The liver is an important organ of the body and is primarily useful in the digestion process as well as for the detoxification of substances harmful to the body. This organ has a substantial capacity for retaining its functionality even with extensive damage; however, prolonged and heavy alcohol, drug and medicinal abuse, infections and trauma can ultimately result in liver failure. Modern medicines have little to offer in order to prevent liver failure or heal the damage done to the liver. Liver transplantation is offered to people with complete liver failure; however, there are various related problems like availability of a liver graft, surgical risks, and compatibility as well as organ-rejection issues.
Ayurvedic medicines have a definite advantage in the treatment of liver failure, since there are many herbal medicines which act directly on the liver. The plethora of widely available ‘Ayurvedic liver tonics’ are sufficient proof of this. Herbal medicines act on the liver cells to treat both infection as well as inflammation. These medicines also significantly reduce scarring and permanent liver damage, if used in a timely manner. The medicines also improve blood flow to the liver, in addition to increasing the liver secretions, mainly bile.
Patients with established liver failure benefit from Ayurvedic medicines since these improve appetite, reduce complications like oesophageal varices, and accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The sluggish liver also starts performing in a better fashion in order to reduce accumulated toxins within the body. Ayurvedic medicines also help in the detoxification process by aiding elimination through the urinary system as well as the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of jaundice like yellowing of eyes and skin, and itching are also significantly reduced or eradicated completely. Patients with advanced liver failure also exhibit involvement of the nervous system. Ayurvedic medicines can also treat these symptoms, and prevent further complications like convulsions and coma.
It is important to note that positive results are directly related to how quickly Ayurvedic treatment is instituted in established liver failure. Patients who benefit from treatment and achieve some physical stability need to take stock of their lives and try to make significant lifestyle changes, in order to avoid the known causes of liver failure.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
