The liver disorders are treated by following several alternative medicinal therapies. Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Siddha, Naturopathy, etc are some of the ancient and known methods for treating such ailments. Sometimes, various home remedies are also applied for treating liver disorders. Most of these treatment methods make good use of various herbs and natural ingredients and provide an effective way for getting relief from liver disorders.
For treatment of liver disorders, the Ayurvedic medicine first identifies the exact type of disorder and then prescribes a particular method. The Ayurvedic treatment of liver disorders includes both medications and dietary restrictions. Ayurveda describes Jaundice as Kaamala and also consider this as one of the major diseases of Yakrit (liver). There are many Ayurvedic preparations used for treating liver diseases including Panchakarma, Rasayana therapies, Pippalyadi choornam, pippali vardhamana yogam, Panchagavyam, Mahathiktakam, Snehanam, Kalyanaka Gritham, pippalichitraka gritham, pippali gritham, chitraka gritham, rohitha gritham, maharohita gritham, etc. The Ayurvedic medicines play a significant role in protecting the liver from cirrhosis and from liver cancer.
The herbs that are used commonly for making Ayurvedic medicines for liver disorders include Bhumyamalaki, Bhringaraj, Turmeric, Guduchi, Haritaki, Kalmegha, Kutki, Musta, Pippali, Punarnava, Licorice, Triphala, Amrutha, etc. Apart from these, the herbs like Berberis, Chicory, Dandelion, Gokulakanta, Henna, Indian Aloe, Indian Sorrel, Picrorrhiza, Trailing Eclipta, Turpeth, etc. are also used for treatment of liver disorders. Among all these herbs, Bhringaraj is considered the most useful Ayurvedic drug and is used for almost all types of liver disorders.
Homoeopathy provides a useful and easy procedure for treating liver disorders. The Homoeopathic medicines are by nature gentle and treat the patient as a whole. The individual-based Homoeopathic treatment prescribes remedies and dosages, depending on the strength of a person`s immune system. The medicines improve the overall functioning of the liver. They also prevent problems associated with a sluggish liver like depressed immune system, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish digestive system, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin, irritability, etc. The homoeopathic remedies improve gall bladder functioning, reduce inflammation, help dissipate gallstones and also neutralise toxins. They act as liver-friendly anti-oxidant, vitamin and mineral supplements. The most frequently used homoeopathic medicines for treating liver diseases are Bryonia, Mercurius, Podophyllum, Chelidonium, Digitalis, Myrica cerifera, Nux vomica, Lycopodium, Carduus marianus, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Taraxacum, etc.
The Indian traditional medicine, Siddha, is also used frequently for treatment of liver disorders. The Siddha system of medicine is well recognised as a definite approach to liver disease treatment and the medicines are made using the natural ingredients like Venkaram (Borax), Rasa Karpooram (Mercuric sub chloride), Manjal (Curcuma longa), Elumichai Charu (Lemon Juice), etc.
In Naturopathy the treatment of liver disorders is done following various dietary restrictions and different exercises. According to Naturopathy, detoxification of the liver is necessary if there is a liver problem. To do this, fasting for a day is suggested and after that, easily digestible food items should be consumed. Consumption of bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and bitter drumstick and goat`s or cow`s milk is prescribed. It is a necessity to add garlic in the diet. The patients are sometimes advised to eat beets, lemon, papaya and grape juice and radish juice and carrot juice to help curing liver diseases. They are also prescribed to undertake warm water anemia and eat the foodstuffs like raw nuts, almonds, home made cheese, sprouts and steamed vegetables like papaya and bitter gourd. They may sometimes follow the milk and fruit diet as well. However, consumption of salt, sugar and alcohol are strictly prohibited in naturopathic treatment of liver disorders.
Drinking plenty of liquids, vegetable soups and taking complete bed rest are suggested in case of jaundice and hepatitis. Excluding all fats, fried foods, smoked foods, cakes, creams, pulses, legumes and all kinds of meat, etc. is also quite necessary for effective treatment of liver disorders. It is often advised to add tender neem leaves and flowers to the patient`s diet. Practising Yogic Asanas like Pranayama, twice a day along with mudpacks, mineral water drinks and mineral bath are a few other effective ways for treating liver disorders. There are also some home remedies used for treatment of liver disorders. Drinking a mixture of a little salt and some roasted cumin seeds with a glass of buttermilk is sometimes suggested.
However, though most types of liver disorders can be treated following the above mentioned treatment methods, taking preventive actions are always better. Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B viruses. Apart from these, the other preventive measures for liver disorders include practising good hygiene like washing hands well after using the restroom or changing diapers; avoiding drinking or using tap water while traveling; avoiding illegal drug use, especially sharing injection equipment; avoiding the sharing of personal hygiene items like razors or nail clippers; avoiding toxic substances and excess alcohol consumption; using medications only as directed; using caution around industrial chemicals; eating a well balanced diet; getting an injection of immune globulin after exposure to Hepatitis A; using recommended safety precautions in healthcare and day care work, etc.