Jaundice is not a disease in itself but a sympton of other liver disorders such as gallstones, hepatitis and cirrhosis. Also blood transfusions and illegal drugs can bring on an attack.

When the liver is laid low by an infection it can not produce enough bile to keep the body cells and tissue healthy. At this point jaundice develops and the skin and the whites of the eyes take on a yellow tint. It is not fatal in itself but its presence can greatly delay recovery from the original complaint so it is best to treat it as soon as possible to allow the body to fight back.

It can also occur in newly born babies, usually within the first three days of life. An infants’ liver is not yet mature enough to metabolize a molecule called billrubin, which affects the livers ability to make red cells.

It is quite common in newborns and besides a slight discomfort and yellowing of the skin causes the baby no lasting damage and will clear within a few days.

Ayurvedic Cause of Jaundice

In the Ayurvedic teachings Jaundice is a complaint of the pitta region of the body, which denotes a build up of toxins in an intestinal area that is causing an in-balance in the overall dosha. You need to expel such toxins to rebalance the immune system and yourself.

Ayurvedic Diet

Ayurvedic diet as cure and prevention of jaundice

Foods that should be avoided

• Non-vegetarian food

• Cakes

• Pastries

• Chocolate

• Sugar based drinks such as fizzy pop

• Ice cream

• Alcohol

• Spicy food

• Generally you should avoid all heavy foods

Foods that are recommended both as a preventive measure and for the healing process:

• Vegetables such as tomatoes and radish.

• Lemon

• Dry fruits like dried dates, almonds and cardamom

You should always stick to a health balanced diet in order to achieve and maintain wellness.

• Ghritkumari (Aloe Vera)

• Kakmachi (Solanum Nigrum)

• Jaundice berry

• Bhumiamla

These are all very readily available in the appropriate stores can be taken in a number of ways. Some like Aloe Vera are available in ingestible capsules either purely or as a significant by-product of another medicine

Or they could be consumed raw, added to cooking, drunk with water or turned into a paste with other products such as water, sugar, juices, garlic etc.

Ayurvedic herbal supplement remedies for jaundice

• Punarnana mandoor

• Liverol syrup

• Bhumiamla capsules

• Kumariasava

These products are available for order from dedicated Ayurvedic stockists and come as either liquids or soluble capsules.

These products will really get the liver functioning again and lead the sufferer back to true wellness.

Some of these supplements are very strong and may be inadvisable for usage amongst sufferers of certain ailments such as diabetes. You should consult a specialist Ayurvedic practionier to understand if you are suited to such products and to find out about the proper dosages for each.

Other Ayurvedic recommendations for jaundice cure

• Take sufficient rest

• Avoid excessive heat

• Avoid stressful situations and anger

• Cut down on physical exertions

Ayurvedic yoga position for jaundice sufferers

The fish position (matsya asana), helps the metabolism to work sufficiently again to heal a condition such as jaundice.

The four stages of the fish position

1. Lie on your back with your feet straight and place your hands beneath the thighs.

2. Arch your back whilst pressing on your elbows leaving your head resting on the floor

3. Whilst exhaling slowly maintain this position whilst keeping your torso relaxed

4. To return to the original position lift your head then release the arms

A good combination of Ayurvedic diet, herbal supplement, lifestyle advice and yoga should see the sufferer combat jaundice quickly and easily.