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Lemon Juice
- Tomatoes
- Amla
- Tulsi
Recommended Diet and Lifestyle for the Patient
- Avoid hot, spicy, oily, and heavy foods
- Eat a vegetarian diet.
- Avoid refined flour, polished rice (white rice), mustard oil, mustard seeds, asafoetida, peas, canned and preserved foods, cakes, pastries, chocolates, alcoholic beverages, and aerated drinks.
- Increase intake of whole-wheat flour, brown rice or parboiled rice, mangoes, bananas, tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, Indian gooseberries (amla), grapes, radishes, lemons, dried dates, raisins, almonds, and cardamom.
- Avoid heavy exercise.
- Do regular meditation.
- Take complete rest.