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 cramps in the stomach, diarrhea and constipation and even blood with the stools.

In Ayurveda, gastritis is known as Urdhavaga Amalapitta. It is caused in people with pitta constitution. When the pitta dosha gets vitiated in such people, there are greater chances of getting gastritis.

There are many causes of gastritis. Food poisoning can lead to gastritis, and so can consuming alcohol and drugs like aspirin and steroids. Allergies to certain foods can cause gastritis. Oblique causes for gastritis are physical stresses caused due to flu, some major surgery, severe burns or injuries.

Nowadays the infection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is looked upon as an important cause of gastritis.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Gastritis

- Asparagus (Asparagus racemosa) Asparagus is known to be an antispasmodic. It reduces the fire in the stomach. The root of the asparagus is effective in reducing the hyperacidity of the digestive system.

- Bitter Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) The tea of the bitter chamomile is effective in allaying the gastritis that is caused due to tensions and worries.

- Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum) Cardamom has soothing effects on the stomach. It is especially beneficial if the gastritis causes heartburn.

- Fennel (Fenneliculum vulgare) Fennel is used as a digestive traditionally by Indians. After each meal, there is a tradition of chewing some seeds of fennel. Fennel soothes the stomach, facilitates digestion, reduces flatulence and relieves the stomach of excess acidity.

- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) The extract of ginger is effective in treating the acid dyspepsia that is associated with gastritis. It is especially useful for people who consume more of a non-vegetarian food.

- Indian Gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) The Indian gooseberry, or amla, is very beneficial in the treatment of several stomach ailments, gastritis included. The other digestive ailments it is used for dyspepsia, burning sensation, anorexia, vomiting and hemorrhage.

- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) The root of the licorice can soothe the inflammation and the injury to the stomach. It is also known to reduce the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori.

- Rhubarb (Rheum emodi) Rhubarb is a mild agent; so it is effectively used in treating gastritis problems in children. It can reduce the acidity in the stomach.

- Sandalwood (Santalum album) Sandalwood helps in gastritis because it has cooling properties. It can soothe the stomach muscles inflamed by gastritis.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Gastritis

A careful dietary regime is needed in case of gastritis. The following points must be noted.

- Only rice that has been aged for one year must be used. Wheat and barley are beneficial.

- Among vegetables white pumpkin, bitter gourd, cucumber, green banana and banana flower are effective.

- Cow’s milk is preferable to buffalo’s milk.

- People suffering from gastritis must not confuse their stomach glands with different kinds of foods at the same time. It is beneficial if the person is kept on a single diet. Ideally the person must be kept on a milk diet or on a diet of old rice.

- Vitamin C has the capacity to help in the absorption of iron and calcium salts in the body. This eases the digestive process. Therefore, the diet must be rich in vitamin C. Foods that contain vitamin C to a commendable quantity are amlas, oranges, etc.

- Pungent and sour tastes must be avoided. Even chocolates, tea and coffee must be avoided as these can increase the acidic contents in the stomach.

- The person must never eat till the stomach is fool. In gastritis it is better to eat little quantities each time, so that the stomach gets proper time to digest the food.

- Sesame seeds and curds must be avoided.

- There should be a total stop to alcoholism.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Gastritis

Amalaki choorna or Triphala choorna is given in a dose of three grams thrice a day for seven days.

If there is constipation along with gastritis, then Avipattikara choorna is taken as the medicine of choice. The dosage is two teaspoonfuls at 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 Medications

- Take one teaspoonful of licorice root powder and mix it with pure ghee and honey. Take this twice each day on an empty stomach.

- Have a banana early in the morning. Drown them with milk. This reduces the acidity within the stomach in some days.

- After each meal have a glassful of milk with Isphagula in it.

- Squeeze the juice of an orange and add some roasted cumin seeds in it. Have this with some salt in it. It provides immense relief in gastritis.

Apart from these, keep the mind always stress-free. Do not go to bed immediately after a meal. There should be an ideal gap of an hour between taking a meal and going to bed.

By: Dr.Anna Hardy

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Jaundice is a disease caused due to vitiation of the pitta dosha. It is called as kamala. When there is an excessive circulation of the bile pigments in the blood, then this disease is caused. Pitta dosha controls the bile pigments.

Hence, jaundice is a disease of the liver. It can occur when there is an obstruction in the bile duct, or if there is destruction of the red blood corpuscles. When a person has jaundice, their skin becomes yellow in color. This characteristic yellowness is seen even in the eyes and the fingernails. Stools and urine also get colored. The yellow color is an indication that the circulation of bile is in excess.

Along with the yellowness of the skin, there are other symptoms associated with jaundice. Indigestion occurs and the person becomes very weak. Jaundice may also cause the body to itch.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Jaundice

1. Berberis (Berberis vulgaris)

Berberis is a very effective herb for all kinds of liver ailments, especially jaundice. So effective is the herb that it is nicknamed ‘jaundice berry’. It is a bitter tonic which must be given to a jaundice patient several times a day in does of quarter teaspoons. The fluid extract of the fruit also has similar properties.

2. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

All parts of the chicory plant are useful in the treatment of liver ailments. The flowers, seeds and roots are the most often used. The juice of the chicory can help in the treatment of sluggishness of the liver, obstruction of the flow of bile and the enlargement of the spleen; all of which are associated with jaundice. Chicory can also promote the healthy secretion of the bile.

3. Gokulakanta (Hygrophila spinosa)

The root of the gokulakanta plant is potent in the treatment of liver diseases such as jaundice and hepatitis. An infusion of the root of the herb in water is prepared and is given to the patient twice or thrice each day.

4. Indian Aloe (Aloe barbadensis)

Indian aloe is an excellent remedy for liver problems such as jaundice. For effective treatment, the pulp of one of its leaves is to be taken with black salt and ginger every morning for a period of ten days.

5. Indian Sorrel (Oxalis corniculata)

The herb is useful in treatment of jaundice. It is taken with buttermilk that is prepared from cow’s milk.

6. Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)

Picrorrhiza is one of the two best Ayurvedic remedies for jaundice. It is known as kutki in Ayurveda. Powder of this herb is mixed with hot water and taken twice a day.

7. Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes anguina)

Snake gourd is taken as an infusion of its leaves for the treatment of jaundice. It is generally to be taken with coriander.

8. Turpeth (Operculina turpethum)

Turpeth is the other best Ayurvedic remedy for jaundice. It is known as nisoth in Ayurveda. The powder of this herb is prescribed mixed in hot water twice a day.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Jaundice

1. Sweet foods are suitable for a jaundice patient. For easy digestion, sweet foods in liquid form must be consumed, such as sugarcane juice, orange juice and juices of other fresh fruits. Dry grapes are also beneficial. Pomegranate is good for jaundice, though it has a slight sour taste.

2. Fresh vegetables must be included in the diet. They must be cooked in minimum oil and kept as green as possible. That is, the use of spices should be curtailed. Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and the bitter variety of drumsticks are suitable to a jaundice patient.

3. The fat intake should be limited. Even curds must not be given to the jaundice patient. Buttermilk can be given if the butter has been carefully removed from it.

4. Alcohol is very dangerous to a jaundice patient. It can seriously complicate the disease, with fatal consequences. Hence, alcohol in any form must be avoided.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Jaundice

Ayurvedic treatments for jaundice begin with a purgation therapy. This helps o remove the toxins accumulated in the liver and the rest of the body. Strong purgatives are avoided.

The drugs of choice for the treatment of jaundice are nisoth and kutki. Their roots are administered to the patient in powder form. The two herbs can be taken either together or individually, depending on the seriousness of the jaundice and the internal strength of the patient.

Avipattikara choorna and Arogya Vardhini vati are the usually prescribed medicines in jaundice. These are to be taken in teaspoonful quantities twice a day with water or with honey.

Another general medicine which can be used in all kinds of jaundice is the Bhumyamalaki. This is a short herb which is very rarely available. Its juice is given mixed with honey in a teaspoonful quantity thrice a day. Vasaka, Kakamachi and Triphala are the other drugs used.

(4) Home Remedies for Jaundice

1. Juices of bitter vegetables like the bitter gourd are very effective in treating jaundice. Mash the vegetable and extract their juices by pressing with a cloth. This juice must be ideally had in the early morning. One glassful of juice per day is recommended.

2. Prepare a cupful of juice of beetroot and lemon in equal proportions. Having this juice for a few days will definitely cure jaundice.

3. Extract juice of amalaki (Indian gooseberry, Emblica officinalis). Have this juice thrice in a day in a teaspoonful quantity. This is a potent remedy for all kinds of liver ailments.



By: Tom alter

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The heart is the most important organ of the body which pumps blood to all the other organs in order to keep them functioning. The heart has to work tirelessly for every living second of our life. It is no wonder then, that the heart is the organ that undergoes the highest degree of wear and tear in the human body. In Ayurveda, all heart diseases are collectively known as Hridaya Roga. Depending on their doshic cause, the heart diseases could be Vataka Hridaya Roga, Paittika Hridaya Roga and Kaphaja Hridaya Roga. These three have slightly differing symptoms as follows:-

- Vataka Hridaya Roga is characterized by acute pains which are not localized at a particular point. This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the vata dosha.

- Paittika Hridaya Roga is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest cavity. This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the pitta dosha.

- Kaphaja Hridaya Roga is characterized by mild pain in the chest, accompanied by heaviness, nausea and coughing. This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the kapha dosha.

Almost all kinds of heart diseases are triggered by the blockage of the coronary arteries, due to which the blood supply to the heart is reduced. The main reasons for this obstruction in the blood supply could be choking of the arteries due to the wrong kind of food, obesity and even mental worries and tensions.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases

1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

The juice of the fresh alfalfa is very effective in clearing the congestion of the arteries. The juice has better effects if it is taken along with the juice of a fresh carrot.

2. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Arjuna has properties in increasing the stimulation to the heart. Its bark is used in Ayurveda for this properties.

3. Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea)

The digitalis herb is renowned all over the world for its benefits in heart care. The herb can stimulate the activity of all muscle tissues, including those of the heart. It improves the nourishment of the heart and rejuvenates the heart from its basic wear and tear. The digitalis herb also helps in correcting problems that may occur in blood circulation to the heart.

4. Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana)

The ephedra has fantastic heart stimulating properties. It is especially beneficial in strengthening hearts that are damaged due to infections of pneumonia and diphtheria.

5. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is one of the best-known remedies in heart care. It can break down the cholesterol accumulated in the coronary arteries. Having a few cloves of raw garlic every morning can also reduce the possibility of a heart attack.

6. Onion (Allium cepa)

Scientists have proved the properties of the onion in allaying heart attacks. It also reduced thrombosis of the heart and reduces the accumulation of blood cholesterol.

(2) Diet for Heart Care

Contrary to popular belief, some sources of fats are actually good for the heart, and they must be included in the diet. The fats that are harmful for the heart are the trans-saturated fats, which are also labeled as hydrogenated vegetable oil, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil or shortening. These fats can remove all the proteins, fibers, minerals and vitamins from the body, leaving behind only toxins.

But fats that are polyunsaturated or monounsaturated are good for the heart. These fats are contained in olive oil, flaxseed oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil and ghee. Such fats should make up for about 15% of the food requirement.

At the same time, remember that fat-free diets are extremely harmful for the body. These diets do not contain any fats, which prohibit the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. This can only bring death faster.

All stimulating foods such as tea, coffee, alcohol and chocolates must be avoided by heart patients.

(3) Ayurvedic Concepts for Heart Care

The preferred drug for people with heart problems is the arjuna. The modes of giving this drug depends on the doshic cause of the ailment.

1. If the person has a vata dosha-related heart disease, then the powdered bark of the arjuna is given mixed with pure ghee.

2. If the person has a pitta dosha-related heart disease, then the powdered bark of the arjuna is given mixed with milk.

3. If the person has a kapha dosha-related heart disease, then the powdered bark of the arjuna is given mixed with pippali powder or with honey.

Medicines prepared using arjuna as the main ingredient, such as Arjunarishta and Arjuna ghritam can also be given in some cases.

In addition, there are other medicines for heart care such as Hridayarnava rasa and Prabhakara vati, which are given in the form of tablets. If the person has suffered an acute heart attack, then Mrigamadasava is found to be effective.

(4) Home Remedies for Heart Care

1. A glass of lemon juice must be drunk daily. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which helps to dissolve the cholesterol. Amalaki can also be used for this purpose.

2. Have a cup of parsley tea daily. Parsley must be also included in the salad along with beet roots. This helps the proper functioning of the heart.

Ayurveda believes that the heart and the mind are interlinked. Problems with one of them can affect the other. Hence it is necessary that a person with a weak heart must keep the mind devoid of tensions and worries. It is very beneficial if the person devotes their time in religious meditation and yoga. This will strengthen the brain and thus the heart.

By: Tom alter

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