Ayurvedic approach for Jaundice (Kamala / Pandu-Kamala)

Ayurvedic approach for Jaundice (Kamala / Pandu-Kamala)


1. Ayurvedic Understanding

  • Main Nidāna (causes): Excessive intake of alcohol, heavy/oily foods, suppression of natural urges, viral/bacterial infections, liver disorders.

  • Doṣa involvement: Pitta predominance, sometimes associated with Kapha.

  • Samprāpti:

    • Pitta vitiation → Raktadhātu & Yakṛt (liver) dysfunction → accumulation of bilirubin-like toxins in blood → yellow discoloration (Haridra-netra, haridra-tvak).

    • Can be Koshṭhāśrita Kamala (liver-based) or Śākhāśrita Kamala (tissue-based).


2. Ayurvedic Remedies

A. Internal Medicines (use under physician’s supervision)

Medicine Form Dose Benefit
Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) Fresh juice / powder 10–15 ml juice twice daily / 3–5 g powder Liver tonic, antiviral
Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) Powder 1–3 g twice daily with honey Pitta-pacifying, mild laxative, hepatoprotective
Kalmegha (Andrographis paniculata) Decoction / powder 30–50 ml decoction twice daily Improves liver function
Punarnava Mandura Tablet 250–500 mg twice daily Corrects anemia, improves liver metabolism
Triphala Churna Powder 5 g at bedtime with warm water Detoxifies, improves digestion
Arogya Vardhini Vati Tablet 250–500 mg twice daily Regulates liver enzymes, removes toxins

B. Panchakarma & Procedures

  • Mridu Virechana (Mild purgation): Removes excess Pitta from the liver and intestines.

  • Basti (Medicated enema): For chronic cases to balance Pitta & Vata.

  • Sheetala Peya (cool decoctions): Like Guduchi, Neela Kamal.


C. Dietary Advice (Pathya-Apathya)

Pathya (Wholesome):

  • Barley water, sugarcane juice (fresh), buttermilk, pomegranate, coriander water

  • Light foods: green gram (mudga), ridge gourd (tori), bottle gourd (lauki)

  • Plenty of warm water

Apathya (Avoid):

  • Alcohol, fried foods, heavy/oily meals

  • Red chillies, spicy, sour, salty food

  • Daytime sleep & night awakening


D. Lifestyle

  • Adequate rest during acute phase

  • Avoid overexposure to heat/sun

  • Gentle yoga postures (Bhujangasana, Vajrasana) after recovery phase


📜 Classical Reference – Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 16

Pittānubandhena tu pāṇḍuḥ kamalāyāmupajāyate |
pītaḥ pīta-netrotthaḥ pīta-tvak nakha-danta-gaḥ ||

Meaning – When Pandu roga is associated with aggravated Pitta, Kamala manifests, with yellowish eyes, skin, nails, and teeth.

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