In Ayurveda, the liver is recognised as a crucial organ integral to maintaining overall health and balance in the body. Ayurvedic perspectives on liver function differ somewhat from modern medical views but are deeply rooted in the concepts of doshas, dhatus, and srotas. Here’s an overview of how Ayurveda describes the liver’s role and functions. Must you care for your liver, this post will help you:
1. Digestive Fire (Agni):
- In Ayurveda, the liver is closely associated with Agni or digestive fire. Agni is essential for digesting and assimilating food, and the liver is considered the primary site of this digestive process. A strong Agni ensures proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination of waste products.
2. Detoxification and Metabolism:
- The liver’s role in detoxification aligns with its Ayurvedic function of processing and eliminating ama (toxic byproducts of improper digestion). Ama can accumulate due to poor digestion or imbalanced doshas and is believed to be a root cause of many health issues. By maintaining optimal Agni, the liver helps convert ama into less harmful substances for excretion.
3. Liver and Pitta Dosha:
- The liver is mainly connected with the Pitta dosha, which is responsible for metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body. Pitta comprises the elements fire and water and governs digestion, absorption, and transformation of nutrients. Imbalances in Pitta can lead to inflammation, acidity, or liver dysfunction, which Ayurveda addresses through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes.
4. Srotas (Channels):
- Ayurveda describes various srotas (channels) through which bodily substances flow. The liver is associated with the Rasa Vaha Srotas (channels that transport nutrients) and Pitta Vaha Srotas (channels that carry Pitta). Proper function and balance in these channels are essential for optimal digestion and elimination.
5. Rasa Dhatu:
- The liver is linked to the Rasa dhatu (plasma tissue), which is the first stage of tissue formation in Ayurveda. It helps transform digested food (Rasa) into the next tissue layers (Rakta—blood, Mamsa—muscle, etc.). A well-functioning liver ensures the proper distribution of nutrients and supports nourishing all bodily tissues.
6. Emotional and Psychological Impact:
- Ayurveda also acknowledges the liver’s impact on emotional and psychological health. Imbalances in liver function can affect mood and mental clarity, often manifesting as irritability or anger, considered imbalances of the Pitta dosha.
Care for your liver:
- Diet: Consuming cooling, non-spicy foods can help balance excess Pitta and support liver health. Emphasis is placed on fresh, easy-to-digest foods.
- Herbs: Ayurvedic herbs such as Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), and Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are used to support liver function and detoxification.
You can provide care for your liver
Correct your Habits: Habits such as alcoholism, smoking, drug abuse, compulsive eating disorder, eating Wrong food combinations, and late eating can trigger liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease, can impair liver function and lead to various health issues.
Lifestyle: Emotions such as anger, hatred, jealousy, envy, hopelessness, sorrow and grief are vital in causing hepatic symptoms such as liver dysfunction, including jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, and swelling. Regular exercise, stress reduction, and a balanced routine help support liver health and balance the doshas.