Herbal Treatment For Liver Diseases

Abstract

The liver is one of the most important organs in vertebrates. Although the liver performs multiple functions to maintain the overall health of the body. The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen just below the diaphragm. The main functions of the liver are to drain out the toxins, support digestion, and promote the metabolism of the body. The other important functions of the liver are the production of bile and its excretion, metabolism and excretion of cholesterol, and fats metabolism.

The liver also promotes enzyme activity, glycogen storage, and storage of vitamins and minerals. The liver is the only organ in the body having the capacity to regenerate but the deprived condition of the liver may lead to multiple problems. Problems like jaundice, fatty liver, hepatomegaly, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer may lead to liver failure and later on death if not managed in a timely manner. In the modern medicine system liver transplant is the last option, but in Ayurveda, there are a variety of miraculous herbs known to manage the ailments associated with the liver. If started on time these herbs or herbal combinations help to detoxify the liver and help to sustain the liver for the long term. In this article, we will discuss a miraculous combination of herbs known as Yakrit Plihantak churna, one of the most beneficial ayurvedic supplements for liver.

Introduction

Yakrit plihantak churna is one of the best and most widely used herbal formulations to manage liver problems. It is formulated by experts of PLanet Ayurveda to manage long-term liver problems. The liver is designated as Yakrit and the spleen is called pliha. Hence the name yakrit plihantak indicates that it pacifies the liver and spleen impairment. Today’s lifestyle is stressful, and the dependence on street food or deep fry food is increasing. Also, the trend of excessive alcoholism is increasing. These integrated concerns enhance the toxicity and accumulation of fats on the liver leading to hepatomegaly i.e enlarged liver.

Continuous alcoholism and poor dietary habits may lead to further liver damage. Deprived liver status degrades the above-mentioned functions of the liver. This leads to weakness, abdominal distension, poor appetite, ascites, splenomegaly, low platelet count, etc. Splenomegaly is usually associated with deprived spleen status and is widely seen in patients with deprived liver status. The poor status of the liver and spleen leads to toxins in the body as these organs are associated with cleansing and draining out the toxins. Bloating, heaviness, constipation, and loss of appetite are the general clinical features of liver diseases. It is important to stop the intake of alcohol or limit it and avoid eating junk and deep fried food. Herbal remedies help to enhance the status of the liver and manage the associated concerns. Yakrit Plihantak churna is a herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda that helps to manage the conditions like liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, hepatomegaly, ascites, liver failure, and liver cancer. The motive of Yakrit plihantak churna is to bless society with a healthy liver.

Brief Description of Ingredients

This powder formulation is a mixture of 8 herbs having hepatoprotective and detoxifying properties. The chief ingredients are Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Makoy (Solanum indicum), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). These herbs are well-known liver rejuvenators. Further, we will discuss the benefits and properties of each of the above herbs.

1. Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri)

Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri) is composed of tikta (bitter), kashaya (astringent), madhura (sweet) ras (taste). It is light in digestion and has ruksha (dry) guna (property). This herb is known to reduce the aggravated Kapha and pitta dosha. The key properties of Bhumiamla are antispasmodic, antipyretic, and diuretic. Bhumi amla also acts as an antiviral and bactericidal herb known to drain out toxins. It is one of the best ayurvedic herbs to manage hepatitis b, liver cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. Bhumi amla is loaded with Niuride, niuride helps to inhibit the HIV- protein binding activity. Bhumi amla act as an effective blood purifier due to its kshaya (astringent) and tikta rasa (bitter).

2. Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)

Kutaki is considered to be an essential liver regenerating and spleen detoxifying herb. Kutaki relieves prolonged constipation and drains out the toxins from the body. Kutki powder is a pitta shamak (pacify the pitta) that regulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. Although bitter in taste, it causes a cooling effect and promotes bacterial cleansing and liver toxins. It increases the digestive fire and boosts overall metabolism. Kutaki acts as stomachic, antidiarrhoeal, hepatoprotective in action. It is widely used in hepatitis, chronic dysentery, and amoebiasis. It can be given in jaundice, intermittent fever, dyspnoea, and skin diseases.

3. Makoy (Solanum nigrum)

Makoy is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic, laxative, and antiseptic. The extract of makoy is used for inflammatory swellings. Makoy is effective to manage the enlargement of the liver and spleen. It is beneficial in patients with liver cirrhosis. The properties of Makoy include tridoshaghan (pacified tridoshas), blood, and a body channel detoxifier. It is best to manage the ascites associated with liver failure. Makoy enhances the properties of Yakrit Plihantak churna multiple times.

4. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

Punarnava is a well-known short hair (reduces swelling). It is best recommended in patients of ascites. It is an effective diuretic and well-known herb to pacify fluid retention in the body. It is efficient in the management of anemia, urinary problems, kustha (skin problems), etc. It is a well-known rejuvenator and enhances the metabolism of the body.

5. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)

Kalmegh is hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, stomachic, anthelmintic, alterative, blood purifier, and febrifuge. It acts well on the liver, promoting the secretion of bile. Used in jaundice and diarrhea of children, colic, and splenomegaly. Kalmegh is called the king of bitters. It is helpful to manage the sgot and sgpt of the liver. Kalmegh has the ability to regenerate dead cells. It is able to manage the rashes associated with liver cirrhosis.

6. Kaasani (Cichorium intybus)

It is a diuretic and laxative. It helps to manage mild hepatic problems and excites peristalsis without affecting the functions of the stomach. Used in liver congestion, jaundice, rheumatic and gouty joints. The peculiar feature of chicory is it counters the caffeine of coffee and helps to improve digestion.
The basic properties of Kaasni are bitter taste, hot potency, and pitta pacifying properties. On a broad aspect, it helps to manage the multiple issues associated with poor liver status.

7. Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea)

It is known as Pliha-shatru means the enemy of fatty liver or liver issues, it is useful in the treatment of inflamed spleen and liver. Sharpunkha is loaded with a diuretic, antibacterial, and antihyperglycemic activity. Sharpunkha is effective in the production and excretion of bile. It is very efficient and effective in viral hepatitis, protein malnutrition, and cirrhosis of the liver. Other properties of sharpunkha include the prevention of elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT, and bilirubin levels. It is also useful in producing digestive enzymes and maintaining overall gut health.

8. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

Bhringraj is a well-known body detoxifier. It is helpful to manage the fatty liver and other conditions of the liver. Bhrigraj drains out the toxins and free radicals from the body. It is useful in hepatitis, spleen enlargement, and liver detoxification. It is an antioxidant and digestive health booster.

Dosage- 1 tsp twice daily with plain water after meals

Therapeutic Uses of Yakrit Plihantak Churna

• This formulation helps to pacify pitta and kapha dosha.
• This formulation is very helpful in improving the liver functions.
• It helps to regenerate the liver cells.
• It is very useful in liver cirrhosis
• Gives great effects on enlarged and fatty liver.
• It helps to balance the hormonal disturbances.
• Eliminates the liver toxins and results in rejuvenation.
• It helps in purification of blood also.
• This formulation not only acts on the liver but is also very beneficial for spleen and kidney diseases.

Conclusion

Liver issues are increasing day by day. In modern sciences, a liver transplant is the only option. But in Ayurveda, we can manage the liver concerns with herbs mentioned in the ayurvedic texts. Yakrit Plihantak churna is one such formulation having great results. It is formulated by the Planet Ayurveda expert team and is a blend of multiple liver rejuvenators mentioned above. We can also add this powder formulation to our daily routines for a healthy liver.