Gastritis is a common name for all kinds of inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, which is known as the mucosa. It is characterized by severe stomach ailments like stomach cramps, diarrhea and constipation and even blood in the stool.
In Ayurveda, gastritis is known as Urdhavaga Amalapitta. It occurs in people with pitta constitution. When the pitta dosha is vitiated in such people, there is a greater chance of contracting gastritis.
There are many causes of gastritis. Food poisoning can lead to gastritis, as can the use of alcohol and drugs such as aspirin and steroids. Allergies to certain foods can cause gastritis. The oblique causes of gastritis are physical stress caused by the flu, some major surgery, burns or serious injuries.
Today infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is considered an important cause of gastritis.
(1) Useful herbs in the treatment of gastritis
– Asparagus (Asparagus racemosa) Asparagus is known to be antispasmodic. Reduces the fire in the stomach. Asparagus root is effective in reducing hyperacidity of the digestive system.
– Bitter Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) Bitter chamomile tea is effective in relieving gastritis caused by stress and worry.
– Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum) Cardamom has calming effects on the stomach. It is especially beneficial if gastritis causes heartburn.
– Fennel (Fenneliculum vulgare) Fennel is traditionally used as a digestive by the Indians. After each meal, there is a tradition of chewing some fennel seeds. Fennel soothes the stomach, eases digestion, reduces flatulence, and relieves excess stomach acidity.
– Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Ginger extract is effective in the treatment of acid dyspepsia associated with gastritis. It is especially useful for people who consume more non-vegetarian food.
– Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) Indian gooseberry, or amla, is highly beneficial in the treatment of various stomach ailments, including gastritis. Other digestive ailments are used for dyspepsia, burning sensation, anorexia, vomiting and bleeding.
– Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Licorice root can calm inflammation and stomach injuries. It is also known to reduce the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori.
– Rhubarb (Rheum emodi) Rhubarb is a mild agent; so it is used effectively in the treatment of gastritis problems in children. It can reduce acidity in the stomach.
– Sandalwood (Santalum album) Sandalwood helps in gastritis because it has refreshing properties. It can soothe stomach muscles inflamed by gastritis.
(2) Dietary treatments for gastritis
A careful dietary regimen is needed in case of gastritis. The following points should be taken into account.
– You should only use rice that has had a year of maturation. Wheat and barley are beneficial.
– Among vegetables, white gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, green banana and banana flower are effective.
– Cow’s milk is preferable to buffalo milk.
– People suffering from gastritis should not confuse their stomach glands with different types of food at the same time. It is beneficial if the person stays on a single diet. Ideally, the person should follow a milk diet or old rice diet.
– Vitamin C has the ability to help in the absorption of iron and calcium salts in the body. This facilitates the digestive process. Therefore, the diet should be rich in vitamin C. Foods that contain vitamin C in a commendable amount are amlas, oranges, etc.
– Spicy and acidic flavors should be avoided. Even chocolates, tea and coffee should be avoided as they can increase the acid content of the stomach.
– The person should never eat until the stomach is crazy. In gastritis it is better to eat small amounts at a time, so that the stomach has adequate time to digest the food.
– Sesame seeds and curd should be avoided.
– There should be a total stop to alcoholism.
(3) Ayurvedic treatment for gastritis
Amalaki choorna or Triphala choorna is administered in a dose of three grams three times a day for seven days.
If there is constipation along with gastritis, then Avipattikara choorna is taken as the drug of choice. The dose is two teaspoons before bedtime.
There is a list of other Ayurvedic preparations that are useful in the treatment of gastritis. Some of these are Dhaatri loha, Sukumara ghrita, Sootashekhara rasa, Kaamadudha rasa, Leela Vilas rasa, Chandrakala rasa and Amalapittantaka rasa.
(4) Home medicines
– Take a teaspoon of licorice root powder and mix it with pure ghee and honey. Take this twice a day on an empty stomach.
– Have a banana early in the morning. Drown them with milk. This reduces the acidity in the stomach in a few days.
– After each meal, drink a glass of milk with Isphagula.
– Squeeze the juice of an orange and add some toasted cumin seeds. Take this with a little salt. Provides immense relief in gastritis.
Apart from these, keep in mind always stress free. Do not go to bed immediately after a meal. There should be an ideal interval of one hour between meal and bedtime.