Natural Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction

In this shloka functions of Pitta Dosha are explained.

In normal state Pitta maintains the digestion process and ;metabolism, maintenance of body temperature, vision, increases hunger, thirst, appetite, maintains skin complexion, increases intelligence, courage and provides softness (suppleness) to the body.

Ancient Verse

Gastroesophageal reflux disease-shlok

(Reference: Asthang hridyam (Sutra Sthana)chapter-11 and shloka-6)

As per Ayurveda aspect

In Ayurveda, GERD is correlated with Amlapitta.

Amla pitta comprises of two components i.e., Amla and pitta and in this condition, there is an excessive vitiation of pitta dosha in the body in which the patient will experience some symptoms such as heartburn, bitter taste in mouth, nausea, and indigestion. It is caused by dustahara (unhygienic foods), Virudh ahara (unhealthy dietary habits) and also seasonal factors (rituvisesha) especially Sharad Ritu. Due to an excessive intake of Amla (sour), vidahi (foods that cause burning) foods there is an aggravation of pitta dosha in the body.

As per Modern aspect

Gastroesophageal reflux is an involuntary movement of gastric contents to the esophagus. It affects half of the population but it is not life-threatening. It is considered as a disease when it causes severe symptoms or when it produces injury. However, many people experience acid reflux from time to time, at least twice a week or if it is severe then occur at least more than once a week or frequently.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux is an involuntary movement of gastric contents to the esophagus and is a normal physiological process that occurs several times a day without symptoms or there is damage to the esophageal mucosa in some patients. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is referred to as the condition in which the reflux of the gastric content in to the esophagus produces symptoms that can affect the individual’s equality of life.

What are the Causes of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a quite common condition which occurs as a result of overeating, lying down after eating. It occurs in people of any age group and sometimes the cause is unknown. This condition also occurs in people who are:

  • Obese or over weight-due to the increased abdominal pressure
  • Pregnant-due to the same increased abdominal pressure
  • Overuse of certain medications such as sedatives, corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, antihistamines, etc.
  • Smoking and alcohol consumption

What are the Symptoms of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease?

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. It is a slight discomfort felt in the chest like a burning sensation. Not all of the patients experience heartburn but there are some other symptoms that may present and they are:

  • Bad breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain or difficulty when swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Regurgitation of bitter or sour liquid
  • Sore throat
  • Increased salivation
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Natural Treatment for GERD

Planet Ayurveda offers natural herbal formulations such as Amalaki Rasayan, Digestion Support, Heartburn Capsules, Chitrakadi Vati and Mahashankh Vati pack for the treatment of GERD. These formulations are prepared from the natural herbs that are 100% pure,and are free from preservatives, fillers, chemicals, additives and no coloration added. These formulations are prepared by following the principles of Ayurveda and are safe to use with no side effects.

This pack contains:

1. Amalaki Rasayan

Amalaki rasayan is prepared from the pure and standardized extract of amalaki. Amla has been used in Ayurveda since many ages for the treatment of various disorders as it has many medicinal properties. It is rich in vitamin C which is called ascorbic acid that supports the digestion process. Being an antioxidant, it helps to eliminate the toxins from the body and protects the body from infections by boosting up the immune system. It also keeps the digestive system healthy and treats GERD.

  • Serving Size – 1 Vegi Cap
  • Servings Per Container – 60
  • Each 500 mg Capsule Contains – Best Quality Standardized Herbal Extract of Amla berries 10:1

Dosage: 1 capsule 2 times a day with plain water after meals.

2. Digestion Support

The herbs present in digestion support maintain the proper digestion of food and natural pH of the stomach by neutralizing the acidic content. It is consists of sounf, bibhitaki, amalaki, haritaki, pippali, jeera, and dhaniya. According to Ayurveda, these capsules pacifies all the three doshas in the body and also very effective in the case of loss of appetite and acidity. This herbal formulation eliminates the excessive Kapha dosha from the body and maintains the body’s metabolism.

  • Size (Per Unit): 60 Capsules
  • Product Weight (gms): 60 gm

Dosage: 1 capsule two times a day with water after meals.

3. Heartburn Capsules

This is a wonderful herbal formulation for the heartburn which is caused by GERD. These capsules consist of various ingredients such as Mukta pishti, akik pishti, jahar mohra pishti, kamdudha ras, and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). This herbal formulation balances the vitiated pitta dosha and has a cooling effect on the body. These capsules also provide strength to the body by fighting against foreign bodies thus, prevent infections.

  • Pack Size – Each bottle contains 60 capsules in it.

Dosage: 1 capsule two times a day with plain water after meals.

4. Chitrakadi Vati

Chitrakadi Vati is a classical herbal formulation which is used in the treatment of indigestion and anorexia. According to Ayurveda, this disease is caused due to the accumulation of ama in the abdomen which causes an increase in the pitta dosha and ultimately leads to GERD. Herbs used in the formation of chitrakadi vati are shunti, chitraka, ajamoda, chavya, pippali, pippalimoola, hingu, etc and all these herbs are useful in improving the appetite.

  • Each Tablet is 500 mg.
  • Pack Size –1 bottle – 120 tablets

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day before meals with plain water.

5. Mahashankh Vati

Mahashankh vati has the property to reduce the symptoms related to GERD such as acidity, loss of appetite, nausea, etc. The herbs present in it enhance the absorption of nutrients and promotes the body’s strength. The herbs used in the preparation of mahashankh vati are sarajkshar, amla, chitrak, nimbu, shunthi, pippali, chincha, maricha, etc. All these herbs improve the liver functions and enhance the appetite and treat GERD and its associated symptoms cause abdominal bloating, indigestion, dysphasia, dyspepsia, acidity, etc.

  • Pack Size –1 Bottle, 120 tablets

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with plain water after meals.

Some Useful Tips

  1. Stress and anxiety may worsen the condition so try to do aromatherapy, massage, and relaxation.
  2. Maintain the body weight.
  3. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
  4. Avoid the intake of junk foods or spicy foods and avoid lying down after meals.
  5. Do exercise regularly such as riding a bicycle or walking.
  6. Drink a cup of water with added lemon juice in it.
  7. Drink aloe vera juice daily.