Herbs, effective for protecting the Liver
a. Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) – Andrographolide, the active constituent isolated from the plant Andrographis paniculata, showed significantly increased the percent viability of the hepatocytes. For centuries Andrographis has been an important herb in the Asian healing systems of Ayurveda, Unani and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditionally this herb has been used to potentiate immune system response to inflammation and infections, and as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (lowers fevers) and a hepato-protective.
b. Phyllanthus Amaris (Bhuiamala) - Phyllanthus Amaris has been researched for its effects on hepatitis. Clinically reported that 22 of 37 cases of Hepatitis B lost their “carrier” status after using the herb for a month.
c. Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) - An alcoholic extract of whole plant Boerhavia diffusa given orally exhibited hepatoprotective activity. The extract also produced an increase in normal bile flow suggesting a strong choleretic activity.
d. Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj)- Was significantly restored by Ea. The study shows that hepatoprotective activity of Ea is by regulating the levels of hepatic microsomal drug metabolising enzymes.
e. Swertia Chirata(Chirayata) – Simultaneous treatments with S. Chirata caused improvement at both biochemical and histo-pathological parameters.
f. Terminalia belerica (Baheda) – Induced physiological and biochemical alterations in the liver. Administration of compound I led to significant reversal of majority of the altered parameters. Our results confirm the presence of hepato protective activity in altered parameters.
h. Picrorhiza kuroa (Katuki) – Picrorrhiza Kurroa is one of the herbs they recommend to support the liver functions.
Although simple, if regularly practiced can prove effective in treating liver cirrhosis
a. Drink Giloy (Tenospora cordifolia) juice mixed with honey.
b. Add black salt to tomato juice and consume it once a day.
c. Soak a tender bark of Acacia tree in water overnight and consume it in the morning.
d. Obtain a tablespoon of juice by grinding the black seeds of papaya and mix with 10 drops of fresh limejuice. Take this concoction twice a day for a month.
Ayurveda Panchakarma for Cirrhosis
Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of purification and rejuvenation. To achieve this balanced state of body, mind and consciousness, Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma Therapy for the cleansing of body toxins.
Panchakarma means five purification process or therapies. Ayurvedic treatments give more emphasis on prevention than cure. That’s why prevention is always better than cure.
Panchakarma is of purification type of treatment. There are so many subtypes of this therapy and different types of herbal massages, fomentation’s such as steam, external oil treatments, Basti (medicated enemas), Virechana (purgation through herbs), Vamana (emesis through herbs), Nasya (nasal administration of oils) etc. are also incorporated. These practices are extremely helpful in relieving deep seated diseases as well as being beneficial for maintaining and improving physical and mental health.