Jaundice
Jaundice is the abnormal accumulation of the pigment bilirubin in the blood. This results in a change in pigmentation of the skin, the whites of the eyes and other symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms may include extreme weakness, fever, a headache, loss of appetite, severe constipation with light colored stools and nausea. The most noticeable symptom is the expected yellowing of the skin, the whites of the eyes and sometimes of the tongue. The urine may appear extremely concentrated.
Causes
Jaundice may be caused by an obstruction in the bile ducts. When this happens, the bile mixes with the blood and the pigment gets to the skin, causing the yellowing that is associated with this ailment. The obstruction could be due to inflammation of the liver or gallstones. Other causes may be traced to acute hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, other liver diseases and tuberculosis. Newborns often develop yellowing of the skin as their bodies try to adapt to life outside the womb. It is thought to be caused by the liver trying to break down excess red blood cells, which releases a slightly larger than normal amount of bilirubin, or the pigment that causes the yellowing of the skin, into the bloodstream.
Cautions
A severe bout can lead to complications like kernicterus. If the problem does not seem to be getting any better and symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Dandelion this herb is a tonic for the liver and digestive system. Add dandelion to your salads or cooked greens. You can also take this herb as a tea or in tablets or capsules. This herb is also beneficial for newborns. If the mother is breastfeeding, she should drink dandelion root tea to help her baby heal from this ailment.
- Milk thistle this herb is well-known for its reputation for protecting the liver. Take this herb as an extract or tincture.
- Cascara sagrada this herb is especially useful when jaundice is caused by bile obstruction. Take this herb as a tincture or as capsules.
- Yellow dock this herb is very beneficial for the liver. Take it as herbal tea, in capsules or tablets.
- Chamomile this herb is good for improving liver function. Take chamomile tea once a day for relief.
- Turmeric add half a teaspoon of powdered turmeric to a glass of warm water and drink this mixture three or four times per day.
- Catnip for jaundice in a newborn baby, if the mother is breastfeeding, she should drink a tea of catnip to help the baby get over this affliction.
- Ginger normally thought of as a digestive aid, ginger can also benefit the liver. Add half a teaspoon of ginger juice to a teaspoon of lime and mint.
- Oregano a tea of oregano can help the liver break down the excess bilirubin. Add 2 teaspoons of oregano to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for ten minutes. Strain out the herb and drink once a day.
- Lemon this herb is astringent and beneficial to the body. Add 8 to 10 lemon leaves to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover the cup and let it steep for 5 to 6 minutes. For jaundice, drink this lemon water for 4 to 5 days.