Peptic ulcer from the point of view of Ayurveda
A peptic ulcer is a hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is also called “gastric ulcer”. It is placed in the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), and esophageal ulcer. Ulcers occur when the lining of these organs is eroded by the acidic digestive acids which are secreted by stomach cells.
The most basic symptom of an ulcer is pain, often described as a burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach area. The location of the pain varies depending on the type of ulcer.
- Gastric ulcers will be felt a little more to the left of the upper abdomen and may be confused with heartburn
- You will feel a duodenal ulcer near the navel area, around the midline of the body, and it can be misinterpreted as starvation or indigestion
- Duodenal ulcers are more likely to be painful at night than stomach ulcers
- In gastric ulcer, the pain increases when eating, but in duodenal ulcer, the pain is temporarily relieved by food
The Ayurvedic term for peptic ulcer is Parinam shool – a disorder caused by the Agni bhootha.
According to Ayurveda, ulcers are classified into Vata and Pitta types.
Vata ulcers are caused by drying and thinning of the protective mucous membranes in the upper gastrointestinal tract – when the mucous membrane is thin, it is unable to protect the lining from digestive acids.
Pitta ulcers are caused by intense emotions such as anger, shame, rage, which stimulate Pitta dosha – highly active digestive juices from the stomach, liver, and pancreas make the stomach and intestines hyperacid. Stress causes bile reflux, hyperacidity, and reduced digestive energy (Agni).
How Ayurvedic doctors treat peptic ulcer
Ayurvedic treatment of peptic ulcers focuses on two important things:
- Decrease in the amount of digestive fluid produced in the stomach.
- Neutralization of digestive acids.
In both types of ulcers, it’s important to follow the best Ayurvedic tips for healthy digestion. Diet tips should be considered as a guide to help improve your condition. Ayurvedic Doctors instruct patients on how to use home preparation spices like: turmeric, aloe vera, cumin, as well as unique Ayurvedic formulations – for better results with ulcer problems.
- Ayurvedic herbs such as raspberry leaves, amalaki, and manjistha can help reduce ulcer problems
- Amlant is an Ayurvedic medicine for stomach ulcers that reduces excess acidity in the stomach. It is especially useful in cases of Pitta ulcers, but also benefits Vata dosha
- Shatavari increases mucus secretion of the stomach and maintains stable levels of pepsin and acid
- Licorice increases the gastric mucosal barrier
- Bhringaraja helps reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach
Please do not take the medicine without a doctor's advice. This could exacerbate the problem.
More tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of peptic ulcer:
- You should eat small and light meals
- Consume more milk and vegetables
- Avoid very hot or too spicy and sour foods
- Avoid alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Avoid fasting for longer periods
- Do yoga asanas regularly
- Add the following herbs and spices in your food: ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin,
- cinnamon, fennel, celery seeds, and oregano
- Avoid aromatic herbs and spices, such as cardamom and mint
- Avoid combinations of foods with different digestion rates
Check the Ayurvedic treatment of other digestive diseases:
Acid reflux (GERD), Anorexia nervosa, Gastritis, Crohn’s disease, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Hyperacidity, Constipation, Coeliac, Appendicitis, Food poisoning, Colon polyps, Intestinal worms, Hemorrhoids, Diarrhea, Pancreatitis, Anal fistula, Lactose intolerance, Mouth ulcers, herpes.
