Liver and Spleen Disorders in Ayurveda: A Clinical Review of Yakrit-Pliha Vikara, Kamala, and Halimaka

Liver and Spleen Disorders in Ayurveda: A Clinical Review of Yakrit-Pliha Vikara, Kamala, and Halimaka

Abstract:
Liver and spleen diseases are important systemic conditions described under Yakrit and Pliha Vikara in Ayurveda. Disorders such as Kamala (jaundice), Halimaka (complicated jaundice), and Plihodara (splenomegaly) are explained with their doshic basis, clinical features, and treatment. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Ayurvedic understanding of liver and spleen diseases with therapies including herbal medicines, Panchakarma, and pathya-apathya.

---

1. Introduction
Yakrit (liver) and Pliha (spleen) are Moola Sthana of Rakta Vaha Srotas. These organs play a critical role in rakta dhatu formation and purification. Pitta dosha is primarily responsible for their physiological and pathological functions.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Excessive consumption of alcohol, spicy, sour foods

• Hepatotoxic drugs, unclean water

• Viral infections (in modern correlation)

• Chronic digestive disorders and Rakta Dushti

3. Common Liver and Spleen Disorders

• Kamala – Jaundice

• Halimaka – Complicated jaundice with Kapha and Vata involvement

• Plihodara – Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)

• Yakritodara – Hepatomegaly

4. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)

• Vitiated Pitta and Rakta lead to dushti of Yakrit

• Excessive Ranjaka Pitta accumulation causes yellow discoloration (Kamala)

• Halimaka involves further vitiation of Kapha and Vata

• Plihodara arises due to chronic vitiation of rakta and mamsa near Pliha

5. Rupa (Clinical Features)

• Kamala: Yellow discoloration of eyes, skin, urine; anorexia, fatigue

• Halimaka: Fever, yellowish-green complexion, confusion, vomiting

• Plihodara: Abdominal swelling, pain in left hypochondrium

6. Prognosis (Sadhya-Asadhyata)

• Kamala is curable in early stages

• Halimaka is Krichrasadhya

• Chronic Plihodara and hepatosplenomegaly may be Yapya or Asadhya

7. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Pitta Shamaka line of treatment

• Raktaprasadaka and Yakrituttejaka herbs

• Mridu Virechana for Pitta anulomana

• Deepana-Pachana in Ama-associated Kamala

8. Ayurvedic Medicines

• Kamala: Arogya Vardhini Vati, Bhunimba, Patola, Kutaki, Katuki Churna

• Halimaka: Avipattikar Churna, Trivrit Leha, Tamra Bhasma, Haritakiq

• Plihodara: Plihari Vati, Punarnava Mandoora, Darvyadi Kashaya

• General Yakrit support: Kalmegh, Bhumyamalaki, Guduchi

9. Panchakarma Therapies

• Virechana: The main treatment for Pitta disorders

• Basti: In chronic cases where Vata is involved

• Raktamokshana: For Rakta Dushti in Kamala

10. Diet and Lifestyle

• Avoid alcohol, spicy, fried, sour, fermented food

• Include bitter vegetables, barley, old rice, ghee, turmeric

• Maintain regular sleep and daily bowel movements

• Avoid overexertion and emotional stress

11. Conclusion
Ayurveda offers a detailed and dosha-specific approach for liver and spleen disorders. By addressing the root causes through detoxification, deepana-pachana, virechana, and rasayana therapies, sustainable liver health can be achieved.

12. References

1. Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana – Chapter 16 (Kamala Chikitsa)

2. Ashtanga Hridaya Chikitsa – Yakrit-Pliha Roga Adhyaya

3. Sushruta Samhita – Nidana Sthana on Kamala and Plihodara

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Bhumyamalaki, Kalmegh, Patola

5. CCRAS Ayurvedic Formulary Vol I & II