Ayurvedic Treatment For Gastritis

Different types

Type A Gastritis (Autoimmune):

Predisposes to gastric cancer and pernicious anemia.

Type B Gastritis (H. pylori-related)

• Predisposes to peptic ulcers, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric cancer.
• Address underlying causes, such as infections or drugs.

Reflux Gastritis

• Occurs following a cholecystectomy or a gastric surgery
• Usually does not give rise to peptic ulcer disease

Erosive Gastritis

•  Occurs due to the overuse of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
• Affects entire stomach
• Occurs due to defective gastric mucosal barrier

Gastritis can also be classified based on the chronicity of the disease into acute and chronic:

Acute Gastritis

Causes:

• Chemicals (strong acids or alkalis)
• Drugs (e.g., salicylates, indomethacin)
• Alcohol, radiation, stress, shock, hypoxia, renal failure

Symptoms:

Upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena.

 Treatment:

Remove the cause, bland diet, antacids, and fluid/electrolyte correction.

Chronic Gastritis

This type of gastritis can be atrophic or non-atrophic. The most common cause of atrophic chronic gastritis is autoimmune gastritis, while a Helicobacter pylori infection often causes non-atrophic chronic gastritis. It can be further classified into:

Chronic Superficial Gastritis

• Cellular infiltration (lymphocytes and plasma cells) in the lamina propria.
• Affects the body and fundus of the stomach.

Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

• Associated with: Pernicious anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, Addison’s disease, and iron deficiency anemia
• Complications: Increased risk of gastric carcinoma.

Granulomatous Gastritis

• Seen in diseases like tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, and syphilis.
• Treating the underlying condition can help manage this condition

Eosinophilic Gastritis

1. 1. 1. Eosinophilic infiltration of the gastric mucosa and peripheral blood.
      2. Associated with parasitic infestations like Anisakis marina.

Hypertrophic Gastritis

• Enlarged gastric folds.

Varieties:

Ménétrier’s Disease:

Gastric juice is low in acid, and high in protein; it leads to hypoproteinemia.

• Hyperacidity Variant: Gastric acid-rich gastric juice can be treated with H2 blockers or PPIs.

What are the Different stages of Gastritis?  

The OLGA (Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment) system evaluates atrophy in the stomach based on the degree of glandular loss and its distribution. Atrophy is scored in a four-tier scale (0-3) and staged by combining atrophic changes in the parts of stomach, viz.. antrum and corpus.

Atrophy Scoring (0-3)

1. Score 0: No atrophy
2. Score 1: Mild atrophy (with or without metaplasia)
3. Score 2: Moderate atrophy
4. Score 3: Severe atrophy

Stages Based on Scores

No Atrophy (Score 0) 

• Stage 0: No atrophy in any region.

Mild Atrophy (Score 1)

Antrum:

Stage I (mild changes in antrum and incisura angularis).

Corpus:

Stage I or Stage II (depending on combined severity).

Moderate Atrophy (Score 2)

Antrum:

Stage II or Stage III (including incisura angularis).

Corpus:

Stage II or Stage III (moderate changes in oxyntic mucosa).

Severe Atrophy (Score 3)

Antrum:

Stage III or Stage IV (severe glandular loss, including incisura angularis).

Corpus:

Stage IV (marked atrophy in oxyntic mucosa).

Atrophy is the loss of appropriate glands in the mucosa, with or without metaplasia. The overall stage results from the combined atrophic scores of these compartments.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Gastritis 

Gastritis has become a widespread problem in the present scenario due to unhealthy food habits and regimens.

The prolonged exposure to incompatible diets and habits may lead to gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis,  duodenitis,  irritable bowel syndrome, malabsorption, anemia, and stenosis.

As in this disease, vitiated Pitta dosha and changes in the function of agni (appetite) are the primary causes.

Hence, the drugs incorporated here help pacify the Pitta dosha and stabilize the Kapha dosha. 

These drugs work on subjective symptoms and physical, mental, and emotional health.

In Ayurveda, the treatment is done in two ways: samshamana and samshodhana.

Samshodhana therapy includes panchakarma procedures such as virechana (Purgation) and vamana (emetic therapy) that help uproot sour belchings and associated symptoms.

Samashama Therapy includes all the internal medicines that should be used prior to consulting the doctor.

Samshamana Therapy

This includes internal medications; a wide range of ayurvedic natural antacids such as shankha dravaka, mukta pishti, guluchyadi kashayam, etc, are available in the market, which can be consumed as per the suggestion of your healthcare provider.

Samshodhana (Panchakarma) Therapies

Virechana (Purgation Therapy):

 Removes excess Pitta and detoxifies the digestive system.

Vamana (Emetic therapy):

Emetic therapy is the primary therapy mentioned in Ayurvedic classics for the management of Gastritis. It restores the natural kapha dosha and pulls out excess pitta dosha from the body.

Asthapana Vasthi (Decoction enema):

 It is indicated in chronic cases of gastritis where associated diseases are prevalent.

Takradhara (Buttermilk Therapy):

○       A cooling therapy where medicated buttermilk is poured over the forehead to reduce Pitta.

Herbs and formulations

Single Herbs

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):

Helps reduce the inflammation of internal lining of stomach

Licorice (Yashtimadhu):

Protects and soothes the stomach lining, with anti-ulcer activity.

Amla (Emblica officinalis):

Acts as a cooling agent and rejuvenator along with its rich vitamin C content.

 Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

Can help control inflammation and support detoxification.

Neem (Azadirachta indica):

Cools the system and controls Pitta aggravation.

Formulations

Avipathi Churna

 Balances Pitta and soothes the stomach lining.

Laghu Sutshekhar Ras

 Aids in digestion and relieves gastritis symptoms.

Kamdudha Ras:

Reduces acidity and inflammation.

Shankha Bhasma

 Neutralizes stomach acid.

Guluchyadi Kashayam:

Anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

Mukta Pishti:

A pearl-based formulation that acts as a natural antacid.

Sutshekhar Ras No.1 (with Gold):

Acts as an alterative, antacid, and carminative and balances Pitta dosha

Amlapittantak Yog

Useful in stomach burn, this formulation acts as an antacid, carminative, and appetite enhancer. It can help ease discomfort from heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion while supporting appetite.

Ayurvedic Treatment for associated diseases of Gastritis?

Other conditions due to pitta imbalance in the whole body system often accompany gastritis.

Here are a few Ayurvedic approaches for associated diseases:

Acid Reflux (GERD)

Herbal Remedies:

 Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):

Reduces acid and soothes the stomach lining.

Licorice (Yashtimadhu):

Protects the mucosal lining.

Diet:

spicy, fried, and fermented foods; include cooling foods like coconut water and buttermilk.

Hyperacidity

Herbal Remedies:

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

Reduces inflammation.

Amla (Emblica officinalis):

A natural antacid that promotes healing.

Diet:

Lukewarm water with honey; avoid caffeine and acidic foods.

Ulcers (Peptic or Duodenal)

Herbal Remedies:

Aloe Vera Juice:

Heals the gastric mucosa.

Pippali (Long Pepper)

 Supports digestion without aggravating Pitta.

Panchakarma Therapies:

Virechana (Purgation therapy) to cleanse excess Pitta.

Indigestion and Bloating

Herbal Remedies:

Hing (Asafoetida):

Reduces bloating and gas.

Cumin and Coriander Tea:

It supports digestion and soothes acidity.

Lifestyle:

Eat meals on time, chew food thoroughly, and avoid overeating.

Heartburn

Herbal Remedies:

Avipattikar Churna:

Avipathi Churna is a classical Ayurvedic formulation to help control acidity.

Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris):

Gokshura Supports healthy digestion.

Diet:

Consume small, frequent meals with cooling properties.

Nausea and Vomiting

Herbal Remedies:

Mint (Pudina):

Mint Provides relief from nausea.

Ginger (Shunthi):

Ginger Calms the stomach.

Therapies:

Shirodhara

(Oil pouring therapy) for calming Pitta-related nausea.

Burning Sensation

Herbal Remedies:

 Chandanadi Churna:

Chandanadi churna has a Cooling effect on the body.

Patola (Trichosanthes dioica):

Detoxifies and balances Pitta.

Therapies:

Takradhara

(medicated buttermilk therapy) for cooling.

Headache and Migraine (Pitta-Related)

Herbal Remedies:

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri):

Reduces stress and cools Pitta.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

Balances stress-induced symptoms.

Therapies: Nasya

(Nasal administration) with cooling oils like Brahmi oil/ Ksheerabla oil.

Diet For Gastritis 

Foods to Include:

• Cooling foods such as coconut water, cucumber, and sweet fruits like pomegranate and banana.
• Include easily digestible grains: Rice, barley, wheat.
• Warm milk with a pinch of licorice or Shatavari powder.
• Vegetables like Ashgourd, Bitter gourd, Bottle gourd, Pumpkin, Cucumber
• Fruits like gooseberry, black grapes, fig, dry grapes
• Adequate fluids like amla juice, pomegranate  juice
• Opt for light meals like porridge, khichdi, and steamed vegetables.
• Consume coconut water, fennel seeds, and honey

Foods to Avoid:

• Avoid tea, coffee, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages.
• Steer clear of spicy, fried, sour, and fermented foods.
• Avoid pickles, fermented foods, and citrus fruits.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Gastritis Patients

• Avoid lying down immediately after meals. One should walk a little after eating food.
• Practice regular physical activity and yoga.
• Eat meals on time to support digestion.
• Avoid skipping meals or overeating.
• Chew food thoroughly and eat mindfully in a calm environment.
• Reduce exposure to heat and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.
• Get enough sleep.
• Reduce stress through Yoga and Pranayama such as Vajrasana, Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Bhastrika Pranayama, Shitali Pranayama and Shitkari Pranayama.

Regimen during Ayurvedic treatment

• Follow the prescribed herbal formulations.
• Adhere to dietary restrictions.
• Engage in light exercises and pranayama like Shitali and Bhastrika.

Home remedies

1. Boil fennel and coriander seeds in water, cool, and drink after meals.
2. Take 10-20 ml daily to soothe the stomach and reduce acid reflux.
3. Triphala: A mix of three seeds, amal, baheda and harad, is a mild laxative that improves digestion and detoxifies the gut.
4. Mix equal parts of fennel, rock candy, and green cardamom; consume with cold milk for relief.
5. Drink 100-500 ml of tender coconut water twice daily.
6. Take roasted cumin and coriander seed powders mixed with sugar for symptom relief.
7. Gulkand with milk is an excellent remedy to pacify your aggravated pitta dosha.
8. Sweet substances like Mishri, Amla, Gulkand, Raisins etc., should be used.
9. Take roasted cumin and coriander seed powders and mix them with 50 grams of sugar. Take half a spoon three times daily to get rid of hyperacidity.
10. Mix equal parts of powdered fennel, liquorice root, basil leaves and coriander seeds. Have ½ teaspoon of this mixture with ½ teaspoon of powdered rock candy (or unrefined sugar) 15 minutes before lunch and dinner.

How to prevent Gastritis?

• Avoid prolonged fasting.
• Limit the intake of spicy, fried, and junk foods.
• Stay hydrated with water and coconut water.
• Practice mindful eating and stress management techniques.
• Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine.
• Avoid tea, coffee, carbonated or alcoholic beverages, and aspirin-type drugs.
• Avoid processed and fermented foods.
• Avoid using garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes, and vinegar in cooking.
• Also, avoid sour, salty, and spicy foods.
• Try to limit non-vegetarian food.
• Curd should be strictly avoided, especially during the nighttime.
• According to Ayurveda, the diet should consist of bitter juices, wheat products, porridge, and honey, and more sugar should be consumed.
• Consuming colored vegetables has many benefits, as it increases the alkalinity in your body.
• Consume raw coconut and its water, cucumber, etc
• Eat light food like porridge and khichdi as meals.
• Cow’s milk, pomegranate juice, grapes, seasonal fennel, dry grapes, amla, figs, old rice, etc., should be consumed in abundance.
• Do not consume things like tea, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, or cold drinks.
• Do not stay on an empty stomach for long.
• Use milk regularly
• Drink one or two glasses of water on an empty stomach in the morning

FAQ

Does drinking alcohol cause gastritis?

Yes, excessive alcohol irritates the stomach lining and can lead to gastritis.

How to cure gastritis permanently in Ayurveda

Curing gastritis permanently through Ayurveda requires careful lifestyle practices by balancing doshas, detoxification, and adhering to dietary and lifestyle modifications.

Which herb is good for gastritis

Licorice root, Shatavari, and Aloe vera are highly beneficial for soothing the stomach lining and controlling gastritis.

Which is the best home remedy for heartburn

A mixture of cold milk and rock candy is effective for consumption during the night time, and in the daytime, consume a cold decoction prepared by overnight soaking of crushed coriander seeds in water. Filter the clear decoction and then drink it with a teaspoon of sugar as an adjuvant. 

Does Ayurvedic medicine precipitate gastritis?

Ayurvedic medicines, which are high in potency, especially arista asanas, are to be avoided in gastritis as they can provoke the symptoms. When taken as prescribed, Ayurvedic medicines are unlikely to cause gastritis.

Is antacid a solution for gastritis? Is there any natural  alternative

Antacids can provide temporary relief, and natural remedies like licorice root and tender coconut water offer sustainable benefits.

How Saatwika Ayurveda Helps you to Treat Gastritis?

Gastritis is a condition that develops primarily due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Changing lifestyle habits and embracing balance in all aspects can reverse this condition. Ayurvedic treatments At Saatwika Ayurveda can help you achieve this even faster, make you focused on your long-term treatment goals, and give sustainable results.

References

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1942143/

https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2621/3678

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357333308_AYURVEDIC_MANAGEMENT_OF_AMLAPITTA_GASTRITIS_-_A_CASE_REPORT