According to Ayurvedic theory, Liver and spleen disorders are often due to neglect of Pandu, a metabolic disorder correlated with the various types of anemia. Persons who over-exert themselves, eat excessive amounts of sour and salty foods, drink alcohol or do other things that vitiate the blood are subject to this group of diseases.
Yakridvriddhi (Enlarged liver)
Yakridvriddhi refers to an enlargement of the liver, caused by its over-activity, and is most often the result of other serious diseases. It is treated with combinations of purgative, diuretic, digestive and alkali remedies, depending on signs and symptoms. These are taken with the specific medicines.
Some specific medicines include:
- Shatpala ghrita, 1-2 grams twice daily
- Shukti Bhasma (oyster shell ash /Ostrea gigas), 500 mg given with warm water, twice daily.
- An infusion is made from one part Rohitaka stem (rhododendron / Rhododendron arboreum) and two parts Triphala (Phyllanthus emblica / Terminalia belerica / Terminalia chebula) soaked in water or gou mutra (cow urine). Dose is 60-90 mL twice daily.
- Arkalavanam, 1 gram given with warm water, twice daily.
Kamala (Jaundice / Hepatitis)
The Ayurvedic disease of Kamala refers to both jaundice, which is related to an aggravation of hepatic vein system that causes inflammation, and hepatitis, in which there is an aggravation of both the hepatic vein and arterial systems, causing inflammation and swelling. Jaundice is treated with the regular Pitta treatments and diet along with purgative remedies, diuretic remedies, antinflammatories such as Vasaka leaf (Malabar nut / Adhatoda vasica), and the remedies against Pandu (anemia). These treatments help open the bile duct and remove the jaundice.
Hepatitis is treated with the principles and diet used for Pitta and Kapha treatment along with purgative, diuretic, alkaline remedies, and specific remedies against hepatitis. Treatments for hepatitis involve initially treating hepatic edema or swelling of the liver to open the blockage of the bile duct system, followed by use of antiinflammatories and liver restoratives.
Some specific compounds against hepatitis are:
- Mandura vati, 2-3 pills twice daily
- Kamalakilyana, 1000 mg twice daily
After initial treatment of hepatitis (removing jaundice and liver blockage), liver restoratives are added, such as the standard compound Shilajita Rasayana, given in doses of 2 pills twice daily.
Kumbhakamala (Chronic Hepatitis)
If Kamala or heptatitis is not properly treated, it can become chronic with symptoms including fatigue and bleeding problems. Chronic hepatitis is very difficult to cure. However, it can be treated with the same remedies for hepatitis along with anti hemorrhagic remedies and liver restoratives including:
- Chandraprabha vati, 2-3 pills twice daily
- Shilajita Rasayana, 2 pills twice daily
Additional headings in this chapter*
Halimaka (Biliary Cirrhosis)
Parshwoshul (Liver Pain With Swelling)
Madatyaya (Alcoholism)
Pittashmari (Gallstone / Gallbladder Stone)
Yakridvidradhi (Abscess Of The Liver)
Yakritodara (Neoplasm Of The Liver)
Plihavriddhi (Enlargement Of The Spleen)
Plihavidradhi (Abscess Of The Spleen)
Plihodar (Cancer Of The Spleen)
Raktaja Plihavriddhi (Splenitis)
*To acquire the complete contents of “Ayurveda In Nepal: The Bajracharya Samhita” please click here.
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