Can Ayurveda cure Jaundice? Ancient methods paired with clinical evidence say yes!

Jaundice, known in Ayurveda as Kamala, is more than just a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and is treated as a hint to deeper imbalances in the body, and these involve the liver and blood. Modern medicine often treats jaundice symptomatically, focusing on reducing bilirubin levels, but in Ayurveda, the treatment approach aims to address the root cause and restore the body’s natural balance.
In Ayurvedic texts, Kamala is considered a Pittaja Nanatmaja disorder, which means that it arises due to an increase in the Pitta dosh. It is also seen as a Rakta Pradoshaja Vyadhi, which is a disease that stems from impurities in the blood.
Acharya Charaka, one of the foundational figures in Ayurveda, regarded Kamala as an advanced stage of Panduroga, or Anemia, highlighting the interconnectedness of blood health and liver function.

The Ayurvedic understanding of Kamala is remarkably detailed. According to the classical texts, the liver (Yakrit), spleen (Pliha), and the channels that carry bile and blood play important roles in its development. When Pitta becomes aggravated due to poor diet, irregular lifestyle, or emotional stress, it accumulates in the liver and blood, leading to impaired metabolism and the symptoms of jaundice. The skin and eyes turn yellow, digestion weakens, and there is a loss of appetite, fatigue, and sometimes even intense fever.

And according to ‘Holistic Health: Laws and Facts’, a book by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, one of the main treatments prescribed in Ayurveda for Kamala is Virechana Karma, or purgation therapy. This is part of the Panchakarma system, the five core detoxifying procedures that help remove excess doshas from the body.
Virechana helps expel the aggravated Pitta from the liver and intestines, relieving the pressure on the bile ducts and restoring normal liver function.

Alongside Virechana, a range of herbs and formulations are recommended in Ayurvedic practice, and it includes several herbs too, especially ones that help in liver-protection and detoxifying properties. These herbs work gently but effectively, reducing inflammation in the liver, supporting bile secretion, and purifying the blood.

The treatments in Ayurveda

One of the first solutions and treatments mentioned is of Purification and Purgation. It mentions that for curable jaundice, the first step involves mild purgatives derived from bitter substances, aiming to remove excess Pitta from the system. Formulations using Trivrit, Triphala, and Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) are recommended to stimulate bile flow and cleanse the digestive tract.

There is also a combination of herbs like Triphala, Giloy, Daruharidra, and Black pepper that should be taken as a decoction mixed with honey, and this is believed to improve liver function and support bile metabolism.
It also mentions that Tribhandai, mixed with jaggery or sugar, also helps balance the Pitta.
And as an alternative to Tribhandai, there is Sunthi (dry ginger) and jaggery mix that soothes inflammation.

The book also says that the 4 herbs - Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki, and Nimba, help restore liver vitality and purify the blood.

Why opt for Ayurveda?

While most people look for quick solutions in modern medicine, a problem they encounter is the recurrence of the problem. And so if you wish to have a more holistic healing method, Ayurveda can be the way to go.
In Ayurveda, patients are advised to follow a light, easily digestible diet that supports liver health, and foods like moong dal soup, boiled vegetables, pomegranate juice, and coconut water are encouraged. Patients are also advised to do regular yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation are also part of the healing process, helping to calm the mind and regulate the body’s internal functions.

Be it Yoga asanas like Gomukhasana, Dhanurasana, or Balasana, or Dhyaan and Pranayam practices, Ayurveda helps people heal, not just treat their diseases.