Hepatitis Treatment in Ayurveda

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What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver and its cells. The liver is an essential organ that aids the removal of toxins from the blood, stores vitamins, and produces hormones. Other exemplary functions of the liver include:

• bile production to help digest food

• excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, etc.

• breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins into simpler forms

• activation of enzymes, which are specialized proteins essential to body functions

• storage of glycogen, minerals, and vitamins

• synthesis of blood proteins, such as albumin

The inflammation due to hepatitis can disrupt the function of the liver.

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The Importance of the Liver

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying the blood, storing vitamins, and producing hormones. Hepatitis can disrupt these essential functions, leading to various health issues.

Hepatitis in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the liver is referred to as "Yakrit," and it is primarily governed by the Pitta dosha. Many liver disorders are linked to aggravated Pitta conditions. Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in Ayurveda corresponds to Kamala, a condition affecting the Raktavaha srotas (a system that includes the liver, spleen, blood vessels, and reticuloendothelial tissue) and dominated by Pitta dosha.

Causes of Hepatitis

Modern Medicine Perspective

Hepatitis can be caused by various factors, including:

Viral Infections:

- Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G viruses

- Epstein-Barr virus

- Cytomegalovirus

- Herpes simplex virus

Toxins:

- Alcohol

- Drugs such as Isoniazid, Methyldopa, halothane, amiodarone

Miscellaneous:

- Autoimmune hepatitis

- Wilson’s disease

- α1-antitrypsin deficiency

- Hemochromatosis

Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, the causes of Kamala (akin to hepatitis) include:

- Excessive use of factors causing Pandu (anemia)

- Factors that excite Pitta in those with deranged Pitta activity

- Incompatible foods (Aniruddha Sahara)

- Excessive sour and salty foods

- Excessive alcohol intake

- Retention of stool and urine

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Acute Hepatitis Symptoms:

- Fatigue

- Flu-like symptoms

- Dark urine

- Pale stool

- Abdominal pain

- Loss of appetite

- Unexplained weight loss

- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)

Chronic Hepatitis Symptoms:

- Often subtle and may not be noticed until liver function is significantly affected.

Types of Hepatitis

- Hepatitis A: Acute and short-term, caused by consuming contaminated food or water.

- Hepatitis B: Transmitted through infectious body fluids (blood, vaginal secretions, semen).

- Hepatitis C: Spread through direct contact with infected body fluids, often through injection drug use or sexual contact.

- Hepatitis D: A serious liver disease occurring only with Hepatitis B infection.

- Hepatitis E: Waterborne, mainly found in areas with poor sanitation.

Complications of Hepatitis

Hepatitis can lead to several complications, including:

- Fibrosis

- Cirrhosis of the liver

- Liver cancer

- Liver failure

- Glomerulonephritis

- Cryoglobulinemia

- Hepatic encephalopathy

- Portal hypertension

- Porphyria

- Viral co-infection

Ayurvedic Management of Hepatitis

Ayurveda offers effective management of hepatitis through controlling infection, preventing liver damage, and rejuvenating the liver.

Treatment Approaches

- Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification) through Panchakarma procedures:**

-Virechana: Detoxification therapy to balance Pitta.

-Vasti (Medicated Enema): Cleanses the urinary tract and subtle channels.

-Vamana (Emesis): Removes toxins from the upper body.

-Raktamokshan (Bloodletting): Purifies the blood and neutralizes Pitta toxins.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

- Reduce saturated fats, sugary treats, heavily salted foods, and alcohol.

- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

- Practice pranayama and yoga (Kapalbhati pranayama, Ardha matsyendrasana, Padangusthasana, Bridge pose, Cobra pose, Cow pose).

Hepatoprotective Herbs

- Chitraka

- Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)

- Katuki (Picrorhiza kurro)

- Bhrugaraja

- Guduchi

- Kalamegha (Andrographis paniculata)

- Nimba (Azadirachta indica)

- Guggulu (Commiphora mukul)

Herbal Formulations

- Rohitakarishta

- Abhayarishta

- Duralabharishta

- Kutajarishta

- Mustarishta

- Drakshadi kashayam

- Guluchyadi Kashayam

- Arogyavardhini Vati

- Punarnava Mandoora