THE SEVEN CATEGORIES OF THIRST

Ayurveda categorises thirst into seven types. The division is according to the pathogenesis and the Doshas involved. But, there are two common and main forms of thirst, viz., Kaphaja; Paittika; and Vatika.

People suffering from the Kaphaja type experiences a saline taste in the mouth when they are thirsty.

Burning sensations predominate in the Paittika type of thirst.

The Vatika form of thirst is accompanied by giddiness and pain as well.

DIETARY REGIMEN

The patient should be regularly given a gruel prepared with parched rice, moong dal juice, banana flower, pomegranate, amalaki, and Kushmanda.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

These patients must avoid spicy and hot food items.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

Complete rest is required for such patients;

He/she should not get exposed to sun or heat.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurveda prescribes green mango pulp, ripe tamarind juice, brick water and water of green coconuts.

GREEN MANGO PULP

The green mango pulp is an ideal medication to relieve thirst. It also cures heat stroke.

PREPARATION MODE: First, burn the green mango till the outer cover gets charred. At a point, the outer cover will come off. Make a drink of the inner pulp. Next, add water and sugar to it. Now, it is ready to be tendered to the patient.

RIPE TAMARIND JUICE

This medication gives instant relief to the person suffering from excessive thirst.

BRICK WATER

The ‘Brick water therapy’ is recommended for patient suffering from acute thirst tendencies.

PREPARATION MODE: Choose a clean piece of brick. Wash it thoroughly. Then, heat it. Next, immerse it in a water vessel. After that, filter out the water. Finally, give the patient the filtered water thrice daily.

GREEN COCONUT WATER

The natural water of a green coconut is a very good medication in such conditions. Such patients can have it as much as he/she wishes.

CAUSES OF AMOEBIC DYSENTERY

The common causes of Amoebic Dysentery are as follows:

Mental tension, worries and anxiety are the primary causes of Amoebic dysentery.

The other causes of Amoebic Dysentery are appetite loss, weak constitution, consumption of indigestible food items and diet irregularity.

SYMPTOMS OF AMOEBIC DYSENTERY

The patient’s stool frequently passes mucus.

A gripping pain accompanies the attempt to move the bowels.

The patient feels exceedingly weak.

If the patient is suffering from chronic Amoebic Dysentery, then he/she will definitely lose weight drastically. This happens due to the malfunctioning of the patient’s liver.

The patient may even experience constipation.

CONSTIPATION CURE MUST

Constipation aggravates the conditions and symptoms of Amoebic Dysentery. The patient must have regular bowel movements. However, the stool must not contain any mucus.

The dose: Regularly tender the patient two teaspoonfuls of Isahabol husk mixed with butter-milk or milk at bedtime.

DIETARY REGIMEN

It is mandatory that the patient suffering from this condition takes gruel (kichdi) prepared with rice and moong dal.

Such persons should take rice mixed with curd.

The patient should regularly consume food items having an astringent and sour taste. Mention may be made of Amalaki; both the green as well as the ripe varieties of banana; lemon and pomegranate;

The patient can have soup of meat and mixed vegetables;

WHAT NOT TO EAT

The patient should not have meat and raw vegetables;

Chillies and spices must never be taken by the patient;

Stay away from fried food items.

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

The patient should not take bath if he/she is suffering from the acute condition of this disease.

In the acute form of Amoebic Dysentery, the patient should have complete bed rest.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurveda recommends the Rasaparpati therapy, and the medication, Kutaja, for patients suffering from Amoebic Dysentery.

THE RASAPARPATI THERAPY

The Rasaparpati therapy is recommended for patients suffering from chronic Amoebic Dysentery. It is prepared with sulphur and mercury.

While taking this therapy, the patient must not consume water or salt.

Moreover, the patient must have only boiled rice mixed with milk and adequately conditioned with sugar.

The dose: The patient should be tendered 125 gram of Rasaparpati powder thrice daily. The dose should be gradually increased up to 250 gram thrice daily.

KUTAJA

Kutaja is available in the powdery form across the Ayurvedic counters. Kutaja is the commonly prescribed drug for patients suffering from this condition. Kutaja can also be taken in as a decoction. The medication is prepared from the bark of the Kutaja plant.

The dose: The decoction is prepared by boiling 30 grams of the Kutaja powder along with two cups of water. It needs to be tendered to the patient twice daily.

The mixture is boiled till the decoction assumes half its quantity.

To shield the bitterness of the medication, the patient can mix honey with the decoction.

The liver regulates several functions of our bodies. Hence, liver cirrhosis impairs several critical functions of the body. All these important activities – metabolism, digestion besides several others – are dependent on the correct functioning of the liver.

LIVER CIRRHOSIS SYMPTOMS

The patient generally suffers from appetite and weight loss due to malfunctioning of the metabolism process.

One may even experience a slight pain near the liver; i.e., in the abdominal right upper portion.

Some other common signs of liver cirrhosis are constipation, vomiting, nausea and morning sickness.

The other serious symptoms of liver cirrhosis are chronic gastritis, flatulence and diarrhoea.

Moreover, the patient can experience difficulty in coughing and breathing. This condition is a result of the increase in the size of the liver which, in turn, puts undue pressure on the diaphragm. This muscular wall separating the heart and lungs from the other abdominal organs stunts breathing and coughing.

CAUSES OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

The liver also helps in the neutralisation process of the toxic after-effects of caffeine (contained in beverages like coffee and tea) and nicotine (contained in tobacco). However, excessive consumption of these substances hampers the liver activity.

More often than not, Liver cirrhosis results due to alcoholism. Excessive intake of alcohol and faulty diet comes in the way of the liver functioning to its optimum capacity.

PRACTISE FASTING

Persons suffering from liver cirrhosis should go on fasts once a week. Missing a few meals once in every seven days boosts the liver functioning.

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

The patient needs rest for respite from the condition and also for quick recovery.

He/she can, however, walk leisurely.

Such persons must not do any heavy work. They should avoid activities involving violent jerks.

Similarly, stay away from strenuous activities.

Don’t make journeys on or ride a fast-paced vehicle especially on an uneven surface.

Avoid sleeping during the day-time.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

First and foremost, the patient must give up all alcoholic drinks and beverages containing caffeine.

The patient should not have food items that lead to constipation or are hard to digest.

Hence, such persons must avoid all types of fats, ghee or oil.

Never tender the patient buffalo milk as it contains a high percentage of fat.

Similarly, the patient should not consume curd.

‘ASCITES’ DIET

Water accumulates in the abdomen during this condition. If there is accumulation of water in the patient’s abdomen, the condition is known as ‘Ascites’.

‘Ascites’ happens because the veins remain blocked following the shrinkage of the liver tissues. As a result, circulation via the veins gets obstructed.

Then he/she should be given only a salt-free diet.

Camel’s milk needs to be taken with regularity. It is very good for such patients.

OTHER DIETARY REGIMEN

Garlic should be consumed liberally. The patient can have it in the raw form while the prescribed controlled diet having rice and dal.

Butter-milk (prepared from cow’s milk by churning the curd) sans its fatty content is beneficial for such patients.

The patient must regularly have vegetables which have a bitter taste. Examples of such food items are drumsticks, bitter gourd, and patola.

Mentionably, cow’s milk as well as that of goat should be given to the patient only in small quantities.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurveda prescribes the following three quite effective medications to arrest liver cirrhosis: These are Arogyavardhini, Katuki, and Bhringaraja.

AROGYAVARDHINI

Arogyavardhini is a compound preparation. One can acquire Arogyavardhini across the Ayurvedic counters in the form of tablets weighing 0.25 gram each.

Arogyavardhini also contains copper in the form of bhasma. Copper is used after the proper purification process to reactivate the tissue cells. However, copper is a toxic substance. In Ayurveda, the processing neutralises the toxicity of copper. Thus, it is ensured that the purified and processed dust of copper is easily assimilated into the body. Thus, a toxic item is metamorphosed into a therapeutic substance

The dose: Depending on the intensity of the ailment, the dose is increased to even four tablets. But, normally the dose is of just two tablets thrice daily. The patient should follow each medication dose with a cup of warm water.

KATUKI

Katuki is recommended for adult patients. This powder medication has a bitter taste. It has strong a purgative power. It stimulates the liver and produces the require amount of bile. This augmented excretion of bile relieves the liver congestion and reactivates the defunct tissue cells.

The Katuki herb grows in the Himalayan range especially at high altitudes. Ayurveda uses the root or rhizome of the Katuki herb.

The dose: One teaspoonful thrice daily. It should be seasoned with a teaspoonful of honey.

If the patient suffers from constipation, then the dose should be increased to two teaspoonfuls. The patient should follow each dosage with a cup of warm water.

BHRINGARAJA

Bhringaraja is the commonly prescribed medicine for the patients suffering from this condition. It is generally recommended for children below eight years of age. Its juice should be consumed in an empty tummy.

The dose: A teaspoonful of the juice of this plant should be mixed with half-a-teaspoon of honey. This is required because the taste of Bhringaraja is rather astringent and bitter. Hence, it should be conditioned with a teaspoonful of honey.

In Ayurveda, the condition — duodenal ulcer – is referred to as Grahani. People having the Vatika type of physical composition are prone to suffer from duodenal ulcer. Even those having the psychic temperament can suffer from this condition. Duodenal ulcer affects the duodenum.

Mentionably, a person with a strong mind and determination can cure this disease even without any treatment. The ailment automatically subsides.

However, it may again recur during a psychic strain or stress. It may recur even if there is a disturbance in the intake of food.

THE DUODENUM

The duodenum plays a pivotal role in the digestive process. The duodenum is a horseshoe-shaped section surrounding a part of the pancreas and the pancreatic duct. It also envelops the ducts from the liver and gall bladder that open into it. Two ducts are connected to the duodenum. One duct excretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum; the other secretes bile.

The topmost portion of the duodenum is connected to the lowest end of the stomach. The duodenum is about 20 cm in length.

THE DUODENUM & THE SMALL INTESTINE

The middle part of the small intestine, extending from the duodenum to the ileum, is called the jejunum, and the terminal portion is the ileum, which leads into the side of the first part of the large intestine, known as the cecum.

The lining membrane, or mucosa, of the small intestine is especially suited for the purpose of digestion and absorption. The mucosa is folded; the folds are covered with minute mucosal projections called villi.

Each villus is a small tube of epithelium surrounding a small lymphatic vessel, or lacteal, and many capillaries. Tiny glandular pits, called the crypts of Lieberkühn, open at the bases of the villi. These pits secrete the enzymes necessary for intestinal digestion.

THE DIGESTIVE PROCESS

Digested carbohydrates and proteins pass into the capillaries of the villi and then to the portal vein, which enters the liver; digested fats are absorbed into the lacteals in the villi, and they are transported through the lymphatic system into the general bloodstream. The lining of the small intestine also secretes a hormone called secretin, which stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes.

CAUSES OF DUODENAL ULCER &COLIC PAIN

During this process, the patient suffering from duodenal ulcer at times experiences pain in the abdomen. This colic pain is termed as Parinama shula. It takes place due to the predominance of Vayu. Colic pain results after the formation of duodenal ulcer.

More often than not, colic pain takes place when one is hungry. It, however, subsides after one takes food. There may be exceptions, though.

SYMPTOMS OF DUODENAL ULCER

Chronic colic pain arising due to duodenal ulcer causes the patient starts to lose weight. This happens because the body fails to absorb the food consumed. The digestive system fails to function to its optimum capacity.

The patient becomes too sensitive and irritable due to his/her weak constitution.

Sometimes, the ulcers start bleeding as well.

The blood appears back in colour as it has to come out through non-functioning intestines.

The stool may also appear black due to this bleeding process.

The patient may vomit during this condition. On rare occasions blood may accompany the purged mucous substances.

CURE CONSTIPATION FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY

Constipation accelerates and aggravates the wind formation process inside the tummy in particular and the abdomen in general. This condition, in turn, precipitates the attack of pain.

The patient should be tendered laxative to cure constipation. Two very effective laxatives are the husk of Isahagol and castor oil. Either of these medications should be given to the patient at bedtime.

DIETARY REGIMEN

The patient should regularly have pomegranate, amalaki, wheat, old (the one preserved for at least one year) rice, ghee and cheese prepared from cow’s milk, and skimmed milk.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

Don’t consume pulses;

Fried food items are also prohibited;

Similarly stay away from sour and hot items like curd, chillies, and spices.

All in all, avoid all food items that promote roughness and dryness in the physique.

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS

The patient should have sound sleep at nights;

The patient must have sufficient rest;

The patient must not be allowed to tolerate any tension, worry or mental strain and stress.

Such persons should not observe fasts;

Nor should a patient remain on an empty tummy for long.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurveda prescribed medications prepared from pure ghee (prepared from only cow’s milk) for patients suffering from chronic colic pain arising due to duodenal ulcer. In fact, these medications work for both the aforementioned conditions.

COMMON DELUSION

One should not be under the delusion that disappearance of the colic pain connotes cure of duodenal ulcer or colic pain.

Both can return with a vengeance!

ADOPT A COUNTER-OFFENSIVE POSTURE

Hence, it is always advisable to adopt a counter-offensive posture. The strategy is to strike at the very root of both the ailments. This can be possible only when the patient continues the medicines (prepared from the medicated ghee). These medicines need to be consumed over a sufficiently long time to enjoy permanent respite from the ailment.

THE 2-FOLD MEDICINAL STRATEGY

The medicines work in a two-fold strategy:

First, they cure the symptoms;

Finally these medicines prepare a shield against these diseases.

AYURVEDIC MEDICATIONS

These five Ayurvedic medicines are Shatavari ghritta, Amalaki ghrita, Shankha bhasma, Mahashankha vati and Sukumara ghrita.

MAHASHANKHA GHRITA & SUKUMARA GHRITA

Medicated ghee is the primary ingredient of the first two mentioned medications, viz., Shatavari ghritta and Amalaki ghrita. The others also have a considerable portion of the medicated ghee; but they also require considerable ratios of other ingredients.

SHANKHA BHASMA

Shankha bhasma is prescribed against colic pain.

The dose: Give the patient half a teaspoonful of this powder thrice daily. He/she should follow it up with a cup of hot water.

MAHASHANKHA VATI

Mahashankha ghritta is recommended for patients suffering from acute colic pain. As the terminology ‘Vati’ implies, this medication is available in the tablet (pill) form across the Ayurvedic counters. It is an intense form of Shankha bhasma.

The dose: Two tablets thrice daily. The dose can be increased to four times if the intensity and frequency of colic pain is intense and frequent respectively.

Mentionably, the patient should drink a cup of warm water immediately after taking this tablet.

Uses: It cuts down on the colic pain intensity and boosts digestion.

SUKUMARA GHRITA

Sukumara ghrita is the commonly prescribed medicine by the Ayurvedic practitioners. The major ingredients of Sukumara ghrita is castor oil and pure ghee (prepared from only cow’s milk).

The dose: Two teaspoonfuls mixed with a cup of warm milk. The medications should be taken on an empty tummy.

Alternative: If the patient cannot have milk, then it can be mixed with a cup of warm water as well.

Note: In case, the symptoms subsist the dose should be increased, but gradually.

Caution Note: If the digestion process fails to respond adequately, it is due to the ghee component. Then, decrease the dose.

However, the digestive capacity of the patient does increase considerably within three-four days of taking the medicine.

In such cases, the person is able to consume additional amount of ghee as well. In such instances, increase the dose by half a teaspoonful daily.

Mentionably, the patient will not experience any discomfort or inconvenience till the dosage is increased to six teaspoonfuls of ghee.

Nonetheless, in such increased dosage the patient may at times feel laziness. It happens due to headache and drowsiness.

Colic pain is known as Shula in Ayurvedic terminology. Colic pain is caused due to the predominance of vayu.

Colic pain can be a silent invader; it can assume a serious form slowly and over a period of time. On the other hand, colic pain can strike suddenly.

The pain can spread to other portions of the body. The other vulnerable parts are the genital organs and the vascular region.

It is important that during such acute situations, each affected organ should be treated separately.

CAUSES OF COLIC PAIN

The common causes of colic pain are as follows: Liver or ovary inflammation; gastric and duodenal ulcer; intestinal spasm; kidney stone; gall-stone; and appendicitis.

COLIC PAIN SYMPTOMS

The symptoms vary according to body or organ affected.

However, here are the common symptoms:

The patient will suffer from constipation. It may, at times, assume a chronic form;

There may be nausea and vomiting as well.

FIRST, ADDRESS CONSTIPATION

Yes! To enjoy speedy recovery from the condition, one should deal with constipation on a war footing. Resolve constipation once and for all. Practise daily and regular movement of the bowels.

In fact, constipation is one of the primary causes of many other serious diseases. Hence, the children should be taught to have regular bowel movements so that they do it as a habit as they grow in age.

Constipation alleviates Vayu; and this leads to colic pain and also many other ailments.

If the patient is suffering from constipation (chronic or otherwise), tender him/her castor oil enema or a mild purgative.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

Beans, fried items and pulses should be strictly avoided.

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS

It is mandatory and absolutely necessary that the patient is not allowed to go through any form of mental strain, stress or worry. These psychic states aggravate vayu which, in turn, is one of the main causes of this ailment.

Don’t do any hard physical activity (including sexual intercourse) immediately after taking the major meals.

Instead, practise the yogic posture — Vajrasana – immediately after taking the major meals or atleast after supper.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurveda has three very effective medications for patients suffering from colic pain. These medicines are also prescribed in duodenal pain which often accompanies and is at times the cause and the effect of colic pain.

These Ayurvedic medicines are Abhraka bhasma, Lasuna (garlic) and Hing besides Lasunadi vati; and Hingvashtaka churna as well as Mahashankha vati and Shankha bhasma.

ABHRAKA BHASMA

Abhraka bhasma provides relief in all types of colic pain.

The dose: 250 gram mixed with honey four times daily.

LASUNA AND HING

Lasuna (garlic) and Hing taken in their raw forms delivers the goods in patients suffering from colic pain as well as duodenal ulcer. Both are ideal natural medications for many other ailments as well.

LASUNADI VATI

Lasunadi vati contains garlic (lasuna).

The dose: Two tablets four times daily.

HINGVASHTAKA CHURNA

The main ingredient of Hingvashtaka churna is Hing. It is recommended for patients suffering from colic pain.

The dose: One teaspoonful mixed with half a teaspoonful of water thrice daily.

MAHASHANKHA VATI

Mahashankha vati contains Shankha bhasma as a primary ingredient.

The dose: Two tablets mixed with a cup of warm water four times daily.

SHANKHA BHASMA

Shankha bhasma is the commonly prescribed Ayurvedic medication for patients suffering from colic pain.

The dose: Mix 325 gram of the medicine with a cup of warm water and give to the patient four times daily.

CAUSES OF FLATULENCE

Flatulence is caused only in the extreme cases of indigestion.

This is because wind is always formed during the digestive process. This normal amount of wind passes out of the body in the shape of flatus (intestinal wind that blows through the anus with or without sound).

However, the tummy and/or intestine swelling syndrome can happen owing to excessive formation and accumulation of such wind in those portions.

THE FLATULENCE SYNDROME

During flatulence, the patient experiences insomnia, headache, breathlessness, indigestion, appetite loss, and general discomfort.

DIETARY REGIMEN

The patient should regularly have butter-milk and curd.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

Don’t drink milk;

Similarly, the person must avoid consuming beans, pulses and any type of fried food items.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS

Simply stay away from all forms of tension, anxiety and worry.

Avoid hard labour.

The patient must practise Vajrasana after the major meals.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

There are three Ayurvedic medications for patients suffering from flatulence. Depending on the cause, particular medications are prescribed.

FLATULENCE & CONSTIPATION

Flatulence can lead to constipation. In such cases, the patient must have Hingvashtaka churna.

On the other hand, constipation can cause flatulence too. In such instances, the patient can have Kumari asava and/or Hing triguna taila.

HINGVASHTAKA CHURNA

Hingvashtaka churna is prescribed in situations where flatulence causes constipation.

The dose: One teaspoonful should be mixed with a teaspoonful of cow’s ghee. The patient should have it twice daily. Each time the dose is completed only when the patient follows it up with hot water.

KUMARI ASAVA

Kumari asava is recommended for patients suffering from flatulence caused by constipation.

The dose: The patient should be given 30 ml each of Kumari asava and water after meal. It should be taken twice daily.

HING TRIGUNA TAILA

Hing triguna taila is medicated oil. It is also prescribed when constipation is diagnosed as the cause for flatulence.

The dose: Two teaspoonfuls of Hing triguna taila needs to be mixed with a cup of warm water. The dose should be consumed once daily only on an empty tummy.

GASTRITIS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Gastritis is known as Urdhvaga amlapitta in Ayurvedic terminology. People possessing the Pattika type of constitution are easily prone to this condition. Constipation aggravates the condition.

GLANDS & GASTRITIS

Tummy inflammation adversely affects the glands present in the tummy. These glands play the pivotal role in the digestive process with the enzymes that they secrete. One of the significant digestive enzymes is Hydrochloric Acid.

However, tummy inflammation impairs secretion of these vitally important digestive enzymes. As a result, the patient suffers from indigestion. If the condition is not addressed at the initial stages, it can turn quite acute. Chronic gastritis may lead to various other ailments.

GASTRITIS TYPES

Depending on the state of the glands and their mucous membrane as well as the nature of the inflammation, Gastritis has been divided into several types.

CAUSES OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis can be cause by any or a combination of the following factors. They are irregularity in the intake of meals; tension, anxiety and worries during mealtimes; excessive consumption of spices and chillies.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis emaciates and weakens the patient.

The condition can also be accompanied by headache, giddiness and nausea.

The person gets easily irritable.

The patient suffers from a burning sensation in the chest. It is caused by the formation of and accumulation of excessive acid within the stomach.

The Gastritis pain intensifies after the person takes any food.

The pain can be gripping if the tummy remains absolutely empty.

Even if the person does not take any food, he/she may experience the pain.

The upper portion of the abdomen will appear tender if external pressure is exerted on that portion.

The patient can experience either false or suppressed appetite.

PURGATION: THE BEST MEANS TO CONTROL THE AILMENT

Purgation is the bets therapy to cure or correct pitta. Urdhvaga amlapitta (Gastritis) is caused by a vitiation of pitta. Cow’s ghee alleviates the condition.

Medicated ghee is an ideal laxative. Regular intake of this food item aids the recovery process.

DIETARY REGIMEN

The best diet for people suffering from gastritis is cow’s milk and old rice (the variety should be preserved for atleast a year);

He/she should be given only cow’s milk (seasoned with sugar);

Besides, the following items should be included in the patient’s menu: Banana flower, pomegranate, white pumpkin, green banana, patola, bitter gourd, cucumber, parched rice, moong dal soup, wheat and barley.

The patient should regularly consume the white variety of pumpkin and coconut. These two ingredients are beneficial for the patient suffering from Gastritis.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

Alcoholic drinks must be totally avoided;

Similarly, sour and pungent items like curd should not be taken;

The other food items to be spurned are any types of heavy and spicy food; gram; Kulattha; Masha and Sesame seeds.

OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS

Morning walks done leisurely for an hour aids the recovery process.

All types of hard work and physical activities should be avoided;

Stay away from mental and physical strain.

Complete rest is a must.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

There are four effective Ayurvedic medications to cure Gastritis. These are Avipattikara churna, Dhatri lauba, Amalaki, and Sukumara ghritta

AVIPATTIKARA CHURNA

Avipattikara churna is composed with the root-bark of the plant, Trivit. The medication stimulates the liver. It also works as a laxative.

The dose: Two teaspoonfuls of Avipattikara churna at bedtime.

DHATRI LAUBA

Dhatri lauba is a compound preparation prescribed to cure constipation. It is composed of Lauba Bhasma mixed with the Amalaki juice.

The dose: One teaspoonful twice daily.

AMALAKI POWDER

Amalaki powder should be given in a dose of two teaspoonfuls four times daily.

The dose: Two teaspoonfuls four times daily.

SUKUMARA GHRITTA

Sukumara ghritta boosts digestion. At the initial stages, however, a patient may appear to be adversely affecting the digestive power of the patient.

The dose: Two teaspoonfuls mixed with a cup of milk should be consumed twice daily by the patient on an empty tummy.

Hematemesis is not a disease in itself but a symptom of many other ailments. Hematemesis refers to that condition when a patient vomits blood.

Hematemesis is not a disease in itself but a symptom of many other ailments.

ALIGNED AILMENTS OF HEMATEMESIS

The other ailments bracketed along with Hematemesis are chronic gastric, gastric cancer and gastric ulcer.

HEMATEMESIS SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms of Hematemesis are as follows; the Patient vomits not just blood but also water, mucus and food particles.

DIETARY REGIMEN

The patients should regularly consume amalaki, butter, ghee, milk, pomegranate, and both the ripe as well as the unripe varieties of banana.

Their diet must also include moong dal, old rice and patola.

WHAT NOT TO EAT

Such persons must avoid taking spicy and hot food items.

IMPORTANT POINTS

The patient must have complete rest.

Ensure that the person concerned is not exposed to heat and the sun.

HOME REMEDIES

To immediately stop bleeding, the patient should be given iced water to drink.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

The Ayurvedic treatments for this condition are Pravala pishti, Kushmanda and Amalaki.

PRAVALA PISHTI

Pravala pishti is prepared from coral.

The dose: One gram of Pravala pishti should be mixed with a teaspoonful of honey and tendered thrice daily.

KUSHMANDA

Kushmanda juice is ideal for such patients.

The dose: 30 ml thrice daily.

AMALAKI

Amalaki juice is commonly prescribed in this condition.

The dose: 30 ml of the juice thrice daily.

Indigestion is known as Agnimandya in Ayurveda.

CAUSES OF INDIGESTION

There are physical as well as psychic factors responsible for causing indigestion.

PHYSICAL FACTORS: It is caused due to some disturbances in the tummy or intestines. It can also be caused if the patient suffers from some other ailments affecting other parts of the body.

However, a person may suffer from indigestion even if he/she does not suffer from any ailment. It can be overeating, or having meals at wrong times like odd hours.

PSYCHIC FACTORS: Indigestion of food can happen due to the following psychic factors: Worry; Anger; and Anxiety. Mentionably, if person suffers from these mentally negative afflictions, his/her digestive system will fail to properly digest the consumed items even if he/she takes them at the right and regular times.

AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSIS FOR INDIGESTION

According to Ayurvedic principles, indigestion is caused due to the aggravation of the three Doshas, namely Kapha, Pitta and Vata. The Ayurvedic tomes elaborately deal with the various conditions that result from a vitiation of these Doshas.

For example, when Pitta is vitiated, the patient experiences pain; burning sensation results from a vitiation of the Vata Dosha; and vomiting as well as nausea occur due to the vitiation of the Kapha Dosha.

INDIGESTION SYMPTOMS

The common symptoms of Agnimandya (indigestion) are as follows: Burning sensation in the chest; acid eructation; nausea; diarrhoea; vomiting; tummy pain; and a sense of heaviness in the abdomen.

DIETARY & OTHER REGIMEN

Ayurvedic classics have set down the following rules for food consumption:

Sleep before lunch during the daytime promotes digestion.

On the other hand, sleep after lunch during the daytime aggravates the situation.

Always have meals in a pleasant environment;

Have it comfortably and leisurely;

Don’t think about any problems while having the meals;

Concentrate on the food;

Avoid talking or laughing while having meals;

Choose to consume only those food items which are unctuous (too oily).

Don’t have freshly cooked or cooked food;

Sit down for a new set of meal only when the earlier meal has been digested.

Avoid items which are mutually contradictory.

The patient should remain awake in the night. Sound sleep is mandatory for quick recovery from the condition.

Mental and physical rest is necessary for the patient especially if he/she suffers from the acute form of indigestion.

However, in the chronic indigestion case, the patient should have regular physical exercise –m though not of the heavy type.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurveda has specific treatments for patients suffering from indigestion. These medications are Mahashankha vati, and Hingvashtaka churna.

HOME REMEDIES

There are many easy home remedies for indigestion. One most commonly recommended prescription is as follows: The patient should consume a raw ginger piece and rock salt five minutes prior to taking any major meal. The quantity of the raw ginger and the rock salt should each be of one gram in weight. They need to be chewed. These two natural ingredients boost appetite. At the same time, they also cure the chronic form of indigestion.

MAHASHANKHA VATI

Mahashankha vati is prescribed for patients from the acute and chronic form of indigestion accompanied by pain.

The dose: Two tablets four times daily. The patient should then follow it up with a cup of warm milk.

HINGVASHTAKA CHURNA

Hingvashtaka churna is prepared from the following ingredients, viz., Hing, Krishna Jiraka, Jiraka, Ajmoda, Maricha, Pippali, and Shunthi. It is useful for both the chronic and acute types of indigestion.

Hingvashtaka churna is available across the counter in the form of powder.

The patient should have the medicine with the first morsel of food of the major meal.

One can have the medicine even after having the food.

The dose: One teaspoonful of the churna should be mixed with a teaspoonful of ghee twice daily. If one can have the medicine mixed with butter-milk, the patient can expect better results in the same span of time.

The adjective ‘alimentary’ refers to providing food or nourishment. Its root is the Latin word ‘alo’ which means ‘nourish’. Hence the alimentary canal (noun) is the passage along which food passes during digestion.

A breast-fed baby may also get affected if he/she drinks milk from the mother who may be suffering from indigestion.

Infantile diarrhoea is a common ailment of the babies during their teething stages.

THE AYURVEDIC EXPLANATION

Infantile diarrhoea happens due to the vitiation (pollution/infection) of the breast milk of the mother or the wet nurse. Such infections happen due to the three elements (Doshas) — Vayu, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas cause indigestion in the lactating mother. And, the baby having milk from a mother suffering from this condition will experience diarrhoea.

Moreover, consumption of such infected milk can cause many other ailments in the child.

Hence, it is of primary importance that the mother’s indigestive state is cured at the earliest. Only after the mother is cured of this tummy ailment should she be allowed to breast fed.

PARIGARBHIKA

Parigarbhika is that condition when a child consumes milk of the lactating mother. Usually, a pregnant woman cannot feed the baby as the lactation process stops automatically. However, there are instances of the mother feeding her baby getting pregnant again. And, in some such instances, the lactation continues. If the first baby drinks milk from the mother, the condition – Parigarbhika – occurs.

One of the prominent symptoms of Parigarbhika in the child is diarrhoea.

Once such a state happens, the child should immediately be switched to some other baby foods.

DIARRHOEA SYMPTOMS

Besides diarrhoea, the affected child may experience a gripping pain in the tummy. The person may even have the vomiting tendency. The stool may be foul smelling and liquid. Its colour can turn green or yellow.

DIETARY REGIMEN

The child should not consume any milk containing a high percentage of fat. Buffalo’s milk contains a high level of fats.

The best alternative to mother’s milk is cow’s milk diluted with water. But, if the baby fails to digest cow’s milk then he/she should be given goat’s milk.

While boiling the milk, add 125 gram of the rhizome of Musta to the milk.

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS

Don’t take the child suffering from infantile diarrhoea on long journeys – be it by a car or a train.

Ensure that the child gets sound sleep.

Don’t wake up the child prematurely or before the sleep duration is completed.

Disturbances in sleep may lead to vomiting.

Above all, the diarrhoea conditions may aggravate.

Above all, don’t allow anyone to tease or disturb the child. The baby needs total bed rest.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

CONSTIPATION CURE

If the patient suffers from many loose motions, then give the child Jatiphala. Actually, the medication is the powdery form of the Jatiphala seed.

The dose: 65 gram of this powder four times daily. The medication needs to be seasoned with honey. If the condition does not improve with this dose, then increase it to 70 grams and give it to the child five times daily.

OTHER MEDICATION: MUSTA RHIZOME

Ayurveda prescribes Musta for patients suffering from this condition. This medicine is prepared from the rhizome (root) of the Musta plant. It is a small herb available in hedge rows and grassy fields. The rhizome used for the preparation of this medicine looks like a small tuber.

The medication also works as carminative as well.

PREPARATION MODE: First, clean the rhizome thoroughly. It is cleaned by rubbing it against a piece of clean stone. Then, prepare a paste from the cleaned root. It can also be dried and then grinded into the powdery form.

The dose: 65 gram of the paste or 125 gram of the paste mixed with honey four times daily.

AVOID GRIPE WATERS

The market is flooded with gripe waters. They contain artificial carminatives. Used for a prolonged period, gripe waters can be rather harmful for the children. Hence, tender the children the aforementioned naturally prepared Musta paste or powder in the prescribed amount. It does not have any side-effects.