Ayurvedic Medicine for Acidity

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The experience of having hyperacidity is not an easy one. The burning sensation in the chest, sour belching, indigestion, and rising acid sensation in the throat are not very enjoyable even with simple food items. In some cases, it happens infrequently after consumption of spicy or heavy food. However, in other cases, it becomes a consistent issue affecting sleep, appetite, and quality of life. Temporary relief for people experiencing this condition is through the use of antacids; however, frequent recurrence of symptoms might necessitate investigation of the underlying issues causing it. Treatment of hyperacidity in Ayurveda takes into consideration digestion, dietary and lifestyle issues, as well as the state of the Pitta dosha in the body, whereas medical analysis can lead to diagnosing certain disorders like acid reflux, gastritis, or peptic ulcer disease.

Ayurvedic Medicines and Herbs Commonly Used for Hyperacidity

According to Ayurvedic beliefs, hyperacidity may be considered a symptom of Amla Pitta, which refers to a disease with excess Pitta, as well as a disorder of digestion. Some herbs can help deal with digestive problems and treat symptoms associated with them. But there are differences between the effects of those herbs, and there is not enough scientific data proving their efficiency in the treatment of hyperacidity.

1. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla is an ingredient commonly used in Ayurveda, which is beneficial due to its antioxidant content. This food item has been known traditionally to help promote digestion and balance Pitta dosha. Amla may be prescribed as part of Ayurvedic preparations to those with acidity issues.

It should be noted that products made of amla will affect different individuals differently. If a sour preparation causes some adverse effects on the patient’s condition, he or she must consult with a professional.

2. Yashtimadhu (Licorice)

Licorice has traditionally been used in Ayurveda in certain preparations to treat digestive ailments. Some preparations of licorice have undergone study regarding its effect on the stomach mucosa; however, there is not enough information for licorice to be recommended as a proven solution for hyperacidity or acid reflux.

Important warning: Licorice increases blood pressure, reduces the potassium level, and may interfere with medications. Individuals who suffer from high blood pressure, heart, or kidney disease and are regularly taking medications should avoid licorice without consulting a doctor first. DGL is another preparation of licorice.

3. Shatavari

Shatavari is traditionally used in Ayurveda to support general well-being and is sometimes included in formulations for digestive discomfort. Its traditional cooling properties are associated with Pitta management.

However, there is limited reliable clinical evidence that Shatavari directly reduces stomach acid or treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It should be considered only as a possible component of an individually assessed treatment plan, not a substitute for appropriate medical care.

4. Guduchi (Giloy)

Guduchi, also called Giloy, is one of the herbs used in Ayurveda that can be helpful in several health issues. Guduchi may be considered by some practitioners of Ayurveda when devising strategies for digestive support.

The available research evidence does not seem to support the use of Guduchi for hyperacidity. Guduchi has also been reported to cause liver injury in several cases, which makes its use without consultation with a medical professional inadvisable.

5. Yashtimadhu-Based Ayurvedic Formulations

Certain classical Ayurvedic formulations containing Yashtimadhu and other ingredients are traditionally used for digestive complaints. Their suitability depends on the formulation, ingredients, dosage, and the person's health history.

Not every formulation marketed for acidity has been adequately studied. Some products may contain multiple herbs or mineral ingredients, making it especially important to verify their composition and safety before use.

6. Shatavari-Based Preparations

Shatavari-based preparations may be considered by an Ayurvedic practitioner as part of a broader approach to digestive comfort. The choice depends on the symptoms, dietary pattern, medical history, and other treatments being used.

These preparations have not been established as proven acid-reducing medicines. Persistent burning, regurgitation, or upper abdominal pain should not be managed with herbal products alone.

7. Amla-Based Preparations

Some digestive medicine preparations contain amla. Yet, there are many differences between the products in terms of ingredients, concentrations, and preparation methods.

Those who suffer from frequent acidity problems must realize that not all amla preparations guarantee relief. The ingredients of the product and its appropriateness for the individual need to be analyzed.

8. Avipattikar Churna

Avipattikar Churna is an Ayurvedic medicine used for treating digestive ailments, one of which includes Amla Pitta.

The composition and efficacy of this medicine depend on the manufacturer, and there is not enough scientific proof regarding its efficacy in the treatment of GERD. Some of the formulations have constituents that could result in side effects or drug interactions.

Possible Side Effects of Self-Medicating for Hyperacidity

Usage of Ayurvedic medicines without professional advice can lead to exacerbation of digestive symptoms or cause new health issues.

Exacerbating acidity: Certain types of herbs, sour foods, or inappropriate preparation can worsen the burn sensation, reflux, or abdominal discomfort.

Changing blood pressure: Licorice-containing herbal medicines can raise blood pressure levels and decrease the potassium content, especially during long-term intake.

Liver damage: Certain herbs, like Guduchi, can cause liver damage.

Drug interaction: Herbs can be harmful when combined with medications for blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments.

Delayed diagnostics: Usage of home remedies can delay the diagnosis of GERD, gastritis, ulcers, or other diseases requiring treatment.

Consult an Ayurvedic doctor and possibly a medical doctor before taking herbal medications. Do not interrupt prescribed acid reduction drugs without consulting your treating physician.

Precautions Before Taking Ayurvedic Medicines for Hyperacidity

Before trying any Ayurvedic remedy, keep the following precautions in mind.

1. Find out what is causing your symptoms

An occasional burning sensation after a heavy meal is not the same as regular reflux or ongoing upper abdominal pain. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend tests or treatment, if necessary.

2. Do not take multiple herbal products

The combination of multiple herbal preparations without information about their ingredients and possible interactions can lead to side effects.

3. Look into your current medications

Some drugs, especially pain medications, can irritate the stomach lining. Don't discontinue your prescription medications on your own. Talk to your doctor to see if your current medications might cause your symptoms.

4. Identify the foods that trigger your symptoms

Spicy foods, fatty meals, coffee, chocolate, and acid-containing foods may cause symptoms in some people, but everyone has different triggers. It's important to identify which foods cause symptoms rather than unnecessarily avoiding entire groups of food.

5. Adjust your meal timing and eating habits

Eat smaller portions, do not lie down for at least three hours after eating, raise the head part of the bed if you have nocturnal reflux, and quit smoking if you do.

6. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist

Frequent symptoms, difficulty swallowing, or repeated reliance on antacids deserve medical assessment. Seek urgent care for chest pain accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Vomiting blood, black stools, or severe persistent abdominal pain also require prompt medical attention.

The Jiva Ayurveda Approach: Addressing the Root Cause

Hyperacidity can have different triggers, which is why the same approach may not suit everyone. Some people experience symptoms after irregular meals, while others notice a connection with particular foods, stress, certain medicines, or lying down soon after eating.

At Jiva Ayurveda, an Ayurvedic assessment may consider a person's dietary habits, digestion, lifestyle, symptoms, and traditional concepts such as Pitta dosha and Agni. Based on this assessment, a practitioner may recommend individualised dietary and lifestyle changes and, where appropriate, an Ayurvedic formulation.

The aim is to support digestive well-being while considering the factors that may be contributing to recurring discomfort. However, the cause of persistent acidity should not be assumed to be a dosha imbalance alone. Conditions such as GERD, gastritis, and peptic ulcers may require conventional medical diagnosis and treatment.

A balanced approach combines appropriate medical evaluation with safe dietary and lifestyle measures. Ayurvedic medicines should not be presented as guaranteed to eliminate stomach acid, heal every form of digestive damage, or prevent acidity from returning.

When to See a Doctor for Hyperacidity

Occasional acidity may improve with simple lifestyle changes, but certain symptoms should not be ignored.

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Frequent heartburn or acid reflux.
• Persistent sour burps or regurgitation.
• Repeated upper abdominal discomfort or nausea.
• Symptoms that regularly disturb your sleep.
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing.
• Unexplained weight loss or persistent loss of appetite.
• Symptoms that continue despite lifestyle changes or regularly require antacids.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience chest pain with breathlessness or sweating, vomit blood, notice black stools, or develop severe abdominal pain.

Conclusion 

Ayurvedic herbs and formulations are traditionally used to support digestive health, but their effectiveness and safety vary. Identifying the cause of hyperacidity, making suitable lifestyle changes, and choosing treatment with professional guidance are safer than trying to force a quick fix with self-medication.

References 

Acid Reflux (GER & GERD) in Adults - NIDDK

Gastroesophageal reflux disease: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Indian consensus on gastroesophageal reflux disease in adults: A position statement of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology - PubMed