Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes as a result of an underlying liver disorder which leads to an accumulation of bile products in the body. This may be due to hepatitis, cirrhosis, blockage of the bile duct by a stone or a tumour, or the abnormal destruction of white blood cells which leads to the release of red pigment into the blood.

Treatment

To be carried out with consultation with your doctor

Dietary

* eat fruit, raw vegetables and vegetable protein (Soya, dried, cooked beans, peas, wholegrain cereals and potatoes). Drink lemon juice and carrot juice everyday. Reduce your intake of all fats, including nuts and seeds. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking.

Herbal

* dandelion root decoction is a gentle liver tonic: put 3 teaspoons of the root into a cup if water, boil then simmer for ten minutes. Drink 3 times a daily.

Homeopathy

* persistent jaundice in new borns: Chamomilla 6c 2 times daily.

* if Chamomilla doesn’t help within 48 hours take Lycopodium 6c 2 times daily for up to 3 days.

Chinese Medicine

* traditional Chinese Medicine relates jaundice to dampness in the gallbladder and liver. Oriental wormwood and gardenia fruit or cork tree bark may be recommend to clear the dampness.

Professional help

* in jaundice caused by hemolytic anaemia ( when the red blood cells are broken down more quickly than they are replaced), professional homoeopathic treatment my be helpful.

Orthodox

* a blood test is necessary to confirm diagnosis. Treatment is aimed at the under lying cause.