Jaundice Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Remedies for Liver Health

Ravi, a lively 10-year-old from a quiet village, was the star of his classroom and cricket field until one summer when he was diagnosed with jaundice. His energy waned, his skin turned pale yellow, and he became confined to bed, watching his friends play.

His parents sought wisdom from a village elder, who said, “Jaundice teaches patience. His spirit will heal, but only if he rests.” With a careful routine of light food, herbal remedies like karela juice and turmeric water, and plenty of rest, Ravi began to recover.

His turning point came when his mother gave him a sapling to care for, saying, “Nurture this as we’re nurturing you.” As he tended to the plant, his strength returned. When it blossomed, so did his spirit and health. Years later, he shared, “That tree taught me that healing takes time. Jaundice showed me to slow down and value my health.” This is a common journey for many Indians facing jaundice, a condition that requires care to prevent serious liver issues.

What Is Jaundice? Understanding the Yellow Flag of Liver Distress

Jaundice is a clinical condition marked by yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (usually above 2–3 mg/dL). This yellow pigment is a byproduct of the natural breakdown of red blood cells.

In simple terms, when the liver or bile system isn’t functioning properly, bilirubin builds up in the blood, causing the signature yellow discolouration we know as jaundice.

What is Bilirubin and Why Does It Matter?

Bilirubin is a yellow compound produced when haemoglobin in ageing red blood cells is broken down. It travels from the spleen to the liver, where it is processed and excreted in bile. This bile is later expelled from the body through faeces.

When this cycle is disrupted due to excessive bilirubin production, poor liver function, or blocked bile ducts, bilirubin accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to jaundice.

Causes of Jaundice: Pre-Hepatic, Hepatic, and Post-Hepatic Factors

Pre-Hepatic (Before the Liver)

Caused by excessive breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis), common in conditions like:

• Hemolytic anemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Malaria

Hepatic (Within the Liver)

The liver fails to process bilirubin efficiently, as seen in:

• Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune)
• Cirrhosis
• Fatty liver
• Gilbert’s syndrome

Post-Hepatic (After the Liver)

Obstructions prevent bilirubin from exiting the liver via bile:

• Gallstones
• Pancreatic or bile duct tumours
• Bile duct scarring or inflammation

Types of Jaundice Based on Causes

• Pre-Hepatic Jaundice: From rapid red blood cell destruction.
• Hepatic Jaundice: From liver dysfunction.
• Post-Hepatic Jaundice: From blocked bile ducts.

Symptoms of Jaundice (Modern Medical View)

• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Dark-colored urine
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Fatigue and malaise
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort (usually upper right side)
• Itching (pruritis)
• Nausea or vomiting
• In severe cases: swelling (ascites), confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), and weight loss

Ayurveda’s Perspective: Kamala – When Pitta Takes Over

In Ayurveda, jaundice is known as “Kamala.” It is considered a Pitta-dominant disorder, with imbalances in digestion (Agni), toxin buildup (Ama), and liver dysfunction (Yakrit Roga). The condition stems from improper dietary and lifestyle choices, emotional stress, and weakened liver fire.

Types of Kamala in Ayurveda

1. Koshthashrita Kamala (Obstructive Jaundice)

• Cause: Bile flow obstruction
• Symptoms: Yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue

2. Shakhashrita Kamala (Hepatic Jaundice)

• Cause: Deep liver tissue involvement
• Symptoms: Swelling, intense fatigue, ascites

3. Ruddhapatha Kamala (Hemolytic Jaundice)

• Cause: Red blood cell destruction
• Symptoms: Anaemia, pallor, weakness, yellowing

4. Pandu Kamala (Anaemia with Jaundice)

• Cause: Dual Vata-Pitta aggravation
• Symptoms: Pale skin, fatigue, yellow discolouration

Ayurvedic Understanding of Kamala (Pathogenesis)

• Weak Agni (digestive fire) impairs metabolism
• Ama (toxins) builds up and disturbs Pitta
• Liver and gallbladder functions are compromised
• Symptoms like yellowing, weakness, and poor digestion emerge

Common Symptoms of Kamala (As per Charaka Samhita)

• Yellow skin and sclera
• Dark, tea-colored urine
• Pale, clay-colored stools
• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling in limbs or abdomen (in chronic cases)

Similarities Between Modern Jaundice and Ayurvedic Kamala

Both systems observe:

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Dark urine and pale stools
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Digestive discomfort
• Itching due to toxin build-up

Ayurvedic Treatment for Kamala: Cleanse, Cool, and Rejuvenate

Dietary Guidelines

• Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like moong dal, rice, barley
• Include cooling fruits like pomegranate, apple, and papaya
• Consume bitter vegetables like karela (bitter gourd), bottle gourd
• Sip on herbal teas made from coriander or fennel

To Avoid

• Spicy, oily, and fermented foods
• Alcohol and processed items
• Sour or overly salty foods

Panchakarma Therapies

• Virechana (purgation): Removes Pitta toxins
• Basti (enema): Balances Vata and improves digestion
• Raktamokshana (bloodletting): In stubborn, chronic cases

Herbal Support

• Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
• Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
• Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
• Chandan (Sandalwood)
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
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• Triphala (Amalaki, Haritaki, Bibhitaki)
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Conclusion

Kamala—or jaundice—is your liver’s way of waving a yellow flag. It signals that your inner fire (Pitta) is out of balance. But you can bring the balance back with Ayurveda’s time-tested tools—cooling herbs, bitter vegetables, gentle detox therapies, and mindful living.

Jaundice isn’t just about the skin turning yellow—it’s your body asking for a timeout. Through Ayurveda, you’re not just treating the symptoms; you’re rebuilding the harmony of digestion, detox, and rest. So whether you’re nurturing a plant like young Ravi or just starting your healing journey, remember: with time, care, and the right herbs, even the dullest yellow fades into vibrant health.