liver diseases are commonly referred to as "Amraaz-e-Kabid" (Arabic: Ø£Ù
راض اÙÙبد), which translates to "diseases of the liver". The liver is considered an important organ in Unani medicine, playing a key role in digestion, metabolism, and the body's overall balance of humors (Akhlat). The liver is responsible for producing bile, detoxifying the blood, and storing nutrients. Any disruption in its function leads to various health issues, and these disorders are treated by restoring balance to the humors and using herbal remedies that help support the liverâs detoxification process.
1. Excessive Heat (Safra):
Excess yellow bile (Safra) in the body is a common cause of liver disorders in Unani. It can lead to liver inflammation (hepatitis), liver damage, and conditions like jaundice and fatty liver.
2. Imbalance of Humors (Akhlat):Unani believes that an imbalance in the body's humors, especially an excess of black bile (Sauda) or phlegm (Balgham), can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the liver, causing diseases like cirrhosis, fatty liver, or liver abscess.
3. Poor Digestion and Weak Digestive Fire (Hararat): A weak digestive fire (Hararat) leads to improper digestion and the accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins can burden the liver, impair its ability to process waste, and eventually lead to liver diseases.
4. Dietary Factors:Overeating, consumption of heavy, greasy foods, and alcohol are seen as factors that increase the load on the liver, leading to fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver inflammation.
5. Infections:Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can affect the liver and cause conditions like hepatitis and liver abscess. In Unani, these infections are often linked to an imbalance of the humors that weakens the bodyâs defenses.
6. Stress and Emotional Factors: Emotional imbalances and stress are believed to affect the liver's function in Unani. Anger and frustration are particularly linked to liver disorders, as they can cause an imbalance in yellow bile (Safra), leading to liver dysfunction.
The symptoms of liver diseases in Unani are similar to those in modern medicine and depend on the type of liver disorder. Common symptoms include:
-Fatigue and weakness
-Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
-Abdominal pain, especially in the right upper quadrant
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea and vomiting
-Swelling in the abdomen (ascites)
-Dark urine and pale stools
-Fever (in cases of infection like liver abscess)
-Bloating and digestive disturbances
Treatment of liver diseases in Unani focuses on restoring balance to the humors, particularly Safra (yellow bile), and improving digestion and liver detoxification. The following approaches are commonly used:
1. Herbal Remedies:
Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa):A potent herb used to purify the liver, stimulate bile production, and reduce inflammation. It is often used in the treatment of hepatitis and fatty liver.
Bhringraj (Eclipta alba): Known as a liver tonic, it helps in detoxifying the liver and promoting liver cell regeneration.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and liver-protective properties. It is widely used to support liver function and reduce inflammation.Dandelion: Known for its diuretic and liver detoxification properties, it helps to stimulate bile production and promote liver health.
Ginger: Used to improve digestion, reduce nausea, and support liver detoxification.
2. Cupping Therapy (Hijama):
Hijama or cupping therapy is often used in Unani to purify the blood, relieve congestion, and stimulate liver function. It is particularly beneficial in cases of liver stagnation and detoxification.
3. Dietary Modifications:
Light, easily digestible foods: Soups, broths, and cooked vegetables are recommended to ease the digestive load on the liver.
Avoiding fatty, greasy, and heavy foods: Foods that can increase the burden on the liver, such as fried foods, alcohol, and sweets, should be avoided.
Warming herbs like ginger, cumin, and coriander are often recommended to stimulate digestion and balance the humors.
4. Restoring Digestive Fire (Hararat) : Improving the digestive fire (Hararat) is central to Unani treatment. This can be done by using carminative herbs (such as Ajwain, Fennel) to support digestion and help the liver process nutrients effectively.
5. Detoxification and Liver Cleansing: Unani treatments often involve cleansing and detoxification therapies to remove excess toxins from the liver and restore its function. Herbal tonics and purgatives are used to improve liver function and flush out toxins.
Fatty liver disease is a condition where excess fat builds up in liver cells. It can be caused by factors such as obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections (A, B, C, D, E), but also by alcohol, medications, and autoimmune conditions.
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition characterized by the progressive scarring of the liver. It is caused by chronic liver damage from factors like alcohol abuse, viral infections, and metabolic diseases.
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood, often due to liver dysfunction or problems with bile flow.
Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) can result from a variety of conditions, including liver diseases, infections, metabolic disorders, or heart failure
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder and can block the flow of bile, causing pain and complications.
Liver weakness refers to a decline in the liver's ability to perform its essential functions, often due to conditions like chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or hepatitis.