Best Ayurvedic Medicine For Liver Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease that develops as a result of permanent scarring of liver tissue due to damage over a long period. Many causative factors can lead to long-term liver damage which may eventually cause scarring of the liver tissue which is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis in turn will lead to liver failure if early intervention is not used. 

Overview

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver where ‘itis’ stands for inflammation. When this inflammation is persistent, our body interferes to repair this which actually results in scar tissue formation. Rather than helping, this scar tissue impairs liver function resulting in cirrhosis. The liver is then unable to eliminate toxins, metabolize medicines properly, produce proteins, etc. This further impacts other organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, and immune system. Coagulation disorders can also ensue. When liver cirrhosis is not treated, both quality of life and lifespan are decreased. 

Ayurvedic treatment for liver cirrhosis can also be considered and an able physician can offer hope to patients who don't want to or cannot afford allopathic treatment or who want to take both treatments. 

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cirrhosis

You need regular health checkups, SGOT and SGPT tests, ultrasound scans, and other blood tests if there are any risk factors because symptoms of liver cirrhosis do not become apparent until late into the disease making treatment difficult and expensive. 

Symptoms when they do become apparent include:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and/or abdominal pain
• Red palms
• Edema in legs and feet
• Distended abdomen
• Fatigue
• Weight loss with no apparent cause or effort
• Jaundice
• Itching
• In the late stages, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness may be seen

If liver failure occurs, then the only option left is liver transplant where one has to be eligible for it. 

The SGOT/SGPT ratio is an important indicator of liver disease and this is why a danger level of SGPT is a red flag. According to studies, an SGPT/SGOT ratio which is more than 2 is highly indicative of liver damage including liver cirrhosis.

Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis

Western medicine does not have a specific treatment for liver cirrhosis yet although research is ongoing on several potential treatments. But it can treat the cause of cirrhosis which can prevent cirrhosis or delay the damage once cirrhosis has occurred. There are treatments to prevent complications from liver cirrhosis and these can prevent liver failure. Treatment can enhance the quality of life and should never be delayed. Rarely, it may even be reversed. 

Cirrhosis treatment in Ayurveda can show visible results in a few days. Ayurveda can stop the progression of this disease to prevent liver failure. This disease is called Kumbha Kamala and it is a result of ignoring liver problems like hepatitis, fatty liver, etc which then leads to the roughness of the liver due to scarring. 

In Ayurveda, mainly Pitta aggravation along with other vitiated doshas are thought to be the reason behind liver problems. The first step is to prevent further deterioration and scarring followed by revival of the liver cells. 

Treatment varies for each individual based on Prakriti, Vikruti, stage of disease, complications, etc. Virechana, herbs, and other medicinal remedies, Panchakarma, etc, are used for treatment. An Ayurvedic Liver specialist must be consulted for any treatment as self-treatment can further damage the liver. 

• One of the best Ayurvedic medicines for liver cirrhosis is Bhringraj. Bhringraj is usually given along with other medicines. 
• Katuki, Arogyavardhini vati, etc, are also used. 
• Rohitakarishtha, Punarnavasava, etc, can also be prescribed.
• Pathya(dos) and Apathya(don'ts) which include diet, habits, and practices are carefully explained based on the disease condition. 

Many herbs and remedies have to be carefully chosen from hundreds of medicinal remedies available in Ayurveda according to each person's condition and need. 

Living with Liver Cirrhosis

If you have been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, you will be advised precautions, treatments, and lifestyle changes depending upon the stage of your disease and the cause of cirrhosis. 

Some common pieces of advice to avoid further liver damage are-

• Irrespective of the cause of cirrhosis of the liver, do not drink alcohol. 
• Prevent swelling or worsening of swelling in the abdomen and legs by taking a diet that is low in sodium. You will have to restrict the amount of salt as well as other sources of sodium. You can add seasonings and herbs to make food tastier.
• Malnutrition is a common concern in liver cirrhosis patients. Go for well-cooked lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding raw seafood. Some people may have to avoid a high-fiber diet. You may be advised to take supplements. 
• The liver is an organ actively involved in the metabolism of many drugs and supplements. For people with cirrhosis, the liver is not functioning properly affecting this process. You should not self-treat and avoid supplements without being recommended by your doctor to avoid damaging your liver further. 
• You need to avoid infections by taking the necessary precautions and getting vaccinated for infections like influenza, pneumonia, etc. 

Modern interventions, ayurvedic treatment for liver cirrhosis, and ongoing research offer hope to patients for living a better quality of life. Seek early treatment and go for regular health checkups if you are at risk. 

Conclusion 

According to Ayurveda, modern lifestyle coupled with stress and exposure to different toxins create dosha imbalances and impair the proper functioning of the liver. Pitta dosha aggravation is the primary factor behind liver problems according to Ayurveda. Ayurveda has many herbs and remedies which do not just treat the symptoms but also improve liver function.

Lifestyle changes, medicines, detoxification, etc, are used to treat liver cirrhosis in Ayurvedic treatment. But self-medication is strictly prohibited. Every individual is treated based on specific causes and symptoms rather than there being a single treatment for all. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and your tests including the SGPT test to assess your response to treatment. 

O-Lab has comprehensive test packages, liver function tests, and other tests that can be done even at home at competitive prices to monitor your liver health. Feel free to reach out to us for queries regarding all tests including Liver function.