Ayurvedic approach for Jaundice (Kamala / Pandu-Kamala)
1. Ayurvedic Understanding
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Main Nidāna (causes): Excessive intake of alcohol, heavy/oily foods, suppression of natural urges, viral/bacterial infections, liver disorders.
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Doṣa involvement: Pitta predominance, sometimes associated with Kapha.
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Samprāpti:
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Pitta vitiation → Raktadhātu & Yakṛt (liver) dysfunction → accumulation of bilirubin-like toxins in blood → yellow discoloration (Haridra-netra, haridra-tvak).
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Can be Koshṭhāśrita Kamala (liver-based) or Śākhāśrita Kamala (tissue-based).
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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
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Mridu Virechana (Mild purgation): Removes excess Pitta from the liver and intestines.
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Basti (Medicated enema): For chronic cases to balance Pitta & Vata.
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Sheetala Peya (cool decoctions): Like Guduchi, Neela Kamal.
C. Dietary Advice (Pathya-Apathya)
Pathya (Wholesome):
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Barley water, sugarcane juice (fresh), buttermilk, pomegranate, coriander water
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Light foods: green gram (mudga), ridge gourd (tori), bottle gourd (lauki)
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Plenty of warm water
Apathya (Avoid):
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Alcohol, fried foods, heavy/oily meals
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Red chillies, spicy, sour, salty food
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Daytime sleep & night awakening
D. Lifestyle
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Adequate rest during acute phase
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Avoid overexposure to heat/sun
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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.
