Jaundice

Yellow eyes, dark urine, and a heavy liver, jaundice is seen in Ayurveda as kāmala, a pitta doṣa disorder. When excess bile builds up due to impaired rakta dhātu (blood tissue) and liver function, the body turns yellow. Weak agni (metabolism) allows toxins to accumulate and overwhelm the liver’s fire.

Common Causes of Jaundice

Overheating foods like fried, spicy, or sour dishes.
Liver strain from alcohol or toxic substances.
Suppressed anger and emotional heat aggravate pitta.
Exposure to infections or hepatitis viruses.
Irregular eating and sleeping weaken liver rhythm.

Symptoms of Jaundice

Yellowing of eyes, skin, and nails.
Dark urine and pale-colored stools.
Fatigue, heaviness, and low appetite.
Bitter taste in mouth or nausea.
Mild fever and abdominal discomfort.

Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing Jaundice

Cooling herbs like bhūmi amlaki and katuki support liver detox.
Light, bitter diet: barley, moong soup, and greens.
Medicated ghee like tikta ghṛta balances pitta and purifies blood.
Therapies like virechana (purgation) clear liver congestion.
Gentle rest and dinacharya restore metabolic balance.