Can Ayurveda Cure GERD Permanently?


man holding his chest

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that has been around for thousands of years. It is a holistic approach to health that focuses on restoring balance in the body. Many people suffer from acid reflux or gerd. This condition can be extremely uncomfortable and even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. In this blog post, we will explore the possibility of curing GERD with Ayurveda.

Can Ayurveda Cure GERD Permanently?

GERD is caused by a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. GERD can be caused by many things, including lifestyle choices, such as diet and smoking, and medical conditions, such as hiatal hernia.

Ayurveda can help improve the function of the LES and thereby help to cure GERD permanently. Ayurveda achieves this by balancing the doshas, restoring proper digestion, and restoring balance in the gut microbiome.

Amlapitta: What GERD Means in Ayurveda

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates backs up or refluxes. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and other symptoms.

In Ayurveda, Amlapitta is the name given to this condition. According to Ayurveda, Amlapitta is caused by an imbalance of the Pitta dosha. This can be due to several factors, including diet, stress, and genetics.

Amlapitta is a condition where there is an increase in gastric fire force, which can lead to an acidic taste in the mouth, heartburn, and indigestion. It can be caused by many things, including eating spicy or acidic foods, drinking alcohol or caffeine, smoking, stress, and anxiety.

Ayurveda recommends that people with amlapitta follow a pitta-reducing diet and lifestyle, including avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. They should also eat cooling, soothing foods like milk, ghee, cucumber, and mint.

man holding his chest

2 Types of GERD or Amlapitta

There are two types of GERD or Amlapitta: Urdhwagami (Urdhwaga) and Adhogami (Adhoga).

Type 1: Urdhwagami (Urdhwaga)

Type-I GERD is known as Urdhwagami (Urdhwaga) Amlapitta in Ayurveda. In this type of GERD, the digestive juices flow upwards towards the throat and mouth. This results in a sour taste in the mouth, heartburn, and belching. People with Type-I GERD often have a history of Pitta imbalances.

Type 2: Adhogami (Adhoga)

Type-II GERD is known as Adhogami (Adhoga) Amlapitta in Ayurveda. In this type of GERD, the digestive juices flow downwards towards the stomach and intestines. This results in abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. People with Type-II GERD often have a history of Vata imbalances.

Signs & Symptoms of GERD According to Ayurveda

There are many signs and symptoms of GERD, according to Ayurveda. Some of the more common ones include

  1. Heartburn: This is the most common symptom of GERD. It is a burning sensation in the chest extending to the neck and throat.
  2. Acid regurgitation allows stomach acids to flow back up into the valve opens, causing a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
  3. Dyspepsia: This is a general term for upper abdominal discomfort, including bloating, belching, and nausea.
  4. Chest pain: This can be a sign of GERD-related inflammation of the esophagus causing heartburn (esophagitis).

How to Balance Pitta Dosha for GERD Relief?

Pitta dosha is one of the three doshas, or energies, in ayurvedic treatment. It’s associated with fire and water elements and is responsible for metabolism and digestion. An imbalance in Pitta can lead to acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion.

To balance Pitta dosha and relieve symptoms of GERD, the following list is recommended.

  1. Follow a Pitta-pacifying diet: focus on cooling, alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid spicy, acidic, and hot foods.
  2. Drink plenty of room-temperature water and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other hot drinks.
  3. Practice gentle yoga or meditation to reduce stress levels.
  4. Take herbs and supplements that help pacify Pitta doshas, such as ginger, ashwagandha, and Triphala.
  5. Avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies

There are many simple Ayurvedic home remedies that can be used to treat GERD. Here are effective Ayurvedic home remedies.

Anuvasana Vasti

Anuvasana Vasti is a type of ayurvedic therapy that involves medicated oil enemas.

To prepare for Anuvasana Vasti, you must purchase a medicated oil from an ayurvedic practitioner or pharmacy. The most common oil used for this therapy is Mahanarayan oil, but other oils can be used. Once you have the oil, you will need to warm it to body temperature. This can be done by placing the oil bottle in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes.

Asthapana Vasti

Asthapana Vasti is an ayurvedic therapy used to treat several diseases and disorders. It involves using a medicated oil or decoction, which is introduced into the rectum through a small tube.

To prepare for Asthapana Vasti, the patient should first empty their bowels and bladder. They should then lie down on their left side with their knees bent. A small amount of medicated oil or decoction is introduced into the rectum through a small tube. Before expelling, the patient should retain the oil or decoction for 30 to 60 minutes.

Decoction of Patola, Neem, Madanaphala, Honey & Rock Salt

First, wash the patola and neem leaves thoroughly to prepare for the decoction. Then, boil them in water for about 15 minutes. After that, add madanaphala and honey to the mixture and stir well. Finally, add rock salt to taste.

To apply the decoction, drink it on an empty stomach in the morning and night. For best results, continue this treatment for at least a month.

Gudadi modaka

To prepare:

  1. Boil the water and then add the Gudadi root powder.
  2. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the powder has dissolved. You can drink it as is or add honey to sweeten it.
  3. Drink this mixture once a day, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach.

Guduchyadi Kwatha 

Guduchyadi Kwatha is an ayurvedic decoction prepared from Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia). It is bitter, sweet, astringent, and cooling in taste. The main indication of the use of this decoction is its immunomodulatory activity.

To prepare Guduchyadi Kwatha, take 30 grams of Guduchi and boil it in 600 ml of water till it reduces to half. Filter the decoction and add sugar or jaggery to taste. This decoction can be taken once or twice a day, after food.

Kantakaryadi Kwatha

Kantakaryadi Kwatha is an ayurvedic decoction prepared with herbs mentioned in the Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita. The decoction is used for treating colds, coughs, and sore throat.

To prepare Kantakaryadi Kwatha:

  1. Take equal parts of dried ginger, black pepper, and long pepper.
  2. Add these ingredients to a pan with water and simmer till the water reduces to half.
  3. Strain the decoction and drink it warm. You can also add honey to the taste.

To apply Kantakaryadi Kwatha as a treatment, drink the decoction twice daily.

Laja Saktu

To prepare Laja Saktu, first, heat the sesame oil and coconut oil in a pot over low heat. Then, add the laja saktu leaves and let it simmer for 30 minutes. After that, remove it from heat and let it cool down.

To apply, massage the mixture onto your scalp and hair evenly. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes before washing it off with shampoo.

Lashuna Ksheerapakam

Lashuna Ksheerapakam is an ayurvedic formulation that is used for the treatment of GERD. To prepare, take a pan and roast the fennel and cumin seeds until they release their aroma. Once they are roasted, grind them into a fine powder. Mix the ground spices with ginger powder and black pepper in a bowl. Add honey to the mixture and mix well. To use, take ½ tsp of the mixture and add it to a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture twice a day, before meals.

Madhu Pippalyadi Yoga

To prepare for Madhu Pippalyadi Yoga:

  1. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. If sitting, make sure your spine is straight and your hips are slightly higher than your knees.
  2. If lying down, bring your knees up to your chest.
  3. Place the strap or belt around your waist to snug but not too tight.

Now, take a deep breath in and exhale slowly through your mouth. As you exhale, allow your stomach to relax and sink toward the floor. Continue breathing deeply and slowly as you focus on relaxing your stomach muscles.

When ready, begin the Madhu Pippalyadi Yoga Pose by exhaling and drawing your navel toward your spine. As you do this, curl your chin toward your chest and begin to round your back.

Nistusha Yavadi Kwatha

Nistusha Yavadi Kwatha is a powder made from the dried roots of the Ayurvedic plant Vitex negundo. It is used as a traditional remedy for GERD and other digestive disorders.

To prepare Nistusha Yavadi Kwatha, take two tablespoons of the powder and mix it with water. It stays open allowing the stomach to be free. Drink this mixture twice daily.

Patoladi Kwatha

Patoladi Kwatha is a very effective ayurvedic medicine for GERD. It is made from the bark of the Patola tree, which is rich in tannins. Take a small piece of Patola bark and boil it in water for about 15 minutes. Once the water has cooled down, strain the liquid and drink it on an empty stomach. You can also add a little honey to this kwatha to make it palatable. Drink this kwatha regularly for best results.

Vamana

Vamana is a form of ayurvedic therapy that involves cleansing the body through vomiting. It is typically used to treat obesity, heartburn, and indigestion.

To prepare for Vamana, you will need to fast for at least 12 hours beforehand. This will help to empty the stomach and make the therapy more effective. To stay hydrated, you should also drink plenty of fluids, like water or juice.

When you are ready to start the therapy, you will need to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Once you are comfortable, a therapist will massage your stomach clockwise. This will help to stimulate the vomiting reflex. This avoids opening allowing stomach acids back up into the esophagus.

Virechana 

Here is how to prepare Virechana: Take equal parts of Triphala, haritaki, and Amalaki. Mix them and store them in a glass jar. Take two tablespoons of the mixture and add it to a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes. Drink this tea once a day, preferably on an empty stomach.

Yashtimadhu Ksheerapakam

To prepare Yashtimadhu Ksheerapakam, take three grams of Yashtimadhu powder and mix it with 200 ml of boiled and cooled milk. Drink this mixture twice daily, once in the morning and once at night before bed. 

Yavadi Kwatha

To prepare Yavadi Kwatha, take a pan and dry roast the fennel and cumin seeds until they release their aroma. Once done, add the asafoetida and turmeric powder to the pan and mix everything. Next, take a glass of water and add the roasted spices. Finally, add rock salt to taste, and your Yavadi Kwatha is ready.

different kinds of powder in a bottle

Do’s & Don’ts When You Have GERD According to Ayurveda

If you have GERD, there are certain things you should do and certain things you shouldn’t do to ease your symptoms.

Pathya: Beneficial – Don’ts

Pathya, or following a prescribed diet and lifestyle, is an important part of managing GERD according to Ayurveda. Some foods and activities are considered beneficial for GERD, and others should be avoided.

Dos include:

  • Eating small, frequent meals
  • Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly
  • Avoiding spicy, fatty, and fried foods
  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
  • Wear-free clothes that open to allow food to stay freely in the stomach

Don’ts include:

  • Eating late at night or before bed
  • Skipping meals
  • Overeating
  • Eating large, heavy meals

Wearing tight clothing that puts pressure on the stomach area.

Apathya: Non-Beneficial – Don’ts

Here are some dos and don’ts for apathya when you have GERD:

Dos include:

  • Do eat light and easy-to-digest foods.
  • Do eat frequent, small meals.
  • Do eat slowly and chew your food well.
  • Do drink plenty of fluids—but avoid those that are acidic, like orange juice or tomato soup.

Don’ts include:

  • Don’t eat late at night.
  • Don’t lie down immediately after eating.
  • Don’t eat spicy, greasy, or fatty foods.
  • Don’t smoke.

Generally, be careful of the contents of the stomach.

FAQs About Treating GERD Permanently With Ayurveda

Discover the answer to this question and more about how Ayurveda can help you treat GERD permanently.

How do you permanently treat GERD naturally?

There are a few things you can do to treat GERD naturally. First, try to avoid foods that trigger your symptoms. Common triggers include fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, and caffeine. You may also want to eat smaller meals more often instead of large meals throughout the day. This will help the valve stays open.

Which treatment is best for GERD?

There are many different treatments available for GERD, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. If you have a mild GERD, medical advice diagnosis or treatment is recommended.

Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for GERD?

All the Ayurvedic medicine explained above can work effectively for GERD. However, it is important to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine which medicine is best for you. This will help avoid the gerd and not to leads to a condition that will be worse.

Is ghee good for GERD?

Yes, ghee can be helpful for GERD because it is a less processed form of butter that contains more of the natural fatty acids that are good for digestion. Ghee also has a high smoking point, so it is good for cooking at high temperatures without releasing unhealthy toxins into the food. Ultimately, it is important to experiment and see what works best for you. Treating gerd the valve stays open.

Is ajwain good for GERD?

Ajwain is an Indian spice that has traditionally been used to treat various digestive issues, including heartburn and acid reflux. Some studies have shown that ajwain can effectively reduce symptoms of GERD, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Is giloy good for GERD?

Yes, giloy is effective for GERD! It is helpful when the stomach becomes weak due to GERD. it does allow the valve shuts tightly. 

Conclusion

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to healing that can effectively treat GERD permanently. Can Ayurveda cure gerd permanently? The answer is yes. What has your experience been with Ayurveda and GERD? Have you found relief from this traditional Indian medicine? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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