Liver & Gall Bladder Disorders

In Ayurveda, the liver is known as Yakrit, and it’s considered a Pitta-dominant organ, responsible for digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. When Pitta dosha becomes aggravated due to poor diet, alcohol, stress, or toxins, it can lead to disorders such as:

  • Fatty Liver (Yakrit Roga) – Imbalance of Kapha and Meda (fat tissues) in the liver

  • Jaundice (Kamala) – Excess Pitta causing yellowing of the skin and eyes

  • Hepatitis (Yakrit Shotha) – Inflammation of the liver, often due to viral or toxic causes

  • Gallstones (Pittashmari) – Hard deposits formed due to aggravated Pitta and Kapha doshas in the gall bladder

1. Herbal Liver Detox (Yakrit Shuddhi)

Key Herbs Used:

  • Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri): Known for antiviral and hepatoprotective action

  • Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa): Detoxifies liver and improves bile secretion

  • Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata): Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective

  • Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Reduces liver swelling and supports detox

  • Triphala: Gentle cleansing and antioxidant support

Benefits:

  • Clears Ama (toxins) from the liver and intestines

  • Supports bile flow, digestion, and metabolism

  • Protects liver cells and rejuvenates liver function

2. Virechana – Therapeutic Purgation

Virechana is one of the five Panchakarma therapies and is specifically used for eliminating aggravated Pitta from the body, especially from the liver, gall bladder, and intestines.

Procedure:

  • Preparation (Purvakarma): Oleation (internal & external oil therapies) and steaming to loosen toxins

  • Main therapy: Administration of natural purgatives (like Trivrit, Haritaki, or Castor oil)

  • Post-therapy diet: Gradual reintroduction of light foods to stabilize digestion

Benefits:

  • Flushes out excess Pitta, bile, and toxins

  • Clears blocked bile channels, preventing gallstone formation

  • Reduces inflammation in liver and gall bladder

  • Improves appetite, skin clarity, and energy

3. Basti – Medicated Enema Therapy

Although primarily used for Vata-related disorders, Basti is also effective in chronic liver and gall bladder conditions, especially when they involve Vata-Kapha imbalance, such as:

  • Fatty liver (with sluggish digestion and accumulation)

  • Gallstones (with associated constipation or dryness)

Types of Basti used:

  • Anuvasana Basti (Oil-based): Nourishes and soothes the colon and liver area

  • Niruha Basti (Decoction-based): Cleanses toxins, improves metabolism

Benefits:

  • Regulates Apana Vata, which controls elimination and bile flow

  • Helps break down gallstones and prevent recurrence

  • Detoxifies the lower gastrointestinal tract, aiding liver health

  • Restores digestive fire (Agni) and supports fat metabolism

Diet & Lifestyle Support

Ayurveda also emphasizes Ahara (diet) and Vihara (lifestyle) for sustainable liver health:

Recommended Diet:

  • Warm, freshly cooked, light meals

  • Bitter and astringent vegetables like karela (bitter gourd), methi (fenugreek), neem

  • Avoid fried, oily, spicy, sour, and fermented foods

  • Drink warm water infused with turmeric or coriander

Lifestyle Tips:

  • Regular sleep and wake cycles

  • Avoid alcohol and processed foods

  • Gentle yoga and breathing exercises (Pranayama)

  • Stress management through meditation