Common liver disorders and their homoeopathic
management
The liver is the largest organ of the
body. It is functionally most complex organ. It has multiple life-saving
functions like metabolism both anabolic and catabolic. It is responsible for
detoxification and eliminates endogenous as well as exogenous (foreign)
substances. It takes part in immune reactions, and in the synthesis of
coagulation factors. It has exocrine and endocrine functions. As an endocrine
organ, it secretes growth factors, angiotensinogen and angiotensin,
thrombopoietin, etc. Its exocrine function involved bile production. The liver
is a filter and store of different substances (e.g. glycogen, vitamins). It is the site of serum protein (e.g.
albumin, prothrombin, fibrinogen) and enzyme synthesis. Metabolic processes
(e.g. bilirubin, hormone, carbohydrate and lipid turnover) and the removal of
toxic products are important liver functions.
Viral or bacterial infections of
liver or by infestation with parasites have become common. Diseases of the
blood or immune system may also interfere with hepatic metabolism and affect
liver. Many different types of medication (e.g. acetaminophen, tetracycline, oral
contraceptives, chlorpromazine, isoniazid, halothane, androgens) can produce an
adverse liver reaction in certain people. Other hepatotoxins (e.g. alcohol,
fungal toxins, and anabolic steroids) can cause specific damage to liver cells.
Alcohol-induced hepatic injury is a common problem. Toxic hepatitis may be
clinically silent or severe enough to lead to the rapid development of hepatic
failure. Unhealthy diet may cause liver damage. As a result of these, liver may
exhibit symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and
vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, dark urine, generalised itching, fever,
weight loss, anorexia and depression. Examination findings may include
hepatomegaly, abdominal tenderness and liver enzyme abnormalities. The fatty
degeneration of the liver is the most common abnormality observed in chronic
alcoholics. In patients with underlying cirrhosis, manifestations of portal
hypertension may predominate. This article overviews the common liver problems
and lists out the commonly used liver remedies with indication.
Jaundice: It is yellowish pigmentation of the skin and mucous membrane, due
to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinaemia). It may be
due to abnormalities in the formation, transport, metabolism or excretion of
bilirubin. It has non-hepatic as well as hepatic causes. All the common liver
remedies like Abies canadensis, Berberis vulgaris,
Boldo, Carduus benedictus, Carduus marianus, Cassia fistula, Chelidonium majus,
Chelone glabra, Chionanthus virginica, Condurango, Fel tauri 3x & 6x,
Hydrastis, Hydrocotyle, Iris versicolor, Pichi pichi (Fabiana imbricata) may be useful in jaundice. Physician has to select the a remedy
based on individuality.
Hepatitis (due to Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D & E):
Homoeopathy has a wide scope in viral infections and especially in hepatitis. A
thorough case taking will be helpful to choose a remedy from commonly used
drugs like Andrographis paniculata, Carduus
marianus, Chelidonium, Chionanthus virginicus, Hydrastis canadensis,
Ipecacuanha, Iris versicolor, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Nux vomica and others.
Alcoholic
hepatitis: It is becoming common these days. After heavy drinking, symptoms worsen and
tend to vary with the severity and progression of the disease. Sometimes
symptoms do not present themselves until the disease is relatively advanced.
Common symptoms include abdominal pain and tenderness, ascites, confusion, dry
mouth / excessive thirst, fatigue, fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, nausea, weight
gain due to ascites, etc. Along with drugs for alcoholism like Quercus
robur/glandibus, liver remedies to normalise liver function to be used.
Autoimmune
hepatitis: It is
inflammation of liver due to immune cells that mistake the liver’s normal cells
as harmful invaders. A person with autoimmune hepatitis has autoantibodies
circulating in the bloodstream that cause the immune system to attack the
liver. The cause is predominantly genetic. However, certain bacteria, viruses,
toxins and drugs can trigger an autoimmune response in people who are
genetically susceptible to develop an autoimmune disorder. Case to be managed
symptomatically.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver
disease: Fatty liver, also known as fatty liver disease (FLD),
is a reversible condition where large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate
in liver cells via the process of steatosis (i.e. abnormal retention of lipids
within a cell). Some measures like losing weight, regular exercise, improving
the diet with fibrous food, avoiding alcohol and fatty substances, controlling
cholesterol levels and diabetes are helpful. Drugs like Apocynum, Arsenic Album, Bryonia,
Cardus marianus, Chelidonium, Digitalis, Ferrum metallicum, Helleborus Niger, Iris
versicolor, Kalium carbonicum, Lycopodium, Natrum carbonicum, Nux Vomica, Phosphorous,
Sepia, etc. are commonly used.
Cholelithiasis: It is a medical term for gallstone. Aversion to fatty
food, abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting after meals may be symptoms of
cholelithiasis. Drugs like Aurum muriaticum natronatum 3x & 6x, Berberis
vulgaris, Boldo, Chelone glabra, Cholesterinum 3x & 6x, Dioscorea villosa,
Fel tauri 3x & 6x and Pichi pichi (Fabiana imbricata) are specific for
gallstone.
Bile
duct obstruction: It is due
to various causes like cysts of the common bile duct, enlarged lymp nodes in
the porta hepatis, gallstones, inflammation of the bile ducts, narrowing of the
bile ducts from scarring, injury from gallbladder surgery, tumors of the bile
ducts or pancreas, tumors that have spread to the biliary system, etc. Scope of
homoeopathy in individual case based on causative factor to be established
before starting the treatment. Based on this, the choice of remedy & plan
of treatment to be drawn.
Toxic
hepatitis: It is inflammation of the
liver due to medication or exposure to toxic (poisonous) chemicals. First the
exposure to toxic substances is to be withdrawn if possible. Drugs for
detoxification like Andrographis paniculata, Arsenicum album, Azadirachta
indica, Carduus marianus, Chelidonium, Daphne indica, Hydrocotyle, Natrum
sulphuricum, Nux vomica, Quercus robur and others are useful.
Cirrhosis: Though it is an irreversible pathology of liver,
symptoms are well managed and quality of life can be improved. Common liver
drugs like Andrographis paniculata, Carduus marianus, Chelidonium and other
will be helpful based on symptom similarity.
Commonly used drugs in
liver disorders
Chelidonium
majus is a liver remedy, covering
many of the direct reflex symptoms of diseased conditions of the organ. It is
indicated in jaundice, enlarged liver, gall colic, distension and sluggish
bowels due to hepatic disease or bilious complications.
Andrographis
paniculata is indicated for liver
disease in children, prolonged fever, general debility, enlarged liver and
jaundice. It is a tonic and anthelmintic, and is useful in the treatment of
dysentery and dyspepsia.
Carduus
marianus acts on liver, vascular and
portal system, in particular. It is used for liver problems due to abuse of
alcoholic beverages, enlargement of liver causing fullness and soreness,
hyperaemia of liver, jaundice and initial stages of cirrhosis. Irritability and
apathy, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, profuse diarrhoea and constipation,
haemorrhagic piles, and itching at night are covered.
Hydrastis
canadensis has a marked action on the
liver. It acts on torpid and tender liver, jaundice, dull dragging pain in the
right groin, gall stones, constipation, tumour state when pain is prominent.
Also useful in cirrhosis of liver.
Iris versicolor:
Increases the flow of bile. It is used for sick headaches due to sluggish liver.
It is used for pancreas, intestinal glands, and gastro-intestinal mucous membranes
where liver affection is marked. In herbal medicine, it is considered as detoxifier
and laxative.
Aurum
muriaticum natronatum finds its
place in the management of fatty degeneration of the liver, hepatic cirrhosis
and ascites. It acts on some metabolic dysfunctions of nervous origin,
depression and mental derangement, arteriosclerosis and hypertension.
Berberis
vulgaris: It has marked action on the
liver, promoting the flow of bile. Acts on gallbladder, improving bile flow,
reducing pain of gallbladder stones, amoebicide and anti-dysenteric.
Boldo:
It is indicated for atony of bladder,
cholecystitis, biliary calculus, loss of appetite with bitter taste,
constipation, congested or sluggish liver, burning weight in liver. Painful hepatic
diseases and disturbed liver function after malaria are also covered by this
medicine.
Carduus
benedictus: The action of the drug is to
stimulate the secretion of stomach, intestine and gall bladder. It has been
used for minor digestive complaints and related intermittent fevers.
Homoeopathically the indications are sensation of contraction in many parts, and
sluggish liver. It is also used in cases of diarrhoea, digestive headaches. Has
reported properties similar to antibiotics.
Pichi pichi (Fabiana
imbricata): It is also indicated in cases of liver
affections and gallstones. It has also tonic and chologogue properties, used in
the treatment of jaundice, dyspepsia and to increase the secretion of bile. Useful
in cholelithiasis and liver affections.
Abies canadensis: Canine hunger with torpid liver. Gnawing, hungry, faint feeling at
the epigastrium. Great appetite, craving for meat, pickles, radishes, turnips,
artichokes, coarse food. Tendency to eat far beyond capacity for digestion.
Burning and distention of stomach and abdomen with palpitation.
Acidum
citricum is used in haemorrhages,
oedema and all forms of dropsy. It regulates the bile flow and some forms of
acid-base imbalance.
Acidum
hydrofluoricum is a remedy which covers
digestive dysfunctions of the old or prematurely old due to chronic diseases.
It is indicated for abdominal discomfort, enlarged liver, liver deterioration
due to alcohol, flatulence, eructation, itching and distended blood vessels.
Cassia
fistula: It is indicated in liver
diseases and as laxative. There are reports of its useful results in enteric
fevers with sluggish liver. Reported to be possessing antiinflammatory and
analgesic action.
Chelone
glabra: It is a remedy for liver
affection with pain or soreness of the left lobe of the liver and extending
downwards. It is also used for soreness of external parts, as if skin were off.
Phyto-therapy recommends for gallbladder stone and problems of bile flow. Has mild
laxative action, relieves nausea, vomiting, intestinal colic. Antidepressant.
Chionanthus virginica:
It is a prominent remedy for liver, gallbladder, jaundice and used for
gallbladder pain. Improves appetite and digestion. Is mild laxative.
Condurango:
It stimulates the digestive functions, anorexia nervosa, nervous indigestion,
and thus improves the general health. Modifies secretions of liver and digestive
glands. Research reports cover stimulant for liver and pancreas.
Fel tauri:
It liquefies the bile and acts as a purgative and chologogue. It increases the
duodenal secretion, emulsifies fats and increases the peristaltic action of the
intestines. It is useful in jaundice due
to obstruction, biliary calculi and disordered digestion. This agent in a one
grain dose before each meal and retiring increases the functional activity of
the hepatic cells as well as supplying bile to the intestinal tract. It is also employed as an intestinal
antiseptic.
Hydrocotyle:
It is an excellent remedy in jaundice. It is an aperient and tonic. In herbal
medicine, it is considered as anti-ageing plant.
Ipecacuanha acts on persistent nausea and vomiting, cutting pain
around the naval, tenesmus and liver sore.
Podophyllum
peltatum is indicated for distended
abdomen, feeling of heat and emptiness, sensation of weakness or sinking,
painful liver region, jaundice, portal engorgement, gastro-enteritis-like
symptoms.
Quassia is considered as a gastric organ tonic. Quassia is
indicated for pain above the liver and spleen, pressure and sharp pain in the
liver, and cirrhosis of liver with ascites. It acts on dyspepsia, acidity,
heartburn, gastralgia and regurgitation of food.
2 comments:
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is not completely understood, most theories suggest portal hypertension (increased pressure in the liver blood flow to the
liver) as the main contributor. But don't bother about it. We give to you the best Home Remedies For Ascites for better cure.
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