Liver is the largest gland and one of most vital organs of the body. It is nearly impossible to survive with a damaged liver. Today's lifestyle, the race to move forward and the excessive use of insecticides and chemicals in cereals, vegetables and fruits etc. has caused extreme side effects on the human body. Thus, leading to life threatening diseases such as is Yakriddalyodar (Cirrhosis of Liver).
Liver is one of the mainstays for all the digestive processes, nourishment of the blood and body in all beings.
In Ayurvedic text, the diseases of liver are read along with the diseases of spleen under the heading of Pleehodar by mentioning
" रोगा; सर्वेअपी मन्देअग्नौ, सुतए उदराणी च |
अजिर्नान्म्लिश्नैचान्यै जायन्ते मल संचयात "
This shloka means:
The main cause of stomach diseases is Mandagini (diminishing of digestive fire) causing dyspepsia. Accumulation of doshas (pathogenic factors) causes Mandagini and vice-versa the accumulation of doshas is the cause of Mandagini. In Ayurveda, liver and spleen are related to mutual symmetry, and the mention of Plyodhar and Yakriddalyodar is mentioned. Chapter 7 of the Nidian Sthan of the Sushruta Samhita clearly states "-
"स्व्यान्य पाशर्वे यकृत्ति प्रवद्धे, ज्ञेयं यकृद्दाल्युदरं तदेव च |”
That is, due to enlargement of liver which is situated in the right flank of the abdomen, Yakriddalyodar occurs. Due to different combinations of vitiated doshas, following symptoms occur
उदावर्त्त रुजानाहै, मोह तृड़ दहन ज्वरै ;|
गौरवारूचि कठिन्यै:, विद्यात तत्र मलान क्रमात ||
That is, due to the vitiation of Vata following symptoms occur
1. Udavrata - Upward or backward or reverse movement of Vata dosh due to the obstruction of normal pathways of Vata
2. Peera – Pain
3. Anaah – Colic Pain in lumber region due to obstruction
Symptoms due to Pitta
1. Murcha – Syncope
2. Pyaas – Thirst
3. Jalan – Burning Sensation
4. Jawar – Fever
Symptoms due to Kaph
1. Aruchi – Anorexia
2. Yakrit Kathinta – Stiffness of liver
Acharya Charak has described following symptoms for Yakriddalyodar
1. Sharnaksh - swelling in eyes
2. Upaklinna Tanutwatcham - Skin thinning and wetness
3. Balashonitamaansaagnee parikshan – Decrease in strength of the body, blood and muscle strength
4. Paasharvabhandg - Pains in the flanks of the body)
5. Annyodvesha sothatisarpiditam - Aversion from the food and diarrhoea
6. Obstruction and hardness of the liver and hampering of the normal functions of the liver
Thus, in Ayurveda, Yakriddalyodar is considered to be a major disease.
Charaka Samhita mentions the following line of treatment related to liver hepatitis.
1. Koshth Shudhi – Detoxification of the digestive tract by means of elimination of stools
2. Administration of anti-inflammatory medicines, such as -Triphala Churna, punarnavaarisht, makoy svaras and aarogyavardhinee vatee etc.
Further, use of camel’s milk for liver diseases has also been mentioned which is useful for edema, anah, vomiting, thirst and Syncope. Along with the medication, adopting a healthy lifestyle is also advised such as
A. The natural function of the body between 9 PM and 11 PM is for detoxification of the body from the toxins accumulated throughout the day. It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts that one should have early dinner so that the process of digestion is initiated few hours before going to bed.
B. The time from 11 PM to 1 AM in the night is important for liver’s detoxification process. In this time, the human body needs to have a deep and sound sleep so as to give body complete rest. This ensures that liver receives maximum blood circulation to aid the detoxification process.
C. Further, the liver undertakes the detoxification of Pitta doshas between 1 AM to 3 AM.
D. Detoxification of the lungs takes place between 3 AM to 5 AM.
E. The time from 5 AM to 7 AM is that of detoxification, which is natural and normal for defecation. One should not sleep at this time. Otherwise, the functioning of the body is hindered.
F. The time from 7 am to 9 am in the morning is for the absorption of nutrients in the body. Therefore, this is the best time to have a healthy breakfast.
By following a healthy lifestyle, the process of metabolic activity in the liver takes place in a natural way, which keeps both the liver and body healthy.
To conclude, it is advisable to follow a healthy lifestyle and dietary regime so as to maintain a healthy metabolism. This leads to healthy body and a healthy liver.
Further, one should avoid alcoholic beverages, contaminated water, food with preservative, additives, such as, artificial colours and sweeteners along with unhealthy cooking media.
Hence; the first step of the treatment is to abandon all unnatural foods and unnatural everyday lifestyle while maintaining the golden rule of "Nidan parivarjanam "(to avoid the causative factors).
The above article is only a general description based on which self-treatment should not be done, therefore, if any need arises, medication should be taken according to the advice of the doctor.
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