Harness the Power of Bhumi Amla: Unlocking Its Liver-Boosting Potential

• August 31 2024, by SANUSq Research team

Harness the Power of Bhumi Amla: Unlocking Its Liver-Boosting Potential

The liver is one of the vital organs in the body and is single-handedly responsible for supporting hundreds of functions that are absolutely critical for survival and good health. It is involved in the production of bile, cholesterol, hormones, plasma proteins and clotting factors (substances that help in maintaining the thickness of blood). The liver also helps in healthy metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. And as one of the main organs that are involved in detoxification, the liver plays a very important role in purifying the blood by filtering and eliminating toxins, metabolic waste and other harmful substances from the body. This second largest organ in the body also works as a storage site for minerals, vitamins and glycogen. Considering the amount of work the liver does, maintaining a healthy liver is clearly the key to maintaining your overall health.

With its important role in metabolism, detoxification and excretion, it is continuously being exposed to toxins, drugs, pesticides and environmental pollutants. And everything that you eat and drink is eventually processed by the liver. Unhealthy diet, heavy alcohol use, smoking, long-term use of NSAIDs and other prescription medications, drug abuse, chronic exposure to heavy metals and toxins, and certain viruses can damage your liver health and function, resulting in liver inflammation and disorders such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.   

Can natural supplements help in maintaining your liver health and reducing the risk of liver disorders? Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) is one such herb known for its incredible benefits for your liver health. Also known as gale of the wind, chanca Piedra and stone breaker, bhumi amla is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb that nourishes and protects the liver in a number of ways.

Bhumi Amla Benefits for Liver Health

In Ayurveda, bhumi amla has a very long history of use in liver disorders, ulcers, digestive disorders, kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Known as one of the best herbs for liver health, it protects the liver from the damage caused by drugs and alcohol, balances liver enzymes, helps in liver detoxification, improves bile formation, rejuvenates the liver, strengthens liver functions and fights pathogens that can infect the liver due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.

While there is a lack of high quality clinical trials to establish the benefits of bhumi amla for liver health, nearly all the preliminary scientific evidence indicates that the herb possesses amazing ability to protect liver health, reduce liver inflammation and even reverse the damage induced by drugs. All these benefits resonate with the benefits mentioned in the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine that has been using bhumi amla as an effective remedy for jaundice and other liver disorders, for centuries. A study in 2021 found that Bhumi Amla improves antioxidant levels and appetite in people with mild to moderate alcoholic hepatitis. [1]

Bhumi Amla is rich in many bioactive compounds such as lignans, tannins, terpenes, flavonoids and saponins, which makes it hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and analgesic (a substance that relieves pain), and hypoglycaemic (a substance that reduces the amount of sugar in the bloodstream).

Other Health Benefits of Bhumi Amla

Bhumi Amla offers many other health benefits. For example, it protects the stomach lining from the damage caused by gastric acids and reduces the risk of ulcer formation. The rich content of bioactive compound makes bhumi amla a powerful analgesic, which means it can naturally reduce pain and inflammation, making it very effective in painful conditions such as mouth ulcers, canker sores and ulcerative colitis. The herb is also good for your general digestive health and reduces bloating and acidity.

Bhumi amla also supports kidney health, and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Being a diuretic, it flushes out excess salts, fluids, toxins and uric acid from the body. In addition, it is very useful in treating genitourinary infections and urinary complications such as burning sensation during urination, painful urination and urinary incontinence.

The antioxidant compounds present in the herb reduces the oxidative damage to the pancreas, a gland that produces insulin and regulates glucose levels in the blood. Early research suggest that bhumi amla is a significant anti-diabetic due to the presence of Phyllanthin, a major bioactive compound found in the herb.

Since it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and regulates the immune system, bhumi amla is very effective in managing respiratory issues, such as the common cold, flu, sore throat, asthma and breathing difficulties.  

Safety and Side Effects of Bhumi Amla

It is generally safe to take Bhumi Amla in recommended dosage but we always recommend that you consult your health care professional before consuming Bhumi Amla in any form. This is especially important if you have any blood clotting disorder or any other medical condition. The herb may interact with diuretics, blood thinners, immuno-modulatory drugs and drugs that are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood glucose levels. You must exercise caution if you are taking any of these drugs. It is best to avoid taking Bhumi Amla if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Some people may experience drowsiness and digestive issues when they take Bhumi Amla supplements.

FAQs

What are the traditional uses of Bhumi Amla in Ayurvedic medicine?

In Ayurvedic medicine, Bhumi Amla has been used for centuries to manage a wide range of health conditions such as jaundice, liver disorders, genitourinary infections, kidney stones, chronic diarrhoea, indigestion, cough and cold, fever, sore throat and loss of appetite.

Can Bhumi Amla boost the immune system?

Yes, Bhumi Amla helps boost the immune system. The herb is rich in antioxidant compounds which helps in modulating both the adaptive and innate immunity.

References:

1. Sowjanya et al. Efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri on improving liver functions in patients with alcoholic hepatitis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Indian J Pharmacol. 2021

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