Jaundice is a symptom that can develop as part of various diseases. It refers to the yellowish discoloration of the skin and whites of the eyes. This happens when levels of the chemical bilirubin increase in the bloodstream. Mild elevation in bilirubin levels causes the skin to become yellow. When bilirubin levels are very high, the skin takes on a brown or yellow hue. Jaundice can be categorized into three main types, hepatocellular, hemolytic and obstructive jaundice. Hepatocellular jaundice occurs when injury or disease affects the liver. Hemolytic jaundice develops when the breakdown of red blood cells takes place at an accelerated pace. Obstructive jaundice is the result of a blockage in the tubes that transport bile between the liver, gallbladder and small intestines. Such an obstruction does not allow the bilirubin to leave the liver and this leads to jaundice.
Remedies for Jaundice
The treatment of jaundice usually begins after diagnosing the underlying cause. The treatment will then be aimed at resolving the specific cause. Jaundice that occurs due to anemia may be treated by elevating the iron levels in the blood through iron supplements or with the intake of foods rich in iron. Jaundice induced by hepatitis may be treated with anti-viral medications. Surgery may be required in cases where the condition develops as a result of blockages. In some cases, jaundice may even develop as a result of, as a side effect from certain medications. In such cases, the jaundice may be treated by altering the dosage or changing the medication.
Medical treatment however is absolutely essential, not just for the treatment, but more importantly for an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, so as to facilitate appropriate treatment. Home care and lifestyle modifications are however an important aspect of treatment and the recuperation process. You can also try using other natural methods that are believed to help in the treatment of jaundice, but not all of these methods have been scientifically proven, so exercise caution.
Some of the most common jaundice natural remedies include:
Radish Leaves: You can extract the juice from green radish leaves and drink daily. It helps to regulate abdominal discomfort and also improves appetite. This treatment may be continued for 8 to 10 days.
Tomatoes: Add some pepper and salt to fresh tomato juice and drink every morning. Lycopene from tomatoes can help to reduce damage to the liver and even facilitate recovery.
Snake Gourd Leaves: Add some dry snake gourd leaves to boiling water. Then boil coriander seeds in water until it reduces to one third the amount. Combine both decoctions and drink thrice every day.
Almonds: Soak 7 to 8 almond kernels in water and keep overnight. Peel the almonds, grind into a paste and consume. You can also consume almonds along with dried dates and cardamoms. The dates and cardamoms should also be soaked in water for the night.
Pigeon Pea Leaves: The juice obtained from pigeon pea leaves are known to be helpful in treating jaundice. Extract the juice and drink in small doses daily.
Sugarcane Juice: Squeeze half a lime into a glass of sugarcane juice and drink twice or thrice daily. This is a popular remedy for jaundice which is known to quicken recovery. Make sure that the juice is not contaminated in any way. It is better to prepare the juice at home after cleaning the sugarcane thoroughly.
Lemon Juice: Dilute lemon juice with water and drink frequently during the day. This will help in protecting the liver cells.
Barley Water: Another hugely popular natural jaundice cure is barley water. Add a cup of barley to about three liters of water and simmer for a couple of hours. Drink this frequently during the day for relief from jaundice.
Berberis Vultaris: This herb is also known as jaundice berry and is often recommended to those suffering from jaundice. The juice or extract of the herb may be consumed daily.
Turmeric: Add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder to warm water and drink twice daily.
Papaya Leaves: Grind some tender papaya leaves into a paste. Combine the paste with half a teaspoon of honey and consume.
Ginger: Extract the juice from a piece of ginger, combine with lime juice and mint juice and consume several times a day.
Buttermilk: Add a pinch of roasted cumin seeds powder and some salt to buttermilk and consume. This aids in proper digestion and is beneficial for the liver.
Indian Gooseberry: A useful natural treatment for jaundice, Indian gooseberry may be consumed along with water daily.
Oregano: Add a couple of teaspoons of oregano to a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about ten minutes and then strain. Consume this regularly for relieving jaundice symptoms.
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