LIVER CARE PACK (DOUBLE STRENGTH)

WHAT IS A LIVER AND LIVER DISORDER?

Liver is the organ that helps in the various functions of the body. This is the largest organ that is located on the right side of the body. The weight of this organ is around 1.5 kg and is reddish-brown in color. Normally, this organ is not palpable as it is protected by the rib cage and the functions of this organ include the production of clotting factors and other proteins, detoxification of harmful products and excretion of bile. The main function of the liver is to filter the blood that is coming from the digestive tract before passing it to the rest of the body. Liver disorders are the disorders which affect the functions of the liver. This disorder is a type of damage to the liver. This organ has lots of functions or a lot of things that keep you healthy. Liver disorders are also known as hepatic disorders. There are many types of liver diseases that affect the functions of the liver. Some of the diseases that are related to the liver are:

• Viral Hepatitis
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Hepatomegaly
• Jaundice
• Hydatid cyst

According to the Ayurveda, Liver is known as Yakrit and liver disorders are termed as Yakrit Vikar. These disorders are mainly caused due to imbalanced Pitta dosha. This disease occurs due to the aggravation of pitta dosha.

ETIOLOGY/CAUSES

The causes of liver disorders are many that are responsible for this disease. Some of the common causes are:

• Viral hepatitis
• Alcohol
• Drug induced liver disease from amiodarone, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin and paracetamol
• Excessive intake of fried food stuffs
• Hemochromatosis
• Wilson’s disease
• Autoimmune diseases such Primary biliary cholangitis
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• High cholesterol level
• Hereditary

CLINICAL FEATURES/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Disorders of the liver do not always show noticeable symptoms. If symptoms appear then they include:

• Skin and eyes that appears yellowish in colour
• Ascites
• Liver enlargement
• Pedal edema
• Anemia
• Abdominal pain 
• Abdominal distension
• Constipation
• Dark colour urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin itching
• Loss of appetite
• Tendency to bruise easily

RISK FACTORS

Factors that may increase the risk of liver disease include:

• Heavy alcohol use
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Unprotected sex
• Family history of liver disease

COMPLICATIONS

The complications of chronic liver disease are:

• Lower oesophageal varices
• Encephalopathy
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Liver failure

DIAGNOSIS

The condition may not be recognized unless there are some clinical symptoms. For making diagnosis, a doctor may advise some blood tests and imaging tests that include Ultrasound and biopsy of the liver.

WHAT TREATMENT PLANET AYURVEDA PROVIDES FOR LIVER DISORDERS?

Planet Ayurveda provides a Liver care pack (Double strength) for liver disorders. The products are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, color and yeast. They are all 100% natural and vegetarian. This pack contains the following herbal formulations:

1. Indian Echinacea Capsules
2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
3. Phyllanthus Niruri
4. Liver Detox Formula
5. Arogyavardhini vati 
6. Yakrit Plihari Loha
7. Livo Plan Syrup

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Indian Echinacea Capsules

It is a single herbal formulation provided by Planet Ayurveda. It is made from the standardized extracts of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) which is known as “King of bitters”. 

Benefits – Kalmegh is a naturally powerful antiviral and anti-bacterial herbal product. This is widely used in the management of liver and spleen disorders. Kalmegh herb has immuno-stimulant, anti-parasitic, hepatoprotective properties and it is best in Hepatitis B disease because of its anti-viral properties. Echinicea inhibits the growth of Hep-B virus and is thus helpful in managing liver damage. This herb supports good and healthy liver cells, thus helpful in maintaining the good flow of blood. It stimulates the general immune activities and inhibits the body’s inflammatory mechanism.

Dosage – 2 Capsules twice daily after meals with warm water.

2. Yakrit Plihantak Churna

This is an herbal formulation in powder form that contains the herbal mixture of rare herbs to improve liver functions. The herbal powder contains the extracts of the herbs like Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurrao), Makoy (Solanum indicum), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

Benefits – This herbal formulation is very effective against all liver disorders. The herbs in this formulation are very useful for the detoxification of the liver. It is an effective herbal formula for liver and spleen detox and it clears away the toxins from the liver and thus regenerates the liver cells that are once damaged in liver disorders. The ingredients remove the excessive fat from the liver. The herb kutki helps in the excretion of excessive bile from the body. The herbs like Makoy, Bhringraj and kalmegh improves the kidney functions and also herbs like punarnava and bhumi amla regenerates the liver cells.      

Dosage – You can boil the powder 1 teaspoonful in 400 ml water, keep it boiling until it remains 50 ml. Strain it and drink the water. Leave the residue. Do it twice daily. Make fresh every time.

3. Phyllanthus Niruri

This is a single herb formulation that is made from the extracts of Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri). 

Benefits – This herb is a natural stone breaker and hepatoprotective. This is a wonderful appetite stimulant and helps in proper functioning of the liver. This herb helps in the cases of all types of Hepatitis. Phyllanthus works efficiently in the case of liver malfunctioning such as fatty liver, jaundice, and hepatomegaly. It enhances the function of the diseased liver. Its roots, leaves, and fruits are all used as herbal supplements. These capsules are also useful in thirst, anemia, kidney disorders, urinary calculus, asthma, etc.

Dosage – 2 Capsules twice daily after meals with warm water.

4. Liver Detox Formula

This is a poly herbal formulation. This formula contains wonderful herbs like Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Makoy (Solanum nigrum), Biranjasipha (Achillea millefolium), Jhavuka (Tamarix gallica), Himsra (Capparis spinosa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Kasni (Cichorium intybus). 

Benefits – This herbal formula maintains liver health by detoxifying the harmful toxins from the liver. This herbal remedy not only keeps the liver fit but also helps in maintaining the overall health of the digestive system. It contains herbs that help in liver detoxification and revive the damaged liver cells. This liver detox herbal formulation is useful in diseases like liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, jaundice, non alcoholic liver disease, indigestion, etc. It leads to proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients and also controls the level of blood sugar naturally.

Dosage – 2 Capsules twice daily after meals with warm water.

5. Arogyavardhini Vati

This is a classical herbomineral formulation that is used in liver and skin problems. It contains the herbs and mineral like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), shuddha Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum), shuddha Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica) and katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa). 

Benefits – It is a multi-herb supplement which is used in diseases of the liver and skin. This Ayurvedic medicine has been used for centuries to treat diseases. As the name suggests (Arogya- good health and Vardhini- improves), it improves the overall health of the body. This is used in diseases like acne, pimples, skin itching, constipation, obesity, indigestion, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, anorexia, fever, irregular bowel movements, etc. The ingredients clear the accumulated bile and manage liver disease. It contains three myrobalans which act as a Rasayan (Rejuvenative) so it is very helpful in enhancing immunity as well.

Dosage – 2 Tablets twice daily after meals with warm water.

6. Yakrit Plihari Loha

It is a classical Ayurvedic remedy. It contains herbs and minerals such as shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury), shuddha gandhak (purified sulphur), Loha bhasma (Iron clax), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Trivrit (Operulina turpenthum), etc. 

Benefits – This classical herbal formulation has been used since centuries. The herbs and minerals together in this formulation make it a very effective remedy for all the liver disorders. It is used in the treatment of Ascites, fever, jaundice, bloating, anemia, anorexia, indigestion, fatty liver, etc. the ingredients in this formulation helps in pacifying three dosha i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. It removes the toxins from the liver and protects it from further damage. 

Dosage: 1 Tablet twice daily after meals with warm water.

7. Livo Plan Syrup

This is herbal syrup that is very useful in liver disorders. It contains herbs such as Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata), Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Patol (Trichosanthes dioica), Kasni (Cichorium intybus), etc.

Benefits – This is the best Ayurvedic tonic for maintaining healthy liver function. This syrup protects the liver from various hepatotoxins. It regenerates the liver cells and thus provides a healthy liver function. The ingredients in this formulation flush out the toxins and allow the liver to work properly. The herbs in this herbal syrup have hepato-protective, digestive and anthelmintic properties. It promotes strength and helps in maintaining good health. It pacifies pitta dosha by making the defecation easy. This herbal syrup is also very beneficial in anorexia, constipation, indigestion, stomach pain, etc.

Dosage – 2 Teaspoonful twice daily after meals.

WHAT ARE THE DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LIVER DISORDERS?

• Avoid spicy, fried and junk foods.
• Avoid taking stress and anxiety.
• One should have small and regular meals.
• Strictly avoid alcohol.
• Take more fruits and vegetables like Pumpkin, bitter gourd, okra, all leafy vegetables.