If you’re looking for a natural remedy for jaundice, Keezhanelli (Phyllanthus niruri) offers one of the most trusted traditional solutions. This humble herb has been used for generations to support liver detox and jaundice recovery — and in my uncle’s case, it worked within just three days when hospitals couldn’t help.

In this post, you’ll discover how to use Keezhanelli for jaundice, the science behind its benefits, and the complete 3-day remedy that brought real healing.



🌿 Keezhanelli (Keelanelli) – What It Is & Key Benefits

Keezhanelli, known in Tamil as கீழாநெல்லி and in English as Stonebreaker (Phyllanthus niruri), is one of the most respected herbs in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine. It grows widely across India and is best known for its liver-cleansing and detoxifying power.

🩺 Traditional Keezhanelli Benefits

In traditional medicine, Keezhanelli is used to:

  • Cleanse and strengthen the liver
  • Support jaundice recovery and bile flow
  • Promote natural body detox
  • Maintain urinary and kidney health
  • Soothe digestive issues and improve appetite

How Keelanelli Helped My Uncle When Hospitals Couldn't Help

1.From Mild Fever to Something More Serious

It began like any normal fever. My uncle felt unwell but assumed it would pass. For two days, he avoided the doctor. When things didn’t improve, he finally went. The doctor gave basic fever medicine — no change. Then came a 5-day viral fever course — still nothing.

Strangely, the fever and headache would subside after an hour — without pills — and return again in five hours. This cycle continued for over a week.

2.Hospitalization — But No Answers

Eventually, he was admitted to the hospital. Suspecting malaria, he asked for a blood test. It came back negative. More tests followed, still no clear diagnosis. "They were writing down fake temperature readings. I saw the ward boy marking it without even checking. That’s when I lost trust," he recalled.

Fifteen days in, nothing worked. No answers, no improvement.

3. A Friend’s Quiet Clue: "It Might Be Jaundice"

Then a friend named Anthony visited and gently said, "I think it's jaundice." Until that point, no one had suggested it — not even the doctors.

Determined, my uncle requested to leave. The hospital refused unless he signed a waiver. Frustrated and hopeless, he left anyway.

4. Keelanelli: A Simple but Powerful Remedy

His wife and a neighbor searched and found Keelanelli nearby. They crushed the fresh leaves on a grinding stone and mixed them with raw milk. He told me, "I drank it on an empty stomach in the morning. I felt better that same day. It was like a miracle."

He followed the remedy for three days, but the relief began right after the first dose.

Since then, he has recommended Keelanelli to others — but only when he truly believed it was needed.

We’ve also written about how Thuthi leaves helped someone naturally heal from piles — read that story here.


🧾 How to Use Keezhanelli for Jaundice: The Exact 3-Day Recipe

Here’s exactly how my aunty prepared it:

  • Take a handful of Keelanelli leaves
  • Wash them thoroughly
  • Grind the leaves using a grinding stone
  • Instead of water, use raw, uncooked cow milk — avoid using milk from any other source
  • Grind properly — otherwise, it may cause loose motion
  • Consume once a day in the morning, on an empty stomach
  • Continue this for three days

Things to Avoid While Taking Keelanelli (Keezhanelli) for Jaundice (Pathiyam)

When using Keelanelli for Jaundice, follow these traditional food restrictions:

  • Avoid non-vegetarian food
  • Avoid adding salt to meals during this period
  • Avoid brinjal (eggplant) in any form
  • Stick to the three-day intake as recommended

Keezhanelli Benefits – For Liver and Jaundice (Scientific + Ayurvedic View)

Keezhanelli, also called Bhumyamalaki in Ayurveda and Phyllanthus niruri in modern science, is widely known for its liver-healing power. The main Keezhanelli benefits include liver detoxification, faster jaundice recovery, balancing excess Pitta, and improving digestion.

1. Ayurvedic View

In Ayurveda, jaundice is caused by aggravated Pitta dosha that affects the liver and bile.
Keezhanelli helps by:

  • Balancing Pitta and cooling the body
  • Cleansing the liver and gall bladder
  • Improving bile flow and digestion
  • Reducing liver inflammation

This makes it a key Ayurvedic remedy for jaundice, hepatitis, and other liver-related disorders.

2. Scientific View

Modern studies show Phyllanthus niruri contains bioactive compounds such as:

  • Phyllanthin & Hypophyllanthin – protect liver cells from toxins
  • Flavonoids & Lignans – strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories
  • Alkaloids & Tannins – support bile production and viral defense

A 2022 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology (PMC8764976) showed significant improvement in liver enzyme levels with Phyllanthus niruri extract, confirming its traditional use.
Another review in PubMed Central (PMC6092661) highlights its antiviral potential, especially against hepatitis B.

🩺 Summary: Keezhanelli supports liver detox, restores function, and helps in natural jaundice recovery — a true Ayurvedic liver protector backed by modern science.


Other Keezhanelli Benefits (Early Research & Traditional Uses)

1.Blood Sugar Control

Early research suggests Keezhanelli may help:

  • Lower blood glucose levels
  • Support type 2 diabetes management
    ⚠️ More human studies are needed.

2. Anti-Cancer Potential

Laboratory studies indicate Keezhanelli extracts may:

  • Inhibit growth of liver, breast, and prostate cancer cells
  • Trigger natural cell death (apoptosis) in tumor cells
    ⚠️ No large-scale human trials yet.

3. Digestive Health

Rooted in traditional use, Keezhanelli is known to:

  • Relieve constipation and bloating
  • Improve digestion and appetite during liver-related indigestion

4. Immunity Support

Traditionally believed to strengthen natural defenses:

  • Enhances macrophage activity (immune response)
  • Aids recovery from fevers and viral infections

5. Pain Relief (Analgesic)

Animal research shows Keezhanelli may help:

  • Ease body aches, joint pain, and mild headaches

Keelanelli Dosage: Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting herbal regimens. Jaundice requires medical diagnosis.

The Timeless 3-Day Protocol

Traditional Tamil healers recommend:

  • 🌿 Fresh leaves: 5–7 crushed with 1 tsp raw milk
  • ⏳ Duration: 3 consecutive mornings
  • 🛑 Mandatory break: 7 days before reuse

This matches research showing Phyllanthus niruri supports liver health and may reduce jaundice symptoms within 72 hours.


Keelanelli: When Longer Use Is Needed

Condition
Chronic jaundice
Extended Protocol
Up to 7 days
Safety Check
Monitor urine color
Condition
Liver detox
Extended Protocol
2 weeks (powder)
Safety Check
Kidney function tests

Red Flags to Watch For

💡 Clinical observations suggest that prolonged Keelanelli use may stress the kidneys.
Stop immediately if these occur:

  • 🚩 Urine turns dark brown
  • 🚩 Lower back pain develops
  • 🚩 Unusual thirst persists

Keelanelli Consumption Guide

Form
Fresh leaves
Dose
5-7 leaves
Carrier
Raw milk
Max Duration
1 week
Form
Powder
Dose
¼-½ tsp
Carrier
Honey water
Max Duration
3 weeks
Form
Capsules
Dose
1 (500mg)
Carrier
Warm water
Max Duration
Per label

⚠️ Pregnant women and kidney patients must avoid Keelanelli without medical supervision.


Keelanelli vs Other Liver Remedies: Cost, Effects & Risks Compared

Remedy
Keelanelli (Phyllanthus niruri)
Approximate Cost
₹10–₹30 (if bought), free if homegrown
Use Case / Benefit
Traditionally used for jaundice, hepatitis B, and liver detox
Side Effects / Risks
Generally safe; excess use may burden kidneys
Remedy
Liv 52 (Ayurvedic formulation)
Approximate Cost
₹100–₹200/month
Use Case / Benefit
Liver protection, appetite improvement
Side Effects / Risks
Rare side effects; avoid in pregnancy/lactation
Remedy
Allopathic Liver Tonics (e.g., silymarin)
Approximate Cost
₹200–₹600/month
Use Case / Benefit
Used for fatty liver, hepatitis support
Side Effects / Risks
Can cause nausea, diarrhea in some
Remedy
Home Remedies (Amla, turmeric, etc.)
Approximate Cost
₹50–₹150/month
Use Case / Benefit
Supportive detox, mild liver support
Side Effects / Risks
Minimal if used moderately

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Keelanelli for liver problems?
Yes. Keelanelli is traditionally known for supporting liver health, and studies also support its liver-protecting properties. If you’ve had jaundice, fatty liver, or other liver issues, this herb is one of the natural options many people consider — but always check with your doctor first.
Does Keelanelli really help with hepatitis B?
Some studies have shown that Phyllanthus niruri (Keelanelli) may have antiviral effects, especially against hepatitis B virus. It doesn’t mean it’s a cure, but it has shown potential to support your body’s fight.
Is it safe to use daily?
In traditional use, people take Keelanelli daily for a few weeks, especially during recovery. But for long-term use, or if you’re already taking other medications, better to get proper guidance.
How can I consume it?
You can use fresh leaves, dried powder, or decoction (boiled water extract). For example, in villages, people crush the leaves or boil them in water and drink the extract. Powder is also available in Ayurvedic stores.
Can I take Keelanelli on an empty stomach?
Many people traditionally take it on an empty stomach early morning for better absorption — but again, it depends on your body and digestion. If unsure, start with a small dose.
Is there scientific proof for Keelanelli’s benefits?
Yes, some peer-reviewed studies support its liver-protective, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. While more human trials are still needed, the research is promising.
Are there any side effects?
Most people tolerate it well in small doses. But high doses or long-term use without guidance could affect kidney or liver function — so avoid overuse, and don’t self-medicate if you have existing conditions.
Where can I find fresh Keelanelli leaves?
In South India, it grows wild during monsoons. Urban dwellers can find dried powder in Ayurvedic stores or online (Amazon, Patanjali outlets). Always verify the source is organic.

Final Thoughts

Keelanelli may be a simple herb growing wild in gardens, but in this case, it brought healing when hospitals and tests couldn't.

It’s not a replacement for medical advice — but when used with proper understanding and respect, nature can be a powerful ally in healing.


⚠️ Disclaimer: This blog is based on a real-life personal story. Please consult a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment.