Bhumi Amla Benefits for Liver: Rejuvenate Liver Naturally

Over the years, the burden of liver-related diseases has increased globally. The death rate from liver diseases is also on the rise. Despite the availability of drugs and medications, liver-related problems have increased. The sky-high medical expenses along with the side effects of the drugs have made us think of any natural alternative available to treat liver problems. Bhumi amla is an Ayurvedic herb known for its medicinal properties. Many phytochemicals present in Bhumi amla have shown therapeutic efficacy in a wide range of human diseases. Bhumi Amla benefits for liver are due to its hepatoprotective characteristics. The herb has been vital in Ayurveda due to its ability to manage liver disorders. In this article, we will highlight Bhumi Amla benefits for liver.

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Also Read: WellHealth Ayurvedic Health Tips

Liver and Your Health

The liver is a critical organ of the body, comprising around 2% of an adult’s body weight.

It is responsible for multiple functions including supporting metabolism, immunity, digestion, detoxification, vitamin storage, etc.

Liver disease is a silent killer and it’s on the increase. – British Liver Trust

Liver diseases are on the rise and account for two million deaths annually.

Some of the liver diseases include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic-associated liver disease (ALD), and Hepatitis B and C.

One in four adults globally is affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Major reasons contributing to these diseases are alcohol, obesity, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus.

Apart from the clinical burden, chronic liver diseases also lead to significant morbidity, reduced quality of life, and economic burden.

The good news is that the liver disease is preventable.

Image courtesy: British Liver Trust

Amid everything gloom, natural herbs with their powerful medicinal benefits provide much-needed comfort.

Let us know a bit about Bhumi amla and why it is claimed to be a remarkable medicine for liver problems.

What is Bhumi Amla?

Image courtesy: Wikipedia.org (Chanca Piedra)

The botanical name of Bhumi amla is Phyllanthus niruri.

Its fruits resemble that of gooseberry and it is a small plant.

It is mostly found in shady moist places and is available throughout the year.

This tropical plant, found in coastal areas, is also known by other names such as gale of the wind, stonebreaker, shatter stone, seed-under-leaf, quebra pedra, chance pierre, Dukong anak, and Bhumi Amalaki (in Sanskrit).

The plant grows about 50-70 cm (20-28 inches) tall and has upward-growing, soft branches.

The bark is smooth and light green.

The plant produces many small, pale green flowers, sometimes with a hint of red.

Its fruits are tiny, smooth capsules containing seeds.

Nutritional Value of Bhumi Amla

Image courtesy: Wikipedia.org (Fruit of Bhumi Amla)

The Bhumi amla is commonly found in India, South America, and China.

The entire plant, including leaves, stems, and roots, has been used for its therapeutic benefits for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic & Chinese medicines.

Bhumi Amla is rich in various phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, lignans, alkaloids, tannins, polyphenols, coumarins, and saponins.

Various research studies have shown that Bhumi amla possesses various therapeutic powers owing to the presence of the above-stated phytochemicals.

Bhumi amla also contains minerals such as sodium, ferric, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, and potassium.

Some vitamins in Bhumi amla are vitamins A, B6, D, E, and K.

Certain medicinal benefits include antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activities.

Nutritional Value of Bhumi Amla – Courtesy: ijnrd.org

Bhumi Amla Benefits for Liver

Bhumi Amla benefits for liver come from its rich content of flavonoids, tannins, lignans, and terpenes.

All these have antioxidant properties.

Bhumi Amla manages liver disorders and reverses any damage to the liver due to its hepatoprotective, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

Let us look at some of the research-backed benefits of bhumi amla for the liver:

1.) Helps Fight Against Hepatitis B Virus

A study done on Bhumi amla has shown that it may stop the Hepatitis B virus from multiplying in the body.

It can stop the Hepatitis B virus from making more copies of itself by attaching to the virus’s outer layer.

This protects the liver from the further damage caused by this virus.

2.) Protection from other Liver Viruses

The same study was done on other viruses that affect the liver of animals.

It was found that Bhumi amla is effective against those other viruses.

This suggests that Bhumi amla can be used against other liver infections found in humans.

3.) Reduces Harmful Substances

Research has shown that Bhumi amla can lower harmful substances from the blood caused by viruses that can cause damage to the liver.

Reduction of harmful substances leads to less stress on the liver and better functioning.

This leads to improved overall health of the liver.

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4.) Anti-inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Properties

Bhumi Amla has anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing swelling and pain.

Studies have shown that its pain-relieving (analgesic) qualities, especially in different pain models using animals, may reduce liver inflammation.

5.) Antioxidants and Liver Protection

Bhumi Amla contains powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids, tannins, lignans, and terpenes.

These antioxidants protect liver cells from the damage caused by the toxins.

They neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress in the liver.

6.) Protection Against Liver Toxins

As per the research, lignans in Bhumi amla protect liver cells from harmful chemicals like carbon tetrachloride and galactosamine.

These harmful substances can cause damage to the liver.

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 7.) Increases Antioxidant Levels in the Liver

Regularly consuming Bhumi amla can help increase levels of natural antioxidants.

This can protect the liver from oxidative damage and help it function better.

8.) Detoxifies the Liver

Research has shown that Bhumi amla helps in liver detoxification.

By reducing harmful substances, Bhumi amla improves the liver’s ability to clean the body of toxins.

It has also shown the ability to reduce liver damage caused due to the presence of excess iron in the body.

Bhumi amla helps to detoxify iron overload, thereby protecting the liver from oxidative stress due to high iron levels.

9.) Regeneration of Liver Cells

The protective compounds in Bhumi amla are effective in the healing and regenerating of damaged liver cells.

This further promotes overall liver health.

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10.) Protection from Liver Infections

Apart from showing its might against the Hepatitis B virus, Bhumi amla has shown antiviral effects against other liver-related viruses such as dengue, HIV, and Herpes.

This further supports the role played by Bhumi Amla in strengthening the liver.

11.) Prevents Liver Peroxidation

Bhumi amla inhibits lipid peroxidation, a process where free radicals damage fats in the liver.

This helps in protecting the liver from further damage and reduces the risk of liver diseases.

12.) Protection from Medication

Studies have shown that Bhumi amla can protect the liver from the side effects of medicines, such as paracetamol which can be harmful to the liver if taken in high doses.

Bhumi Amla helps restore the liver’s enzyme balance and reduces the effects of toxins.

Image courtesy: Wikimedia.org

13.) Prevents Liver Cirrhosis

Bhumi amla benefits the liver by preventing the progression of liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

It regulates certain genes that control liver fibrosis and helps slow down or stop the scarring process in the liver.

14.) Manages Cholesterol Levels

Bhumi Amla helps reduce cholesterol-related issues in the liver.

It helps maintain healthy cholesterol-phospholipid ratios and protects the liver cells from damage.

How to Use Bhumi Amla for Liver Health

Bhumi Amla is available in powder, juice, capsule, and tablet forms.

It makes it easier for an individual to consume it.

However, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor on how and when to take Bhumi amla for liver-related issues.

Some general guidelines for taking Bhumi amla are given below:

1.) Bhumi Amla Juice

• Take 2-4 teaspoons of Bhumi amla juice.
• Mix it with 1 glass of water.
• Take it before breakfast once a day.

2.) Bhumi Amla Churna

• Take ¼ – ½ Bhumi amla churna.
• Mix it with honey or water.
• Take it after lunch and dinner, two times in a day.

3.) Bhumi Amla Capsule

Take 1-2 Bhumi amla capsules with water after lunch and dinner.

4.)Bhumi Amla Tablet

Take 1-2 Bhumi amla tablets with water after lunch and dinner.

PS. The above-mentioned dosages are only a general guideline and for reference purposes only. Always consult your doctor regarding the quantity and timing of taking Bhumi Amla.

Side Effects of Bhumi Amla

Generally speaking, Bhumi amla is considered safe when taken under the supervision of a doctor.

However, the following people must exercise caution while taking Bhumi amla:

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• People with diabetes or hypoglycemia should exercise caution and take Bhumi amla under a doctor’s guidance, as it reduces blood sugar levels.
• People with an increased risk of bleeding or taking medicines that may enhance the risk of bleeding must exercise caution in taking Bhumi amla as it is linked with an increased risk of bleeding.
• People taking blood-pressure-lowering medicines must exercise caution when taking Bhumi amla as it is associated with lowering blood pressure levels.
• Bhumi amla may heighten the sleepiness caused by certain medicines or alcohol.

Takeaway Message

Bhumi amla is nature’s remedy with many health-related benefits.

Ayurveda has given great reverence to this medicinal plant.

Bhumi amla benefits for liver are due to its hepatoprotective properties.

Apart from liver, bhumi amla is also good for indigestion, acidity, and skin-related problems.

Due to its blood sugar-lowering properties, it is also beneficial for diabetic patients.

One can benefit from the medicinal qualities of this plant by including it in their life.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.

Readings & References

• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377724406_An_Ayurvedic_Drug_review_of_Bhoomi_Aamalaki_Phyllanthus_Niruri
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535438/#:~:text=The%20liver%20is%20a%20critical,of%20an%20adult’s%20body%20weight.
• https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/statistics/#:~:text=Liver%20disease%20is%20a%20silent%20killer%20and%20it’s%20on%20the%20increase&text=There%20has%20been%20a%20four,England%20there%20were%209%2C770%20deaths
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1542356523003154#:~:text=Published%20data%20from%20the%20World,related%20liver%20disease%20(ALD).
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36990226/
• https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/preventable-liver-disease-is-rising-what-you-eat-and-avoid-counts-202304032908
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllanthus_niruri
• https://gachwala.in/products/bhumi-amla-plant-phyllanthus-niruri-plant-for-bhumi-amla-juice-bhumi-amla-powder-dukong-anak-bhumi-amlaki-jangli-amlai-tamalaki-ayurvedic-medicinal-plant-with-pot/#:~:text=The%20entire%20plant%20is%20used,%2C%20antidiabetic%2C%20and%20antioxidant%20properties.
• https://www.ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2211142.pdf
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303903564_The_pharmacological_potential_of_Phyllanthus_niruri