The liver is an extremely important organ as it is the seat
of the five digestive fires of the human body and also the converter of plasma
into blood. So, from an Ayurvedic point of view, the liver is the master
controller of the entire body. However, the liver is susceptible to a large
number of disorders also. One of these is the abnormal enlargement of the
liver, which is known as hepatomegaly.
The increase in the size of the liver happens gradually due to various factors.
Some of them are glandular fevers, hepatitis, malaria, liver abscesses and even
more serious causes such as leukemia and lymphomas. When the enlargement of the
liver occurs, there is an obstruction in breathing as the expanded liver pushes
against the wall of the diaphragm and interferes with the respiratory canal.
The irritation can cause coughing.
Enlargement of the liver can become a life-threatening condition. It is
extremely essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are several
methods in Ayurveda, which can help prevent and treat the condition of
hepatomegaly.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Liver
Enlargement
1. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)
Chicory juice obtained from its flowers, seeds and roots is very beneficial in
the treatment of several liver problems. Its juice is commonly prescribed to
treat enlargement of the liver.
2. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion has a very positive effect on the liver, as it stimulates the liver
to carry out its normal functions. It can be used in order to treat the
condition of an enlarged liver.
3. Henna (Lawsonia inermis)
The bark of the henna plant is taken in powder form in 1.25 to 5 gram doses in
order to treat the problem of liver enlargement. Alternatively, its decoction
can also be taken in quantities of 30 to 60 grams.
4. Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)
The Indian aloe is used in treatment of hepatomegaly. For treatment, the pulp
of a single leaf of the plant is taken and mixed with black salt and ginger.
This is taken every morning for ten continuous days.
5. Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
The kantakari herb is used in the treatment of enlargement of both the liver
and the spleen, which is known as hepatosplenomegaly.
6. Trailing Eclipta (Eclipta alba)
The trailing eclipta is a creeper which has great benefits in the treatment of
enlargement of the liver. It is taken in doses of one teaspoon twice a day. The
herb is also beneficial if the enlargement of the liver is accompanied by the
enlargement of the spleen.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Liver
Enlargement
The liver is essential for digestion. Hence it is very important not to consume
any food that is difficult to digest when there is a liver enlargement. All
fried foods, spicy and salty foods must be avoided. Sour foods are also not
good as they can increase the acidity within the stomach and the digestive
system. Even curds should not be eaten. However, properly churned buttermilk is
good for liver ailments.
Bitter tastes are positive indications in the treatment of hepatomegaly. These
can be obtained from bitter gourd and bitter drumstick. They should be included
in the daily diet. Sugars can be taken in the form of glucose. In fact a
spoonful of glucose must be put in a cup of water and had once a day to regain
lost energy and to help the liver in its normal functioning.
Among fats, buffalo’s milk should be avoided. Cow’s and goat’s milk are
positive indications. If you can get hold of camel’s milk, then you must
consume it as it is considered to be a beneficial factor for people with liver
enlargement problems.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Liver
Enlargement
For almost all liver problems, Bhringaraj is the drug of
choice. This is made from the herb trailing eclipta. This is a very bitter
tonic, which is taken with honey to improve the taste.
Picrorrhiza (kutki) and turpeth (nisoth) are also good
medications prescribed for liver enlargement. The Arogyavardhini vati can be
prescribed which contains a mixture of both these herbs in powder forms.
For liver enlargement, the dhaatu of copper is also
generally prescribed. It is taken in the form of a bhasma. Copper is a
component of the Arogyavardhini vati.
(4) Home Remedies for Liver Enlargement
1. Consume a regular diet of eggplants. This helps to reduce
the enlargement of the liver and to bring it back to its original size.
2. Prepare a half-cup of juice of the bitter gourd. Put some
salt in it. Have this on an empty stomach in the morning. This is by far the
best home remedy for liver enlargement and even other kinds of liver problems
including diabetes mellitus.
3. Spearmint is also beneficial in liver enlargement. You
must have its juice sweetened with sugar for a continuous period of ten days.
4. Consume at least half a papaya every day.
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