Ayurvedic Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis

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What is Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver Cirrhosis is a serious condition where the liver slowly deteriorates and is unable to function properly due to chronic injury. Scar tissue replaces healthy liver cells gradually and prevents the liver from processing nutrients, hormones, drugs, and toxins. This condition also prevents the production of proteins and other products made by the liver.

Cirrhosis isn't an immediate process but occurs over years. With each new scar tissue formation, the structure and function of the liver become increasingly worse. There are generally 2 stages of Liver Cirrhosis: Compensated and decompensation. In the compensated stage, there are often no symptoms while the damage is taking place. By the decompensated stage, this condition displays symptoms like jaundice, easy bruising, bleeding, fluid accumulation in the abdomen and severe confusion.

Historically, Ayurveda classifies several liver ailments as "Udara Roga" (abdominal diseases). Important ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita classify liver-related disorders into eight types of Udara Roga. Yakrddalyudara is described as one type of Udara Roga in the 19th chapter of the Sutra Sthana and the 13th chapter of the Chikitsa Sthana of Charaka Samhita, indicating liver disorders.
Understanding Cirrhosis of the liver and its stages may help with management of this condition and halting its progression with timely medical and lifestyle interventions.

Common Causes of Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when the liver is damaged for a prolonged period. This damage causes scarring and prevents the liver from working normally. Understanding the common Liver Cirrhosis causes can help prevent its onset and manage symptoms if it develops.

Some of the most common Liver Cirrhosis causes are:

Chronic Alcohol Abuse: An important reason for Cirrhosis of the liver is regular and excess alcohol consumption. Alcohol may lead to severe inflammation and scarring of liver cells.
Hepatitis B & C: Worldwide, these viral infections are major Liver Cirrhosis causes. Chronic hepatitis causes chronic liver inflammation and may eventually lead to Cirrhosis.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): This particular ailment, usually linked to diabetes and obesity, involves fatty accumulation in liver cells which causes scarring and inflammation.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: This happens when the immune system attacks liver cells, leading to chronic inflammation and ultimately Cirrhosis.
Genetic Diseases: Several inherited disorders, like Wilson disease and hemochromatosis, lead to excessive buildup of materials like copper and iron in the liver, leading to liver damage.
Biliary Cirrhosis: This type of Cirrhosis begins in the bile ducts, which move the digestive liquid bile from the liver into your small intestine. Diseases like primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis ultimately block these ducts and trigger Cirrhosis.
Drugs, Toxins & Infections: Constant exposure to harmful toxins, chronic infections and certain medications can cause long lasting liver damage and Cirrhosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis can be asymptomatic and thus often goes unnoticed in its early stages. But with time, symptoms begin to show signs of serious liver damage as the condition progresses. Recognising these signs early may help manage the disease and avoid complications.
The most obvious Liver Cirrhosis symptoms include:

Liver Cirrhosis Symptoms

Fatigue and Weakness

These are among the earliest Liver Cirrhosis symptoms, where an individual feels unusually exhausted and weak.

Jaundice

This includes yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes caused by the liver's failure to process bilirubin.

Itching

Bile salts can accumulate under the skin and cause severe itching in some people with Cirrhosis.

Fluid Accumulation in Abdomen (Ascites)

With degrading liver function, fluid may buildup in the abdomen and cause swelling and discomfort.

Swelling in the Legs (Edema)

Poor liver function can cause fluid buildup in the legs and swelling.

Bruising & Bleeding Easily

Liver Cirrhosis can stop the production of proteins needed for blood clotting, causing easy bruising and bleeding.

Weight Loss

Considerable weight loss and muscle wasting may also occur with Cirrhosis.

Confusion or Difficulty Thinking (Hepatic Encephalopathy)

The damaged liver can not effectively filter out toxins, which can accumulate in the brain, causing cognitive problems.

Spider-like Blood Vessels on Skin

These are small, spider-like blood vessels which might show up on the skin and are a result of hormonal imbalances related to liver damage.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

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

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Liver Cirrhosis

Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Liver Cirrhosis treatment using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientific blends that help to rebalance your body and promote emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These calming practices promote mental health and complete wellbeing.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages cleanse the body and maintain emotional health.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on changing your eating habits and lifestyle choices for better health.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Liver Cirrhosis

Ayurveda provides herbal remedies for Liver Cirrhosis, a condition where liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue which hinders liver function. These Ayurvedic herbs can help detox the liver, repair tissues and support liver health.

Some medicines prescribed for Liver Cirrhosis treatment in Ayurveda are :

Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba): Bhringraj is considered a rejuvenating herb for the liver as per Ayurveda. It is known to improve liver function and repair damaged hepatic tissues due to Cirrhosis of the liver.
Katuki (Picrorhiza Kurroa): Katuki is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that is mainly used as a powdered root with honey. It is believed to rejuvenate liver cells, increase bile production and relieve constipation associated with liver dysfunction.
Papaya Seeds: Papaya seeds are known to help with Liver Cirrhosis caused by alcohol consumption. It may be consumed raw or as juice with lime juice, to reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function.
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which is a staple in liver health maintenance. It helps to detoxify liver cells and boosts immunity to prevent further liver damage.
Indian Ginseng (Ashwagandha): Ashwagandha can combat the effects of stress and toxins on liver cells. It promotes the production of bile and liver enzymes, helping with liver repair and function.
Garlic (Allium Sativum): Garlic's active compounds include allicin, alliin and ajoene, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. This can improve liver function and repair liver tissues.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): Punarnava is traditionally used for liver and kidney diseases. It helps with digestion, suppressing appetite and its antioxidant properties can prevent liver cell damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Cirrhosis

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 which 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).