ABDOMINAL BLOATING
When the abdomen distends and there may be intestinal or abdominal gas, is the cardinal sign of dysfunction on the Agni - the digestive fire and is usually caused by a vata imbalance. In Ayurveda we describe it as a first sign of imbalance. In the gastrointestinal consciousness, bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is unable to split food into the smallest particles and release the nourishing enzymes into the system
HERBAL REMEDIES :
Triphala treats the entire digestive tract.
ABDOMINAL PAIN
Much abdominal pain is due to indigestion, which has symptoms such as heartburn, nausea; burping and intestinal gas is sometimes accompanied by pain mainly on the left side under the ribcage. The most commonly recognized signs of indigestion are "gas" and heaviness in the abdomen. Gas is universally looked upon as an embarrassment and many of us avoid foods like pulses and potato that produce gas. Gas is a natural by-product of digestion and metabolism, and every system produces a certain amount in the process of digestion.
But in a healthy system gas either gets diluted, or dissolved and is eliminated from the body through the large intestine and other outlets. Some people complain that on eating potatoes, they get gas. But according to Ayurveda, that is the function of the potato to stimulate the collection of isolated gas pockets and bring them all to the gas chamber - the stomach from where they can be more easily expelled. Each individual has his/her own unique constitution and is or is not able to digest certain foods accordingly.
Once you have noticed your own system's definite inability to digest particular foods (which will be peculiar to yourself alone), an Ayurvedic remedy could be found by taking this into account which would correct the fault in your metabolism
HERBAL REMEDIES:
You can use one of the following: Shatavri (Asparagus racemosus), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Kamadudha grated ginger and ghee.
ACID STOMACH (Amla Pitta)
It is the result of indigestion.
If you have poor digestion, you compromise the absorption and assimilation of food. According to Ayurveda your digestive system begins to increase the digestive liquid and fire to compensate and your system becomes overheated.
This in turn creates acidity in the stomach.
HYPERACIDITY / HYPOACIDITY
Hyperacidity is an excess of acidity within the digestive tract.
The digestive acids are either produced in too great a quantity, or they are highly concentrated. Hypoacidity is a deficiency of acidity within the digestive tract, both of quality and quantity. The quantity or quality of acids or bile that you, as an individual require depends on your own personal needs, activities, and lifestyle and eating habits.
The level of enzyme production should be automatically regulated by the body itself if it is healthy.
SYMPTOMS :
The sufferer could have a burning pain in the stomach which might be relieved to some extent by eating.
There is nausea and vomiting. Digestion is poor - causing abdominal distention and frequent belching. There could also be frontal headaches. If you are prone to hyperacidity, avoid food that is rich in fat, deep fried or oily. Also avoid cakes, pastries, biscuits and chocolates. Incorporate more natural fresh fruits and their juices in your every day diet.
HERBAL REMEDIES :
Shatavri (Asparagus racemosus), fennel tea
BAD BREATH
Ayurveda considers chronic bad breath to be a digestive disorder.
This pitta disorder is treated by restoring the digestive fire in the belly and the digestive juices of the mouth. It is important to eat your food when it is hot.
HERBAL REMEDIES:
Triphala and Trikatu
CONSTIPATION
Constipation - difficult, incomplete or frequent bowel movements- is one of the many side effects of too much civilization. Contributing factors are a diet that over emphasizes hard-to-digest foods or food combinations. Little exercise, too much tension and stress or over-stimulation of the nervous system.
Watch your diet - eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and beans to add natural fiber. Avoid white flour and sugar, as well as cheese and meat. Drink adequate fluids.
HERBAL REMEDIES:
Triphala, psyllium husks, senna or flaxseed, haritaki and salt
DIARRHEA
Prolonged diarrhea poses the danger of dehydration, especially in infants when it is accompanied with vomiting and sweating due to fever.
Ayurvedic remedies usually helps the digestive tract return to normal. Home care revolves around replacing lost fluids, and slow, gentle reintroduction of easily digested foods. During a bout of diarrhea, limit eating for up to 12 hours and gradually increase fluid intake to replace the water the body has lost. Avoid milk and fatty products.
HERBAL REMEDIES:
Triphala, ghee, powdered ginger, fennel powder, roasted cumin.
DYSENTERY
The main symptom is often bloodstained diarrhea.
Also there could be a mucous discharge in the stools. Dysentery is a result of unchecked multiplication of microbial parasites within the tract. They adhere to the depleted mucous lining and eat up large areas. As a result the inner blood vessels are exposed and break easily, releasing blood. When the microbes are amoeba , it is called Amoebic Dysentery. The amoeba lives mainly in the lining of the colon, creating ulcers. They could also travel up the tract and reach the liver, which, if it is weak, could succumb to the infection. The result: Hepatitis or an abscess of the liver.
In Ayurveda, no matter what the label, dysentery or chronic diarrhea is a sign of lowered immunity of the body's defenses, with the weak spot being the liver and intestines. Therefore efforts should be to strengthen the body's defenses rather than only to supply help from the outside.
STOMACH ULCER
An ulcer is an erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine, which is associated with a breakdown of the mucus, a barrier that normally protects the stomach from powerful digestive acids.
Often at times, stress contributes to ulcer formation. Smoking also increases the risk and worsens the condition. Other factors include eating irregular meals, consumption of alcohol and many common drugs.
HERBAL REMEDIES:
Shatavri (Asparagus racemosus), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), aloe vera gel, cabbage leaves, pineapple slices.
WEIGHT PROBLEM
In Ayurveda, Underweight and overweight are signs that vata, pitta, and kapha systems are out of balance. Both can occur, regardless of how much or how little food you eat, because your intake is not being properly metabolized. Many people seek medical advice on various other problems but don't mention their weight because they have become so discouraged about it.
They invariably are pleasantly surprised to find that excess pounds come off naturally. If you have been struggling with your weight for quite some time, you too, may be feeling hopeless.
Perhaps you have counted calories, followed the latest popular diet that promises you will shed twenty pounds in twenty minutes, and have experienced the terrible sensation of feeling just a little hungry all the time. The Ayurvedic approach to achieving your ideal weight is not just a matter of counting calories and watching the food you eat, but it is about getting to know your body and being in tune with its rhythms. It means taking a realistic look at your body type and what it can be, and then nourishing it back to natural health.
Those who are overweight should include ginger, papaya, mango, pineapple, bitter melons, and dark bitter greens.
Exercise is a must.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR UNDERWEIGHT :
Ginger treatment, to calm the nervous system jatamansi and vacha.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR OVERWEIGHT:
Chitrak (plumbago zeylonica), Kukti, and Trikatu
BLADDER INFECTIONS
Most people do suffer from at least one of the following telltale signs: - Burning sensation during urination,
- A strong urge to urinate even when little urine is passed,
- Frequent urination,
- A cramping feeling
- Itching.
Avoid spices, night shade vegetables and alcohol.
HERBAL REMEDIES:
Shilajit, punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa) and triphal
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