By Dr. Satish Sawale, Ayurveda
Gastritis is a very common health issue and is faced by all all age groups. There are many factors that lead to gastritis or compound the already existing situation. Basically, gastritis is swelling of stomach lining. Spicy food, medicines, tobacco, alcohol etc. can cause or increase the gastric acid production and disturb, weaken or damage the normal stomach lining.
Gastritis is of two types:
- Acute gastritis, which occurs suddenly
- Chronic gastritis, which develops over a period of time
In India, gastritis is a very common disorder which occurs at any age but is more widespread in the adolescent age group (12-17 years).
Gastritis occurs when there is an imbalance between the acid production and damage to the stomach lining, resulting in swelling of the stomach lining. However, sometimes gastritis can cause pain in the upper part of the abdomen and may lead to stomach ulcers.
Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are even no symptoms. It also depends on the duration of disease, whether it is acute (happening suddenly) or chronic (causing symptoms over a long period of time).
The most common symptoms of acute gastritis include:
- Water brashes (sour fluid or tasteless saliva into the mouth)
- Belching (expelling air from the stomach through the mouth)
- Abdominal bloating or stomach fullness
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea/feeling of vomiting
- Irregular bowel movement
- Recurrent indigestion
Medicines And Prescriptions
- Sukumara Ghrita – The ghee preparations are recommended for the treatment of gastritis. Sukumara ghrita is very beneficial and is to be taken in the morning mixed with a cup of milk. It helps in improving the digestive powers within a few days.
- Dharti Luaha – It should be mixed with amla juice and given two times in a day.
- Avipattikara Churna – This is yet another medicine for the problem of gastritis. One tea spoon full should be taken at night before going to bed.
- Amla Churna – This is a powder of dried amla and is considered to be very beneficial for this disease. One tea spoon full of this may be taken three or four times a day.
Other Natural Remedies
- Amla, Ginger and Licorice are three things which are highly beneficial for gastritis. These can be taken in any form to get relief from gastritis.
- Lemon juice is also considered to be a good and effective home remedy for gastritis.
- Taking ajwain with a little rock salt is also a very effective remedy for this ailment.