Botanically known as Curcuma longa, derived from the Arabic name for kurkum plant, known as saffron, turmeric is often confused and substituted with the same. Totally unrelated to saffron, a member of ginger family, the root of the turmeric plant in its dried form is used as spice. Mildly aromatic with a pungent bittersweet flavor, it was called ?Indian saffron? as its shares the deep yellow orange color of the saffron.

Turmeric is used extensively in Indian, Middle East, Moroccan, African and Southeast Asian cookery, especially in curries, vegetables, rice, fish and meat dishes to add color and flavor. For the traditional ayurvedics, turmeric is a very important herb. Considered a cleansing herb for the whole body, it gives energy and grants prosperity.

Jaundice is a disease caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. It is called as kamala. When there is an excessive circulation of the bile pigments in the blood, then this disease is caused. Pitta dosha controls the bile pigments.

Hence, jaundice is a disease of the liver. It can occur when there is an obstruction in the bile duct, or if there is destruction of the red blood corpuscles. When a person has jaundice, their skin becomes yellow in color. This characteristic yellowness is seen even in the eyes and the fingernails. Stools and urine also get colored. The yellow color is an indication that the circulation of bile is in excess.

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?. It is a bitter tonic which must be given to a jaundice patient several times a day in does of quarter teaspoons.

2.Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

The herb is useful in treatment of jaundice. It is taken with buttermilk that is prepared from cow's milk.

3.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.

4.Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes anguina)

Snake gourd is taken as an infusion of its leaves for the treatment of jaundice. It is generally to be taken with coriander.

5.Alfalfa:

Alfalfa has been known to be effective in healing ailments such as gas pains, pain and stiffness from arthritis and ulcers. Alfalfa herb tea possesses no adverse components and is safe for all people including children.

6.Dandelion:

Dandelion increases activity in the pancreas, liver, and spleen and contains insulin substitutes. Dandelion has a high vitamin and mineral content that is used for treating kidney and liver disorders, along with skin disease and loss of appetite.

The complementary supplements that decrease your chances of acquiring hepatitis C are vitamins and minerals that strengthen the liver. These vitamins and mineral are carotenoids, bioflavonoids, and vitamin C. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants. Bioflavonoids are plant derivatives with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C & Colloidal Silver helps increase the body's resistance to infection. Fresh juices are also a good source of these vitamins and minerals.