Jaundice is a symptom, which is characterized by the yellowing (sometimes even orange tinting) of the skin, mucous membrane, and the sclera. It is a result of excessive production of bilirubin in the body.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment, which is a by-product obtained from the break down of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Under normal circumstances, the blood carries bilirubin into the liver, which then gets rid of it. Jaundice could indicate a grave issue with the functioning of your RBCs, gallbladder, liver, or pancreas.
Nearly 60% of newborns(1) are affected by jaundice. Neonatal children develop jaundice because of the inability of the immature liver to synthesize fetal hemoglobin. If untreated, severe jaundice could result in the development of Kernicterus. However, jaundice is not as common in adults.
Here are a few remedies that can guide you with how to treat jaundice.
Jaundice is more of a symptom than a disease. As such, it could be caused by the following underlying issues:
As mentioned earlier, jaundice is also fairly common amongst newborns who are born prematurely.
The signs of jaundice in adults include:
In addition to the above, infants may also show the following symptoms:
In adults, jaundice is categorized based on where it may be localized. It could be:
Intra-hepatic jaundice is the most prevalent form of jaundice(2) with incidence touching 58.2%. Trailing the lead is post-hepatic jaundice at 22.8% and the rarest, pre-hepatic jaundice, is present at 13.7%.
[Read: 18 Home Remedies to Treat Jaundice]
The following are some of the most effective natural remedies for jaundice.
Wondering how to get rid of jaundice? Try the drinks given below!
Sugarcane juice is a refreshing summer beverage. Fortunately, it can also help with jaundice!
Sugarcane juice contributes to the healthy functioning of your liver. As the phytochemicals in sugarcane restore your liver’s health, the bilirubin synthesis also resumes, thereby, keeping jaundice in check.
Drink the juice twice a day until your condition improves.
[Read: Benefits of Sugar Cane Juice]
Nearly 65% of the world’s population(3) drinks goat’s milk!
Goat’s milk can also prevent anemia!
Unlike cow’s milk, goat’s milk is easy to digest and can be consumed by adults and children. At the same time, its nutritional content is on par with cow’s milk. The antibodies present in goat’s milk can help treat jaundice.
Consume a cup of goat’s milk daily.
Amla, or Indian gooseberry, helps in boosting the body’s immune system. As such, it comes as no surprise that features in a list on how to cure jaundice.
Amla is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Thus, it can undo all the damage caused by free radicals and restore the body’s health. It is highly effective(4) in treating jaundice and its causes such as hepatitis.
Drink this juice for about two to three times a day.
Some essential oils can also in treating jaundice. Some of these are:
The woody fragrance of rosemary oil is said to cure a host of ailments. It is known to combat mental strain, stress, and fatigue, and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Rosemary oil possesses detoxifying and hepatoprotective(5) properties. The liver-protecting property stems from the fact that it triggers the body’s antioxidant defense mechanism to protect the liver.
Studies have proven that it can stimulate the production of bile and promote the healthy functioning of the liver.
Apply the oil daily until you observe an improvement in the condition.
Lemon oil is extracted through the process of cold-pressing lemon peels. The refreshing citric aroma of lemon oil can fight exhaustion and even elevate mood in those suffering from depression.
It is believed that lemon trees originated in India!
The lemon essential oil has hepatoprotective qualities, and it can catalyze the wound healing process in response to liver injuries. Further, it is packed with antioxidants, which not only promote liver health but also treat jaundice.
Follow this routine once daily.
If you have jaundice, you may be on a restrictive diet. However, here are a few food items that you can eat, and they may, in fact, help you!
Garlic is closely related to shallots, leeks, and onions and is a popular ingredient in a variety of cuisines.
Garlic contains allicin, which possesses potent antioxidant properties. As a result, regular consumption of garlic can detoxify your liver, speed up the healing process, and help you recover from jaundice.
Consume garlic daily for it to take effect.
Ginger is not only a delicious spice, but it is also extremely healthy. It is rich in bioactive compounds and nutrients, which can benefit the body and mind.
Ginger contains a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Additionally, the hypolipidemic agents boost the liver’s functioning.
NOTE: Alternatively, you can add ginger to your regular diet.
Have a cup of this ginger tea daily until the symptoms subside.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a hormone. The body can synthesise vitamin D on exposure to UV rays from the sunlight. Very few foods can supply vitamin D naturally, and as such, individuals often rely on supplements to meet their dietary needs.
Studies have found a correlation of neonatal jaundice with Vitamin D deficiency. Even in adults, low levels of vitamin D are linked(6) with the decrease in the production of bile. As such, consuming foods that are rich in Vitamin D will promote liver health.
The RDI (Reference Daily Intake) for Vitamin D is 600 IU per day from foods. Thus, ensure that you do not exceed this limit.
Consuming tomatoes and tomato products can significantly boost your health. Read on to know how it can work against jaundice.
The first variety of tomatoes to be introduced in Europe were yellow. The Italian word for tomatoes is “Pomodoro,” which means Golden Apple.
The lycopene present in tomatoes is a powerful antioxidant. It has a detoxifying effect(7) on the liver and, as such, helps cure jaundice, especially post-hepatic jaundice.
Consume this drink daily on an empty stomach.
Here are a few home remedies to cure jaundice.
Phototherapy relates to exposure to light to reap its benefits. It is widely used to treat neonatal jaundice(8).
Natural sunlight covers a broad spectrum, which also includes the bilirubin-absorbing wavelength. It is effective in isomerizing bilirubin and is an excellent alternative to phototherapy. Further, sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the body, which also promotes liver health.
Do this daily every morning.
In addition to foods, some spices and condiments are also very effective in curing jaundice. These include:
Holy basil is popularly known as ‘Tulsi’ in India. This highly revered plant offers an array of health benefits to the body.
Since tulsi can repel mosquitoes, the colonial British would often plant tulsi around their houses.
The leaves of the holy basil exude hepatoprotective enzymes, which could help treat jaundice. It is particularly useful in reversing the drug-induced damage caused to the liver.
Follow this remedy thrice a day until the symptoms reduce.
[Read: Holy Basil Tea Benefits]
Oregano is a staple herb in several European dishes. It offers many health benefits.
Due to its powerful antioxidative effects, oregano helps in breaking down the excess bilirubin molecules. As a result, it reduces the burden and stress on the liver and cures jaundice.
Drink this tea thrice a day.
As the liver processes everything you eat or drink, it is crucial to monitor your diet. Here is a list of foods to avoid if you have jaundice:
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few tips to prevent jaundice:
If you have jaundice, these natural remedies can help you recuperate. However, it is imperative that you see a medical professional and follow their prescription.
These natural remedies alone will not cure your jaundice, but they will significantly boost your recovery. Remember to watch your diet and drink an adequate amount of water too.
Let’s address a few commonly asked questions in respect of jaundice.
Jaundice, by itself, is not contagious. However, the underlying condition that causes jaundice could be infectious. Jaundice caused due to communicable diseases like Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, Weil’s disease, and Yellow Fever can be passed on from one person to another.
In infants, jaundice can last from 3 to 12 weeks. In adults, the recovery period depends on the type of jaundice. It lasts about 4 to 6 weeks and could go up to even a year!
Jaundice is relatively common in babies and is not harmful. However, higher concentrations of bilirubin could damage the baby’s brain cells(9). Incidents of death arising out of jaundice have been reported in adults but are rather uncommon.
Yes! Jaundice is completely treatable.
Certain hereditary disorders, such as Gilbert syndrome and Dubin-Johnson syndrome, cause jaundice. As such, they could be passed down through genes.