Liver (yakrit) is a vital organ. It converts rasa dhatu to rakta dhatu (blood). It also produces bile (ranjak pitta) and detoxifies the body eliminating ama from the blood. Wrong diet and lifestyle damages the liver tissues and leads to diseases like jaundice, fatty liver and hepatitis.
Thankfully, Ayurveda can help. Include these five simple Ayurvedic herbs in your life to keep your liver healthy.
Kutki
This bitter tasting herb is cooling in nature and has a cleansing effect on the liver and gallbladder. In Ayurveda, kutki is prescribed to improve appetite and to treat jaundice or bile disorders. The herb is beneficial in skin disorders and to improve metabolism.
Turmeric
The yellow herb supports liver functions and cleanses blood. It can also aid the process of transforming rasa into rakta. It also promotes elimination of toxins from the body. In most cases you do not need to take any additional turmeric if you already use it in your meals.
Guduchi
Guduchi is known for its detoxifying and blood cleansing properties. Ayurvedic herbal medicines prepared for liver problems contain guduchi. The herb also has known benefits in treating kamala (jaundice), hepatitis and fatty liver. Guduchi should be taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor.
Triphala
The mixture of amla, bibhitaki and haritaki helps in regularising metabolism and bowel movements. It cools down the body and balances all tridoshas in the body. Triphala churna can be taken by anyone every night before bed.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera juice flushes toxins out of the liver (hepatoxicity) and promotes good bowel movements. In addition to soothing the digestive system, aloe vera also fights stress and strengthens the immune system.
NOTE: Please do not self-medicate with herbs. For treatment of liver problems, please consult a doctor.
(Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director of Jiva Ayurveda, is an author, public speaker, TV personality and Ayurvedacharya.)
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