Ayurveda And Gastric Problems

Accumulation of gas in the digestive tract leads to gastric problems. When food stays in the stomach for too long, it begins to break down and does not move through the digestive tract as it should. This condition creates gas in the stomach.

In Ayurveda gas related problems are known as ‘Adhmaan.’ Adhmaan is caused in body by the aggravated or disturbed Vata dosha. A specific type of gas namely known as ‘Apaan vayu’ is affected and results in heaviness in the lower abdomen. Relief comes only after the air is passed through rectum. Till then the patient suffers from heaviness in the lower abdomen, pain and abdominal discomfort.

Causes for Gastric problem

Ayurveda attributes the gastric problems to the vitiation of Vata dosha. Due to the improperly digested food there is retention of wind or gas along with feces in the bowel. The trapped gas may cause unbearable pain in stomach. Due to the over eating of heavy food that the digestive system cannot handle, fece is retained and leads to formation of gas. The wind gets released with sound will be accompanied by thirst and giddiness. There will be difficulty in passing stool.

Ayurvedic Remedy for Gastric problem

Hinguvastaka Powder works well with other Ayurvedic medicine like Aarogyavardhini vati, Avipattikara Churna, Shankha vati, Shankha Bhasma, Kumaryasava and Rasonadi vati.

For old people and those with a weak liver, it is advised to take the Churna made of equal quantities of Harar Jangi Churan, Hingvastika Churan and Meetha soda. This mixture should be taken with hot water every half an hour after meals to expel the impurities, namely ‘Ama.’

Hingavadi Vati made with equal quantities of Amchur, dry mango powder, Black pepper, Roasted Hing, Ajwain, Pippali, Sonth, black salt, Rock salt and sea salt as a pill is effective in relieving gas. Taking 2 pills with water 2 or 3 times a day works well to get rid of gas.

Alternatively I“Shanka Bhasma” Or “Baskara Lavana” can be taken with butter milk one hour before meals.

A massage to the stomach using a mixture of castor oil and black salt is a good Ayurvedic therapy to get immediate relief from gastric problems.

Foods to Avoid in gastric problems

Minimize or avoid dried beans, baked beans, peas, soy beans etc. Milk, Cheese and ice creams should be avoided as they contain lactose which is difficult to digest. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, radish and asparagus induce gas formation in the stomach and should be taken in minimal quantity. Roots like potatoes and turnips should be avoided as they lead to gas formation. Among fruits bananas, apples, apricots and raisings should be minimized. Breads, cereals, fried and deep fried foods, carbonated beverages and fizzy medicines are all capable of inducing gas production in the stomach and hence should be avoided.

Home remedies for Gastric gas trouble

• Garlic can be taken with warm water for relieving gas.
• Hing with warm water also relieves gas.
• Ginger piece on which a few drops of lemon juice is sprinkled can be eaten for immediate relief
• Castor oil works best to set right the increased gas, vata related doshas.