Hepatitis Ayurvedic: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses (A, B, C, D, E), toxins, drugs, alcohol, autoimmune disease or metabolic disorders. Symptoms range from mild (fatigue, loss of appetite) to severe (jaundice, abdominal pain, dark urine). Accurate diagnosis (blood tests, imaging) and timely medical management are essential.

Critical Safety Note

If hepatitis is suspected or confirmed, you must follow medical diagnosis and treatment first. Ayurvedic therapies can complement medical care, especially in recovery and rehabilitation phases, but they DO NOT replace indicated antiviral, hospital-based or emergency treatments. We coordinate care with medical teams and require baseline/ongoing lab monitoring when performing detox procedures.

Ayurvedic Care Pathway (Integrated)

• Medical evaluation & coordination: Confirm diagnosis, liver function tests and rule out contraindications for detox therapies.
• Shamana & supportive care: Gentle herbal medicines to support liver function and reduce inflammation (e.g., Guduchi, Kutki, Bhringraj) under physician supervision.
• Shodhana (selective detox): Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is the principal Panchakarma used for Pitta-dominant liver cleansing — only after careful assessment and stabilization.
• Preparatory & supportive therapies: Abhyanga, Kashaya Dhara, Njavara Kizhi, Basti (selected), Shirodhara and Nasyam as adjuncts for symptom relief, stress, digestion and systemic nourishment.
• Diet & lifestyle: Pitta-pacifying, easily digestible diet, adequate hydration, rest and avoidance of hepatotoxins (alcohol, unnecessary drugs).

Therapies We Use for Hepatitis — with reference images

Below are the clinic therapies that are particularly helpful in supporting liver recovery, reducing Pitta/Ama, improving digestion and providing symptomatic relief. Each therapy includes an image for reference. All procedures are individualized and require prior medical clearance.

Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) Key

What it is: Supervised herbal purgation to remove Pitta-related toxins via the bowel.

• Principal Panchakarma for Pitta-dominant liver conditions and chronic hepatic Ama.
• Helps lower systemic inflammation, support liver detox pathways and restore digestive balance.
• Only given after preparatory Snehapana (internal oleation) and Svedana (steam) and after medical clearance; requires monitoring of LFTs and vitals.

Abhyanga (Warm Oil Massage)

What it is: Gentle full-body herbal oil massage tailored to pacify Pitta and nourish tissues.

• Prepares the body for detox, improves circulation and calms systemic inflammation.
• Reduces fatigue, improves appetite and supports lymphatic drainage.
• Frequency depends on clinical status — gentle techniques preferred in liver-compromised patients.

Kashaya Dhara (Herbal Decoction Pouring)

What it is: Continuous pouring of warm herbal decoction (liver-supporting herbs) on the abdomen or chest.

• Soothes hepatic discomfort, improves local circulation and has mild anti-inflammatory effects.
• Used as a supportive therapy in sub-acute or recovery phases — decoctions selected based on liver safety and efficacy.

Njavara Kizhi (Rejuvenative Bolus Therapy)

What it is: Warm Njavara rice boluses cooked in herbal decoction applied over the body to nourish tissues.

• Provides systemic nourishment, supports recovery, reduces weakness and muscle pain often seen in hepatitis.
• Used in rehabilitative phase to help rebuild strength and improve appetite and digestion.

Basti (Medicated Enema) — Selected Use

What it is: Medicated oil or decoction administered rectally to pacify Vata and improve systemic digestion.

• May be used as part of a systemic detox/rejuvenation protocol to restore gut-liver axis and Vata balance.
• Prescribed selectively and only when patient is stable and medical tests permit; not for acute severe hepatic failure.

Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis) — Rare/Selective

What it is: Induced emesis to remove Kapha-related toxins — used only in specific patterns where Kapha blocking contributes to hepatic congestion.

• Only considered when clinical assessment suggests Kapha involvement and after thorough medical evaluation.
• Performed in specialized settings with monitoring.

Shirodhara (Nervous System Support)

What it is: Continuous pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead to calm the nervous system.

• Helps relieve stress, improve sleep and reduce neuro-vegetative symptoms often accompanying liver disease.
• Useful adjunct during recovery to support rest and healing.

Nasyam (Nasal Therapy) — Adjunct

What it is: Administration of gentle, liver-restorative herbal oils/powders via the nose in select patients.

• Supports head, digestion and autonomic balance; used when indicated for symptoms like headaches, poor appetite and altered taste during recovery.
• Given carefully in stable patients and using liver-safe formulations.

Herbal Medicines & Nutritional Support

We use evidence-informed herbs and formulations that are chosen carefully with liver safety in mind. All internal medicines are prescribed after clinical assessment and in coordination with blood tests.

If viral hepatitis or marked liver enzyme elevation is present, conventional antiviral/medical therapy may be required — Ayurveda complements medical management but does not replace indicated treatments.

Sample Clinic Plans (examples)

All detox procedures (Virechana, Basti, Vamana) require careful patient selection, monitoring and test-based clearance. We obtain written informed consent and provide pre/post procedure instructions and labs.

Quick Reference — Therapies & Roles