Abstract
The liver is one of the major organs of the body which helps in various body functions like metabolism, detoxification and protein synthesis. Any abnormality in the normal anatomical structure of the liver leads to disease formation. In this article, we are going to study one such diseased condition of the liver i.e. Liver Cirrhosis. Here, Cirrhosis is characterised by the formation of nodules in the liver parenchyma which are regenerative in nature. These nodules are surrounded by fibrous septa. These nodules lead to abnormal structure of the liver and also interfere with the blood flow of the liver. Cirrhosis of the liver cells occurs due to the necrosis of the liver cells which is followed by fibrosis and nodule formation. Here, in this article, we are going to study in detail about liver cirrhosis and Ayurvedic treatment for liver cirrhosis. Let’s start in detail!
Introduction
Liver Cirrhosis is the condition of the liver which is followed by liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis can be defined as the formation of scar tissue on the liver in an attempt to repair the liver from damage. Liver cirrhosis is the ultimate and last stage of liver disease which can be characterised by permanent scarring of the liver tissue. Liver cirrhosis is a chronic and long-term condition of liver disease. Liver cirrhosis leads to impairment of liver blood flow and functions. As a result, it gives results to the features of portal hypertension. It is a diffuse hepatic process which is characterised by the formation of structurally abnormal nodules which are followed by fibrosis. Liver fibrosis to some extent is reversible but the condition of cirrhosis is irreversible. In this article, we are going to study in detail about liver cirrhosis and the importance of Ayurvedic advice in the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Also, we look at the Ayurvedic treatment for liver cirrhosis.
Causes of Liver Cirrhosis
The condition of liver cirrhosis depends upon the various underlying diseases. The most common causes of liver cirrhosis are as follows:
- Viral hepatitis (B and C)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Chronic biliary disease
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Cirrhosis in its early stages usually does not show any particular symptoms. But in the end stages, it shows severe symptoms. Some of the common signs and symptoms of liver cirrhosis are as follows:
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Pain in the abdomen mainly on the right side
- Fatigue
- Spider-like blood vessels
- Itching
Complications of Liver Cirrhosis
The condition of Liver cirrhosis can cause the following complications:
- Impaired metabolic functions which cause jaundice
- Splenomegaly as a result of portal hypertension
- Ascites
- Gastrointestinal varices
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Kidney failure
- Chronic liver failure
- Liver cancer
Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis
The diagnosis of the patient with liver cirrhosis includes taking proper history of the patient. Diagnosis can also be done by the following medical tests:
- Blood test to rule out Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan to check the size and shape of the liver
- Ultrasound to check the size and shape of the liver
- Endoscopy for the detection of portal hypertensive gastropathy and varices
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect Haemangiomas
- Liver biopsy
Ayurvedic Overview Of Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Cirrhosis is a chronic condition which leads to permanent scarring of the liver tissues. It is a long-term condition which leads to improper functioning of the liver. In Ayurveda, liver diseases are discussed under Udara Roga which is mentioned in the 19th chapter of Sutra Sthana and the 13th chapter of Chikitsa Sthana of Charak Samhita. In Bhavprakash Nighantu, it is also mentioned under Udara Rogas. In Liver Cirrhosis, the dosha involved is Kapha Pradhan Tridosha and the Dushyas involved are Rasa (Circulatory fluids), Rakta (Blood) and Meda (Adipose tisue). This condition involves multiple systems (Srotas). Agnidushti (Impaired digestion) and an increase in waste products (Mala Vriddhi) are the main reasons behind its pathogenesis.
Ayurvedic Advice To Treat Liver Cirrhosis
Liver Cirrhosis is a chronic condition in which the normal liver architecture is lost. It is a slow-progressive disease in which the healthy tissues of the liver are replaced by the scar tissues. So the proper diagnosis and management of this condition is necessary. Patients must consult the Doctor before taking any medicine in the condition of liver cirrhosis to avoid any kind of complication or adverse reaction. In Ayurveda, the condition of Liver Cirrhosis can be managed very well by Ayurvedic herbs. Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of hepatoprotective herbs and herbal formulations for the management of all types of liver diseases like Liver Cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic liver disease or any drug-induced liver injury. These herbs efficiently work on the liver and remove toxins from the liver, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, reducing oxidative stress and restoring functions of the liver cells. So, for proper management of liver conditions such as liver cirrhosis, patients should consult the expert doctor team of Planet Ayurveda. Patients can personally visit Planet Ayurveda Hospital situated in Mohali, Punjab. Online Video consultation mode is also available for patients who cannot visit the hospital physically like international patients etc. So before taking any Ayurvedic medicine, one should consult an Ayurvedic expert for proper guidance and treatment.
Ayurvedic Herbs Useful In Liver Cirrhosis
Ayurvedic herbs are very effective in the management of all conditions of the liver. Consumption of Ayurvedic herbs after taking proper Ayurvedic advice is very effective. Herbs like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) etc. All these herbs are hepatoprotective and antioxidant, remove toxins from the liver, balance Kapha and Pitta dosha, stimulate the liver and its functions and also contain cleansing properties.
Conclusion
Liver cirrhosis is a long-term condition in which liver functions and blood flow are affected. Scarring of the liver is the characteristic feature of liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis can occur due to a number of underlying conditions which may vary from patient to patient. In Ayurveda, the management of liver cirrhosis can be done effectively by various herbs. Each and every herb contains its significant features. So, the Patient must consult his/her Doctor before taking any herbal medicine. For proper management of liver cirrhosis, Planet Ayurveda offers a number of herbs and herbal formulations to manage this condition effectively. Video consultation by the team of Planet Ayurveda experts is a positive and beneficial step which is very useful for patients who are unable to visit the hospital physically. So, Liver Cirrhosis can be managed by Ayurvedic herbs and by following a proper diet and lifestyle.
