Home Remedies to Treat Jaundice

Jaundice refers to a yellowish discoloration that affects the skin and the white parts of the eyes. This occurs when bilirubin levels rise in the patient’s bloodstream. A slight elevation in the levels of bilirubin makes the skin turn yellow. Jaundice can be classified as obstructive, hepatocellular, and hemolytic.

Symptoms Associated with Jaundice:

• Itchy or scratchy skin
• Tiredness
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Dark yellow urine
• Vomiting
• Abdominal disturbances
• Pale-colored stools
• Nausea

Oftentimes, jaundice develops among babies immediately right after birth. Newborns suffering from jaundice might experience yellowing of the skin; however, this might not be easily identified since their skin tone is quite different from that of adults. Jaundice tests are normally performed thirty-six hours after birth. In case any other symptoms like listlessness, poor feeding, and persistent crying are exhibited by your child, then it’s imperative that you seek medical assistance.

Causes of Jaundice

The symptoms associated with jaundice often occur when an underlying disorder affects the blood’s bilirubin levels. Under certain circumstances, the liver is incapable of removing bilirubin. While in other cases, the chemical might accumulate in body tissues. Some underlying causes of jaundice include:

• Hemolytic anemia: this disorder happens when there is a quick breakdown of red blood cells leading to an accelerated bilirubin production.

• Liver inflammation: if the liver is subjected to severe inflammation, it might be incapable to get rid of the excess bilirubin.

• Cholestasis: in this condition, the passage of bile is reduced or stopped, causing excessive build up in the liver.

• Bile duct inflammation: this is an acute swelling of the bile duct wherein it obstructs the way through which bilirubin is secreted and eliminated.

Home Remedies

The following are some of the most effective home remedies you can rely on:

• Radish Leaves: drinking the juice out from the green radish leaves on a daily basis can help in the treatment and management of jaundice. This is important in helping you regulate abdominal discomfort as well as improving your appetite. For maximum effect, continue with this treatment for 8-10 days.

• Tomatoes: if you have been diagnosed with jaundice, it is vital to take a combination of pepper and salt added to fresh tomatoes every morning. Medically, tomatoes are known to help minimize the damage of the liver, facilitating recovery in the process.

• Pepper and salt: add some pepper and salt to a glass of fresh tomato juice and drink every morning. Lycopene from tomatoes will reduce liver damage and even facilitate recovery.

• Snake Gourd Leaves: prepare boiling water, and then add some dry snake gourd leaves. This should be followed by boiling coriander seeds in water for some time. Then combine the decoctions and drink three times a day.

Other foods that help alleviate jaundice include:

• Almonds
• Pigeon pea leaves
• Sugarcane juice
• Lemon juice
• Barley water
• Turmeric
• Papaya leaves extract
• Ginger
• Buttermilk
• Indian Gooseberry
• Oregano

Diet for Jaundice

Proper dieting and having enough rest can help you quickly recover from jaundice. The following tips can help you as far as home remedies for jaundice are concerned:

• Take enough fluids on a daily basis to help you get rid of excess bilirubin from your body. 
• Reduce the amount of your alcohol intake to minimize the occurrence of liver diseases.
• Eat smaller amounts of meals at regular intervals.
• Avoid eating oily, spicy, and sugary foods.