MANAGEMENT OF JALODARA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ASCITES - AN AYURVEDIC CASE STUDY

About Author

Correspondence Address

Kayachikitsa Department,
Shree ayurveda mahavidyala, Nagpur
Contact No. : 9284825512, Email : madhurisp11@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 28 Dec 2025

Date of Publication : 31 Dec 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_156

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3408

Abstract

Hepatic cirrhosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide, with ascites—pathological accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity—being the most common clinical manifestation of advanced liver disease¹. In Traditional Indian Medicine, particularly Ayurveda, this chronic condition along with ascites is correlated with Jalodara, which is classified under the eight varieties of Udararoga. Conventional medical management often offers primarily symptomatic relief and is frequently associated with recurrence, prompting exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

The patient presented with multiple clinical features, including abdominal pain (Udara Shoola), abdominal swelling (Udara Shotha), distension (Adhmana), bilateral pedal edema (Ubhaya Pada Shotha), facial edema (Mukha Pradesha Shotha), generalized weakness (Daurbalya), and dyspnea (Shwasa Kashtata)². A comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment regimen was administered over a three-month period, comprising Nitya Virechana (daily purgation therapy) using Triphala Churna, appropriate Shamana Chikitsa (internal palliative and curative medicines), and a regulated dietary protocol incorporating cow’s milk.

After one month of therapy, the patient demonstrated marked clinical improvement in all presenting symptoms. These findings suggest that a structured and holistic Ayurvedic management approach may be effective and beneficial in the treatment of Jalodara, offering a potential non-invasive therapeutic option for patients with ascites associated with hepatic cirrhosis.

KEY WORDS:-  Jalodara ,Ascites,Nitya Virechana; Godugdha, Triphala churna

Introduction

In Traditional Indian Medicine, particularly Ayurveda, chronic liver disease and its associated complications are correlated with Jalodara, which is classified under the eight types of Udararoga (abdominal disorders). As conventional therapeutic approaches often provide only temporary symptomatic relief and are commonly followed by recurrence, Ayurvedic interventions were explored as a potential alternative therapeutic strategy³.

The present case involves a 53-year-old male patient who presented with multiple clinical manifestations, including abdominal pain (Udara Shoola), abdominal distension and swelling (Udara Shotha and Adhmana), bilateral pedal edema (Ubhaya Pada Shotha), facial edema (Mukha Pradesha Shotha), generalized weakness (Daurbalya), and respiratory discomfort (Shwasa Kashtata)⁴. The patient underwent a comprehensive three-month Ayurvedic treatment protocol consisting of Nitya Virechana (daily purgation therapy) with Triphala Churna, appropriate Shamana Chikitsa (palliative and curative internal medications), and adherence to a regulated dietary regimen that prominently included cow’s milk⁵.

Marked clinical improvement across all presenting symptoms was observed within the first month of treatment, indicating that this structured and holistic Ayurvedic management approach was both effective and beneficial in the treatment of Jalodara (ascites).

Discussion

According to classical Ayurvedic descriptions of Udararoga and Jalodara (ascites) as documented by Acharya Charaka, Mandagni (diminished digestive fire) is considered the primary initiating factor in the disease process. Impaired digestive and metabolic activity leads to the formation and systemic accumulation of Ama, which sets in motion the subsequent pathological cascade. In the present case, several lifestyle and dietary factors contributed to disease aggravation in accordance with classical etiological descriptions. These included habitual Adhyashana (overeating) and frequent consumption of foods possessing excessive Ushna (hot), Lavana (salty), Katu (pungent), and Amla (sour) qualities, along with intake of Ruksha (dry) and incompatible or irregular diets (Vishama Ahara).

A significant contributing factor was the patient’s history of chronic alcohol consumption, which severely compromised hepatic function—a critical determinant in the development of ascites. Classical texts also emphasize neglect in the timely management of severe diseases as an important etiological component. Additionally, the patient’s habitual Vega Dharana (suppression of natural bodily urges) played a pivotal role by markedly aggravating Vata Dosha and producing obstructions within the Srotas (body channels).

The cumulative effect of impaired digestion (Mandagni), improper dietary practices, chronic intoxication, and Vata-provoking behaviors created a pathological milieu conducive to obstruction of the Udakavaha and Rasavaha Srotasas, which are responsible for the regulation of body fluids and plasma circulation. This obstruction ultimately resulted in the extravasation and accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity, manifesting clinically as Jalodara.

Conclusion

The comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment protocol implemented in this case of Jalodara (ascites), comprising Nitya Virechana⁷ (daily therapeutic purgation), strict dietary regulation (Pathya), and specific Ayurvedic medications, resulted in marked improvement across all presenting symptoms. Notably, the primary complaints of abdominal distension, bilateral pedal edema, and anorexia were significantly alleviated, indicating effective resolution of pathological fluid accumulation and associated systemic manifestations.

A key factor contributing to the therapeutic success was the patient’s strict adherence to the prescribed restricted diet, which consisted exclusively of Shunthi Siddha Godugdha (cow’s milk processed with dried ginger). Importantly, these significant clinical outcomes were achieved without any observed adverse effects or complications during the three-month treatment period or the immediate follow-up phase.

This favorable outcome supports the conclusion that the strategic and combined application

of Nitya Virechana, targeted Ayurvedic medications, and a strictly regulated diet constitutes an effective and safe approach for the management of chronic ascites.

References