Ayurveda for Acid Reflux (GERD) – 5 Ayurveda herbs for acid reflux and GERD
Ayurveda for Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a digestive problem that happens when acid from the stomach flows back up into the oesophagus. This can make your chest hurt and feel like it’s on fire. This is called heartburn. Some people turn to Ayurveda for acid reflux treatment for a more natural approach.
Medications like antacids, histamine-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and proton pump inhibitors are often used to treat acid reflux. (PPIs). But if medicine doesn’t work, the patient may need to have surgery, such as anti-reflux surgery, which has different long-term outcomes.
What is Acid reflux or GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the oesophagus or even further, into the mouth (including the throat) or lungs, causing symptoms or damage to the mucosa. GERD is one of the conditions that general practitioners and gastroenterologists see most often.
In the Western world, 10% to 20% of people have GERD, but less than 5% of people in Asia do. The most common way to figure out if someone has GERD is to look at their symptoms, see how they react when the acid is taken away, and do objective tests like an upper endoscopy and pH tracking in the oesophagus.
Ayurveda is a time-tested ancient Indian medical method that focuses on a whole-person approach to health and wellness. This includes making changes to your diet and way of life, as well as using herbs and other natural remedies. In this article, we’ll talk about the ayurvedic approach to acid reflux, or GERD, including foods, herbs, causes, and symptoms.
Symptoms of GERD or Acid Reflux
The symptoms of acid reflux can vary from person to person, but some of the most common ones include:
Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest
Regurgitation: the sensation of stomach acid flowing back up into the throat
Belching
Nausea
Difficulty swallowing
Coughing or wheezing
Hoarseness or sore throat
Chest pain or discomfort
Causes of Acid Reflux
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of acid reflux, including:
Eating large meals or lying down right after a meal
Being overweight or obese
Eating a diet high in fatty or acidic foods
Pregnancy
Hiatal hernia
Smoking
Stress and anxiety
Ayurveda for acid reflux or GERD: Approach
Ayurveda texts talk about a condition called “Amlapitta,” which may be related to this one. The Ayurvedic treatment plan starts with Shodhanakarma (cleansing), then moves on to Shamana (calming) therapy and involves modifications in living and food habits.
Amlapitta is a common disease caused by Agnimandhya, which means that the digestive system isn’t working well. This is caused by an increase in the Drava Guna of Vidagdha Pachaka Pitta, which is the liquid quality of burned digestive Pitta. This disease affects the Annavaha Strotas, which are the channels that carry the food we eat. The main symptoms of Amlapitta are Avipaka (indigestion), Klama (exhaustion without any exertion).
What Ayurveda classics say about Acid Reflux?
In the Charaka Samhita, it is said that Kulattha, Lavana rasa, Viruddha ahara, and other things are what cause Amlapitta. While describing Grahani Chikitsa, Acharya Charaka described the pathogenesis of Amlapitta. Sushruta Samhita describes the condition of Amlika as similar to Amlapitta because of excessive intake of Lavana rasa. Kashyapa Samhita was the very first book that talked about Amlapitta as a separate thing. In the Harita Samhita, treatments are given for Amlapitta and Amla Hikka.
Madhava Nidana talked about Urdhvaga and Adhoga, which are two kinds of Amlapitta.
Chakradutta, Bhavaprakasha, Yogaratnakara, and others have also written about this illness and its treatment.Shodhanakarma is the main type of medicine used for amlapitta (purification). But patients’ busy schedules made it hard for them to adapt to this kind of treatment, so we chose to give them the most appropriate and effective Shamana (dosha-balancing) therapy.
Ayurvedic diet for acid reflux
The Ayurvedic approach to treating acid reflux focuses on balancing the doshas, or energies, in the body. In Ayurveda, acid reflux is believed to be caused by an imbalance of the pitta dosha, which is associated with fire and heat. Therefore, the Ayurvedic diet for acid reflux aims to reduce pitta in the body by focusing on cool, soothing foods that are easy to digest. Here are some of the best Ayurvedic diet foods for acid reflux:
Vegetables
Most vegetables are safe to eat for people with acid reflux. However, it is best to avoid tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spicy peppers, as these can be acidic and may aggravate the condition. Instead, focus on cooling vegetables like cucumber, zucchini, and sweet potato.
Fruits
Most fruits are also safe to eat for people with acid reflux. However, it is best to avoid citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, as these can be acidic. Instead, focus on cooling fruits like melons, berries, and pears.
Grains
Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and millet, which are easy to digest and help to soothe the digestive tract. Avoid refined grains like white bread, pasta, and crackers, which can be difficult to digest and may aggravate acid reflux.
Dairy
Choose low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, which can help to soothe the digestive tract. However, if you are lactose intolerant, you may need to avoid dairy altogether.
Proteins
Choose lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish, which are easy to digest and do not contain a lot of fat. Avoid high-fat proteins like beef and pork, which can be difficult to digest and may aggravate acid reflux.
5 Ayurveda Herbs for GERD or Acid Reflux
In addition to making dietary changes, some people may benefit from taking certain herbs and supplements to help reduce acid reflux. Here are some of the best Ayurvedic herbs for acid reflux:
Licorice
Licorice root can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. It is available in supplement form, or you can drink licorice root tea to help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Ginger
Ginger is another Ayurvedic herb that can help to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation. You can add fresh ginger to your meals, or drink ginger tea to help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Amla
Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, and has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to treat digestive issues. You can take amla supplements, or drink amla juice to help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
Triphala
Triphala is an Ayurvedic herb that is made up of three fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda to promote digestive health and can help to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Gudduchi
Guduchi, due to its tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent) Rasa (taste) and madhura (sweet) vipaka which helps in alleviating the Pitta dosha
3 Special Ayurveda herbal formulation and proprietary medicines for GERD or acid reflux
Kanchan Pittashamak Yog
The term “Kanchan Pittashamak Yog” refers to its ability to balance the pitta dosha, which is in charge of digestion.
Kanchan Pittashamak Yog is a blend of Ayurvedic herbs and minerals. The main elements are as follows:
- Purified Mercury (Suddha Parad)
- Purified Sulphur (Shuddha Gandhak)
- Mukta Bhasma (Purified Pearl) Abhrak Bhasma (Purified Mica) Shankh Bhasma (Purified Conch Shell)
These substances are combined in a certain way to produce a potent Ayurvedic treatment.
Kanchan Pittashamak Yog’s Advantages
Kanchan Pittashamak Yog is most commonly used to cure acid reflux and other digestive issues. It works by regulating the pitta dosha and lowering intestinal irritation. Some of the advantages of Kanchan Pittashamak Yog are as follows:
- lowering acidity and reducing heartburn
- Enhancing digestion
- Getting rid of nausea and vomiting
- Inflammation reduction in the gut tract
- Improving Immunity
Laghu Sutashekhar Ras
The ability of “Laghu Sutashekhar Ras” to balance pitta, the body’s digestive fire, is reflected in the name.
Laghu Sutashekhar Ras Ingredients
The Ayurvedic herbs and minerals that make up Laghu Sutashekhar Ras The primary components are:
Purified Mercury, or Shuddha ParadPurified sulphur, or “Suddha Gandhak,”Tamra Bhasma (purified copper), Vatsanabha (purified aconitum ferox), and Shankh Bhasma (purified conch shell)
Benefits
Acid reflux and other digestive issues are among the most common reasons people turn to Laghu Sutashekhar Ras for help. It alleviates gastrointestinal irritation by lowering systemic pitta levels. Among the many advantages of Laghu Sutashekhar Ras are:
- Relief from acid reflux and heartburn
- Beneficial for digestion
- Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting
- Reduces intestinal inflammation
- Improving resistance and immunity
Avipattikar Choorna
Composition of Avipattikar Churna
The Ayurvedic blend of herbs and spices known as Avipattikar Churna
The primary components are:
- Embilica officinalis (Amla)
- Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
- Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
- Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
- Pepper Longum, or Pippali
- Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum)
- Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala)(Syzygium aromaticum)
- LavangSugar Sharkara
Avipattikar Churna’s Positive Effects
Aviattikar churna is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. It helps because it reduces inflammation and enhances digestion.
Avipattikar Churna has many advantages, some of which are:
- Relief from acid reflux
- Heartburn
- Beneficial for digestion
- Providing gas and constipation relief
- Facilitating physical cleansing and detoxification
- Strengthening defence mechanisms
- Reducing intestinal inflammation
Clinical studies: 90% cases have been treated almost close to 75 to 90 % within 3 to 6 months by taking these medicines in required does along with customized Ayurveda diet and lifestyle restrictions.
Lifestyle modifications to help reduce symptoms of acid reflux
In addition to making dietary and herbal changes, it is also important to make lifestyle modifications to help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. Here are some tips to help manage acid reflux:
Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, rather than three large meals
Avoid lying down for at least three hours after a meal
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid putting pressure on your abdomen
Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation
Quit smoking
In conclusion,
the Ayurvedic approach to treating acid reflux focuses on balancing the doshas in the body and reducing pitta, which is associated with fire and heat. The observation revealed that, this specific treatment which was combination Kanchan Pittashamak Yog, Laghu Sutashekhar Ras and Avipattikar Choorna (internally) in the prescribed dose for one month provided significant relief in the management of symptoms of Amlapitta (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) such as retrosternal burning (Hritkantha daha), acidic eructations (Tikta-Amla Udgara), nausea (Utklesha), indigestion (Avipaka), vomiting (Vaman), loss of appetite (Aruchi), flatulence (Adhman), mental fatigue (Klama), giddiness (Bhram), and heaviness in body (Gauravata).
By making dietary and herbal changes, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to manage symptoms of acid reflux without relying on conventional medications. However, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or taking any herbal supplements to ensure that they are safe for you.
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