🌿 May and June is the time for liver and gallbladder maintenance in the annual health care programme💚
The liver and gallbladder play a vital role in the digestive process and in maintaining our overall health. The liver is the centre of Pitta dosha (fire energy) in Ayurvedic medicine, responsible for digestion, metabolism and transformation in the body. It regulates the body’s ability to efficiently digest food, assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste.
The liver is responsible for the production of bile, the digestive fluid that helps break down fat and absorb fat-soluble vitamins. In addition, the liver plays a crucial role in the body’s detoxification, the processing of cholesterol and hormones, and the metabolism of various substances. Bile is transported to the small intestine to help break down fats and promote smooth digestion. The gallbladder is located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen and is responsible for storing and concentrating bile, a yellowish-brown digestive enzyme produced by the liver.
Liver and gallbladder health from an Ayurvedic perspective
According to Ayurveda, health problems occur when there is an excess or deficiency of certain doshas (biological energies) in the body. These doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha – control various physiological and psychological functions.
The fiery (pitta) nature of the liver can be the source of many infectious and inflammatory diseases, ulcers, acidity, allergies, dermatitis, jaundice. Our emotions also have a significant impact on healthy liver function. For example, anger, irritability, outbursts of rage typically indicate an overflow of pitta-fire energy. While in a balanced state, the energy of pitta fuels enthusiasm, courage and self-confidence.
If you would like to know your Ayurvedic body type and your current energy balance, fill in our free online test.
5 signs that your liver needs your attention and is asking for help:
- Do you wake up feeling tired and faint in the morning?
- Do your eyes get tired faster and your vision blurry?
- Are you frustrated, angry and irritable for no particular reason?
- Do you have a yellowish tint to the whites of your eyes?
- Is your skin more sensitive, with spots or other skin irritations?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, your liver needs your attention to restore healthy function and balance.
Herbal remedies for liver and gallbladder health
Traditional Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs and spices to strengthen and support the regeneration and maintenance of healthy liver and gallbladder function. As the weather gets warmer, our bodies can detox more effectively. There are many excellent spices and herbs available that have liver and blood cleansing and diuretic effects.
Bhumi Amla
“Numerous clinical trials in India and the West have shown that this herb alone is effective against most liver diseases”1. Bhumi Amla strengthens liver function, restores damaged liver cells. Its anti-inflammatory action helps slow the spread of liver damage. It reduces stomach acidity and supports digestive health by improving nutrient absorption. Purifying, detoxifying – strengthens the liver and gallbladder, helps prevent gallstones. Dry and light, it has a cooling effect that counters excess heat in the digestive tract. Pacifies pitta and kapha dosha.
Neem
One of the most effective blood purifying and detoxifying herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is astringent, dry, cooling, helps to remove foreign tissue and is an antipyretic. Neem contains antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal substances. Stimulates bile production, anti-inflammatory, and is effective in treating skin problems. Pacifies pitta and kapha dosha. Did you know that 140 different compounds have been identified from various parts of the Neem tree?2 There are many international publications available on the medicinal properties of Neem, if you would like to know more about this great herb, read Sadhguru’ s post.
Dietary recommendation
Choose fresh local fruit and vegetables as an alternative to fatty, oily, heavy foods. Use olive oil or ghee. A diet rich in whole grains and lean proteins, plenty of water and herbal tea will help improve digestion and prevent gallstones. The bitter herbs and spices that are well known and used in the West are great natural additions to flavour food or as tea infusions: coriander, fennel, turmeric, lemon, mint, nettle, sage, yarrow, senna.
Take an active role to support the healthy functioning of your liver and gallbladder by choosing natural remedies!
Ayurveda, the power of nature
Sources: 1Dr. David Frawley Ayurvedic healing, 2isha.sadhguru.org, Sebastien Pole Ayurvedic medicine, Bhaktikutir.hu
