Jaundice, also known as icterus, is the term doctors use to describe yellowing of the skin and sclera, or the whites of the eyes. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom reports that, if you are affected by jaundice, your body fluids may also become yellow in color. If you are suffering from jaundice and are considering using herbal remedies to treat your symptoms, first discuss the risks and benefits of herbs with your physician.
About Jaundice
The University of California-San Francisco's Benioff Children's Hospital states that jaundice occurs when too much bilirubin -- a product of the breakdown of red blood cells -- accumulates in your blood. In normal, healthy individuals, the liver scavenges bilirubin and sends it the kidneys for filtering before it is voided from the body in urine. If you have some sort of liver dysfunction, too much bilirubin is produced. The main types of jaundice are neonatal, hepatocellular, hemolytic and obstructive.
Herbal Aids
Several herbal aids may effectively treat jaundice. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that blue flag, Culver's root and fringe tree are herbal remedies that may help this condition. Other herbal aids that may be helpful include red clover and burdock root, which cleanse the blood, and dandelion and celandine, which cleanse the liver. A milk thistle extract known as silymarin may help restore the health of the liver, while oregano may also help treat jaundice.
A Commonly Used Herb
Celandine is a commonly used herb in the treatment of jaundice. This herb, notes Sharol Tilger, an herbalist, naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," possesses anti-inflammatory action, stimulates digestive enzymes and encourages the production of bile in the liver. Celandine is used to treat jaundice, inflammation and congestion of the liver, gastrointestinal spasms and gallbladder and spleen sluggishness. All parts of the celandine plant may be used in herbal remedies.
Considerations
Because jaundice may be a sign of a serious underlying health problem, it is wise to seek the opinion of a qualified health care provider if you are experiencing jaundice-related symptoms. A health care professional can assess your condition and make treatment recommendations based on your symptoms and the findings of various tests. Although herbal aids for jaundice may be helpful in treating your underlying condition, you should always discuss the use of herbs -- procedures, dosage, treatment duration -- with your doctor prior to using them.
References
- National Health Service: Jaundice
- University of California-San Francisco: Jaundice
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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