Home Remedies for Jaundice

Home care supports recovery in mild jaundice from a confirmed cause such as hepatitis A. It must not replace a doctor's assessment.

Get the diagnosis first

See a doctor and get tests before trying home care. Follow the doctor's advice on rest and follow-up.

Supportive steps

• Rest as much as needed
• Drink plenty of clean, boiled or filtered water, and oral fluids
• Eat small, light, home-cooked meals if appetite is poor
• Avoid alcohol completely
• Wash hands with soap after the toilet and before eating to prevent spread of hepatitis A and E
• Use separate eating utensils and clean surfaces when a family member has viral hepatitis
• Attend all follow-up blood tests

Itching

Cool, loose clothing, short nails and a plain moisturiser can ease itching. Ask your doctor about medicines if itching is severe.

Medicines

Do not take paracetamol in high doses and avoid any medicine or supplement not advised by your doctor, as the liver may not clear them.

What to avoid

• Folk jaundice cures such as jhaad-phook or home herbal drinks sold as cures
• Herbal products and supplements without medical advice
• Strict fasting
• Putting anything in the eyes

Newborns

Do not treat newborn jaundice only with sunlight or home remedies. Feed the baby often and see a paediatrician for bilirubin testing and, if needed, phototherapy.

When to go to hospital

Confusion, drowsiness, vomiting blood, bleeding, severe pain with fever, or worsening yellow colour. Call 112 in an emergency.

Key point

Rest, fluids, no alcohol and follow-up tests are the safe core of home care.

Before your appointment

Note when the yellow colour began and the colour of your urine and stools. List all medicines, herbs, supplements and alcohol use. Mention fever, itching, abdominal pain, weight loss, recent travel, injections, transfusions, tattoos and contact with others with jaundice. For a baby, note birth date, feeding pattern, wet nappies and the mother's blood group. Ask about tests, the likely cause and which signs need urgent care. Call 112 for confusion, bleeding or severe pain with fever.