Indigestion or ‘ajeerna’ in Ayurveda is a common digestive problem usually associated with symptoms such as bloating, belching, and a feeling of fullness or burning. In severe cases, one may experience a feeling of nausea or vomiting. Occasional indigestion might sometimes happen due to overeating, eating too quickly without proper chewing, eating heavy foods late at night stress, etc. Indigestion can also be chronic and can result from various factors, including lifestyle, eating habits, or underlying health conditions.
In Ayurveda, indigestion is viewed as an imbalance in the Agni (digestive fire). When Agni is weak or irregular, food is not properly digested, leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body. The causes of indigestion are often linked to an imbalance in the doshas, particularly Kapha (heavy, slow digestion) and Vata (erratic digestion).
Ayurveda emphasizes maintaining a healthy digestive fire through appropriate food choices, eating habits, and herbal remedies. Treatments aim to strengthen digestion, eliminate toxins, and balance the doshas.
Ayurvedic Recommendations to Prevent and Treat Indigestion
In most of the cases, indigestion is preventable. If you eat simple, warm, home-cooked food in moderation and avoid late-night dinners, most indigestion cases can be prevented. Avoid overeating, eat slowly, and chew properly. Avoid incompatible food combinations that are difficult to digest together, such as milk and fish. Stay Hydrated and drink warm water throughout the day but avoid drinking large amounts during meals. Apart from these manage your stress as stress can negatively impact digestion.
In Ayurveda, spices play a crucial role in managing and preventing indigestion by balancing the digestive fire (Agni) and supporting the body’s natural digestive processes. Spices like ginger, cumin, fennel, ajwain, turmeric, and hing are commonly used to stimulate digestion, reduce gas, and relieve bloating. These spices help in breaking down heavy or difficult-to-digest foods and prevent the buildup of toxins (Ama) in the digestive tract.
By enhancing the function of digestive enzymes, they promote smoother digestion, relieve discomfort, and balance the doshas, especially Vata and Kapha, which are often associated with digestive disorders. In this way, spices act as natural remedies to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent common issues like indigestion, gas, and acid reflux.
Let us see what common Ayurvedic remedies we can consider for indigestion :
1.Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Fresh ginger or ginger tea is often recommended before meals to stimulate digestion. You can also chew a small piece of ginger with a pinch of rock salt. Incorporating ginger in regular meals helps to keep minor issues in check. You may also pickle ginger pieces in lemon juice and salt and have this with meals. Candied ginger is also easily available.
2. Triphala: A three fruits (Amla, Haritaki, Bibhitaki combination), Triphala helps cleanse the digestive tract, regulates bowel movements, and promotes healthy digestion. You may take 1 teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water before bed or early in the morning.
3. Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare): Chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals or steep them in hot water to make fennel tea. It helps relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Saunf ka ark is usually given.
4. Cumin Seeds (Cuminum cyminum): Add roasted cumin seeds to your food or drink cumin tea after meals. Roasted jeera in buttermilk is particularly helpful in digestion. Cumin seeds stimulate digestive enzymes, aid in digestion, and reduce acid reflux.
5. Ajwain (Carom Seeds): Chew a pinch of ajwain seeds with a pinch of rock salt after meals. Ajwain mixed with aloe vera is particularly effective. Ajwain relieves indigestion, gas, and bloating by improving Agni (digestive fire).
6. Buttermilk with Rock Salt and Cumin: Mix 1 cup of buttermilk with a pinch of rock salt and roasted cumin powder. Drink this after meals. It aids digestion and soothes the stomach.
7. Lemon and Honey Water: Drink a glass of warm water mixed with fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in the morning. Improves digestion, detoxifies the system, and prevents acid buildup.
8. Aloe Vera Juice: Drink 1-2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice before meals. Soothes the digestive tract, reduces inflammation, and improves bowel movements.
9. Mint leaves: Steep fresh mint leaves in hot water to make tea, or chew on mint leaves. Mint chutney prepared with ginger, cumin, and salt is great for digestion. Mix a drop of mint oil in warm water and drink. It provides immediate relief from indigestion, reduces bloating, and cools the stomach.
10. Pippali (Long Pepper): Take Pippali powder mixed with honey before meals to stimulate digestion. Pippali increases digestive fire, reduces bloating, and improves metabolism.
11. Asafoetida: known as Hing, it is known to be very effective for indigestion. It is part of many curry recipes in India. A pinch of Hing in buttermilk is effective for indigestion. Hing paste massage is done on the baby’s tummy to relieve bloating and stomach pain issues. Hing roll-on is also easily available to use instantly.
12. Curry Leaves: Curry leaves juice with lemon juice and honey is an effective remedy for indigestion. Curry leaves may also be added to vegetable and dal preparations to improve digestion.
13. Paan (Betel leaves): Paan is often used as a remedy for Ajeerna (indigestion) in Ayurveda. The stimulating properties of the betel leaf help in preventing symptoms like bloating, gas, and acidity after heavy meals. Preparation of the plan typically includes betel nut, gulkand (rose petal jam), cloves, fennel, and cardamom.
Apart from these home remedies, there are specific ayurvedic formulations like Bhaskar lavana choorna, anardana goli, hing goli, etc commonly used by people for indigestion.
Ayurvedic practitioners may prescribe panchakarma therapy and Langhana (fasting) as a remedy for indigestion depending on the root cause.
Conclusion
Ajeerna, or indigestion, is a sign of imbalance in the digestive fire, and Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to restoring balance. By adjusting diet, using natural herbs and spices, and making lifestyle changes, it is possible to strengthen Agni and prevent the recurrence of indigestion.