Accumulation of gas in the digestive tract leads to gastric problems. When food stays in the stomach for too long, it begins to break down and does not move through the digestive tract as it should. This condition creates gas or acidity in the stomach.  

Adhmaan: In Ayurveda gas related problems are known as ‘Adhmaan.’ Adhmaan is caused in body by the aggravated or disturbed Vata dosha. A specific type of gas namely known as ‘Apaan vayu’ is affected and results in heaviness in the lower abdomen. Relief comes only after the air is passed through rectum. Till then the patient suffers from heaviness in the lower abdomen, pain and abdominal discomfort.

Ayurveda stresses a lot on digestive system care as it is the basis of good health. Diseases occur only when the digestive process is disrupted.  When food is properly digested the nutrients are easily absorbed by the cells. This promotes the general health of the body and also builds immunity against diseases. So, Ayurvedic treatment focuses mainly on proper diet and life style as a preventive measure against diseases. The curative methods of Ayurveda involve herbal medicines, certain procedures to de-toxify the body and to help the body to return to its healthy condition.  

Causes for Gastric Problem

Flatulence/Distenstion and gastric problems: Ayurveda attributes the gastric problems to the vitiation of Vata dosha. Due to improper food intake or overeating; digestion suffers (may be due to weak liver functions). Due to improper digestion, faeces retained inside leads to accumulation of acid and gas in abdomen. This condition is known as flatulence or distension. The trapped gas may cause unbearable pain in stomach.

Signs and Symptoms of Gastric Related Problems

Symptoms

1. Coated tongue

2. Foul breath

3. Bad taste in mouth

4. Increased salivation

5. Scanty urination

6. Uneasiness

Signs

1. Loss of appetite

2. Nausea

3. Vomiting

4. Headache

5. Dizziness

6. Pain/discomfort in stomach.

7. Constipation

Ayurvedic Remedy for Gastric Problem

Key Medicines

1. Aarogyavardhini vati,

2. Praval pishti

3. Mukta shukti

4. Avipattikara Churna,

5. Shankha vati,

6. Shankha Bhasma,

7. Kumaryasava,

8. Soot shekhar ras,

9. Kapardak bhasam

10. Rasonadi vati

11. Hinguvastaka Powder: It works well with other Ayurvedic medicine like Aarogyavardhini vati, Avipattikara Churna, Shankha vati, Shankha Bhasma, Kumaryasava, and Rasonadi vati.   

12. Ayurvedic Churan: For old people and those with a weak liver, it is advised to take the Churna made of equal quantities of Harar Jangi Churan, Hingvastika Churan and Meetha soda. This mixture should be taken with hot water every half an hour after meals to expel the impurities, namely ‘Ama.’

13. Hingavadi Vati: Hingavadi Vati made with equal quantities of Amchur, dry mango powder, Black pepper, Roasted Hing, Ajwain, Pippali, Sonth, black salt, Rock salt and sea salt as a pill is effective in relieving gas. Taking 2 pills with water 2 or 3 times a day works well to get rid of gas.

14. Shanka Bhasma: Alternatively “Shanka Bhasma” Or “Baskara Lavana” can be taken with butter milk one hour before meals.

15. Castor oil and milk for gastric problems: Take 2 table spoon full castor oil with warm milk at bed time is beneficial for constipation which in turns helps in relieving gastric problems.

16. Ayurvedic Massage for gastric problems: A massage to the stomach using a mixture of castor oil and black salt is a good Ayurvedic therapy to get immediate relief from gastric problems. 

Foods to Avoid in Gastric Problems

1. Minimize or avoid dried beans, baked beans, peas, soy beans etc. 

2. Milk, Cheese and ice creams should be avoided as they contain lactose which is difficult to digest.  

3. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, radish and asparagus induce gas formation in the stomach and should be taken in minimal quantity. 

4. Roots like potatoes and turnips should be avoided as they lead to gas formation. 

5. Among fruits, bananas, apples, apricots and raisins should be minimized. 

6. Breads, cereals, fried and deep fried foods, carbonated beverages and fizzy medicines are all capable of inducing gas production in the stomach and hence should be avoided. 

Home Remedies for Gastric Trouble

1. Garlic can be taken with warm water for relieving gas.

2. Hing with warm water also relieves gas.

3. Ginger piece on which a few drops of lemon juice is sprinkled can be eaten for immediate relief

4. Castor oil works best to set right the increased gas, vata related doshas.

5.  Take a lemon with a glass of luke warm water every day morning empty stomach to get rid of gastric problem.

6. Regular intake of coconut water works as miracle medicine for gastric.

7. A glass of butter milk with jeera (cummin) powder and salt, at bed time.