“Jaundice” is a yellowish discoloration caused by bile salts depositing in the tissues of the whites of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. It is a normal process for the body to break down red blood cells creating bilirubin. However, a premature baby will develop jaundice when their bilirubin level is too high, and the immature liver of a preemie is not efficient enough to remove the bilirubin from the bloodstream.
SOME CAUSES OF JAUNDICE IN BABIES Jaundice in babies can be caused by any of the following.
• Pre-maturity
• G6PD [glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency, a permanent condition where red blood cells break down too easily when exposed to certain trigger agents.
• Sepsis infection where the baby becomes infected
TREATMENT OF JAUNDICE
Phototherapy is a safe and effective way of treating mild jaundice.
This treatment is administered as a special micro-blue wavelength light condensed and manufactured specifically for this purpose. It is emitted from a fluorescent light tube.
The following are the main precipitating factors for people with different doshas:-
1.Vata type of Hypertension – This is caused by extreme emotions such as worry, anxiety and stress.
2.Pitta type of Hypertension – This is caused by negative emotions such as hatred, jealousy and feeling for revenge.
Other main causes of jaundice
Excessive bruising from a traumatic birth causes more than the usual amount of red blood cells to be broken down, leading to higher levels of bilirubin to be conjugated.
The preterm baby is more likely to become jaundiced because of an immature liver which cannot cope with the high load of bilirubin.
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Jaundice
1.Berberis (Berberis vulgaris)
Berberis is a very effective herb for all kinds of liver ailments, especially jaundice. So effective is the herb that it is nicknamed ‘jaundice berry’.
2.Chicory (Chichorium intybus)
All parts of the chicory plant are useful in the treatment of liver ailments. The flowers, seeds and roots are the most often used.
3.Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)
The herb is useful in treatment of jaundice. It is taken with buttermilk that is prepared from cow’s milk.
4.Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)
Picrorrhiza is one of the two best Ayurvedic remedies for jaundice. It is known as kutki in Ayurveda. Powder of this herb is mixed with hot water and taken twice a day.
5.Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is an antispasmodic agent. Hence it reduces the pressure in the arteries caused due to the pumping action of the heart during blood circulation. Garlic creates a rhythm in the pumping of the heart, which eases the pulse.
6.Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)
The effects of rauwolfia on the arteries and veins of the human system have been investigated in detail, and immensely positive results have been obtained.
The liver is the master organ of the body, and most people consider the liver to be more important in the normal functioning of the body than even the brain and the heart. If there is any damage to the liver, then there could be serious complications, such as constipation, chronic gastritis, morning sickness, etc.
Some symptoms which indicate something is wrong with the liver are:-
1 Loss of appetite
2 Diarrhea
3 Flatulence
4 Pain in the abdomen