Introduction
Table of Contents
Maintaining good gut health is imperative for one who wants to live a disease-free life, for most diseases are caused by poor digestion and insufficient assimilation of nutrients in the body. When the food is not digested properly, the undigested food becomes Ama (toxins), which clogs the channels (srotas) of the body and disrupts the balance between the three doshas (Vata, Kapha, Pitta). This toxic buildup leads to the development of numerous diseases.
The food we consume is digested by Agni (digestive fire), or the various digestive enzymes within our gut. Insufficient agni leads to inadequate digestion, which finally causes disorders like acidity, constipation, obesity, diabetes, etc. Inadequate digestion may also cause various skin disorders like acne and psoriasis. The ama (toxins) buildup may also result in high cholesterol and hypertension. Weak agni also affects Ojas (immunity), making the body prone to illness due to low immunity.
The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda aims at a holistic way of living that is free from any diseases and dedicated to self-realization. This article discusses some commonly used Ayurvedic supplements for enhancing the digestive system.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It must not be treated as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medications or regimes discussed herein.
Ayurvedic Supplements to Enhance Digestive Health
1. Triphala
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"Baidyanath Asli Ayurved Nagpur Triphala Churna"
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- Triphala is one of the most popular Ayurvedic medicines for treating many diseases, primarily for enhancing gut health. It is a blend of three amazing herbs: Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bhibhitaki.
- Triphala balances all three doshas. Amalaki pacifies Pitta, while Bibhitaki eliminates excess Kapha, and Haritaki helps balance Vata. This holistic balancing ensures proper digestion, assimilation, and elimination of waste products, as bodily disorders develop when the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are imbalanced.
- Unlike many digestive tonics, Triphala enhances the digestive potency without aggravating Pitta. This provides an edge to Triphala over any other digestive supplement, as increased Pitta can cause many digestive disorders like hyperacidity, gastritis, and diarrhea.
- Additionally, it removes the toxin buildup (ama) and cleanses the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining a healthy gut environment and regular bowel movement.
- Half a teaspoon of Triphala with honey or warm water before bed is ideal for most people. Alternatively, one or two tablets of Triphala can be taken on a daily basis.
- Although Triphala does not cause any side effects in most individuals, it is always best to consult an Ayurvedic physician before taking Triphala for clear guidance.
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2. Trikatu
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"KILLI Thirikadugam | Trikatu Churna"
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- Trikatu is the mixture of three pungent (called katu in Sanskrit) herbs: black pepper (Piper nigrum), dried ginger (Zingiber officinale), and long pepper (Piper longum).
- This Ayurvedic medicine is known for its pungent taste, which stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, resulting in efficient food breakdown. It reduces indigestion, heaviness in the stomach, and bloating.
- It improves the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals in the gut, promoting the bioavailability of nutrients.
- As a natural carminative, it is helpful in expelling excess gas from the body and reduces abdominal discomfort.
- Its heating effect aids in the elimination of toxins (ama) from the digestive system.
- Consuming half a teaspoon of Trikatu with warm water or honey before meals is sufficient. One may also add the same amount of Trikatu to their meals while cooking.
- However, one should refrain from excessive consumption, as its heating nature can overheat the body and further irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
- Additionally, persons who have a naturally warm body and pregnant and lactating women should only take this medicine if prescribed by an Ayurvedic expert.
3. Hing (Asafoetida)
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- Some consider hing, or asafoetida, as the most effective medicine for pacifying Vata, which is often responsible for issues like bloating, abdominal distention, abdominal discomfort, and gas.
- Asafoetida stimulates Jatharagni (digestive fire), promoting proper digestion and assimilation of food.
- It is a natural antispasmodic, relieving Shula (colic or abdominal pain) caused by vitiated Vata.
- Its carminative properties help alleviate Adhmana (bloating) and Anaha (flatulence).
- Additionally, hing is also helpful for removing intestinal worms, especially when taken with medicated formulations.
- A tiny amount of hing can be added to tamper daily meals.
- Hing should always be taken in moderation, especially for individuals with Pitta Prakrti, or persons suffering from hyperacidity, as its heating potency can further heat the body.
- Pregnant and lactating women should only take it under medical supervision.
4. Buttermilk
- Buttermilk, known as takra in Ayurveda, is highly beneficial for the stomach as it enhances digestion by kindling the digestive fire, Agni.
- It slightly enhances Pitta, which is beneficial for digestive health, making it effective in issues like bloating, indigestion, and loss of appetite.
- Buttermilk is light and cleanses the digestive tract without overburdening the system.
- It helps in removing the undigested toxins (Ama) from the gut, which is the root cause of most digestive disorders.
- You can easily make buttermilk at home. Simply whisk a bowl of curd with double the water added in it until the butter gets separated. Remove the butter from the liquid part (this is buttermilk). Add some spices like asafoetida, cumin powder, and black pepper powder to the buttermilk for taste and enhanced benefits.
- A glass of buttermilk daily is sufficient for most individuals. Buttermilk is extremely helpful while eating rice, as it helps to properly digest rice.
- A2 cow milk is best for making any milk products, including buttermilk. You may try the following ghee made from A2 cow milk in your daily meals:
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5. Mulethi
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"CARMEL ORGANICS Liquorice(Mulethi) Root Whole"
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- Mulethi, known as Yashtimadhu in Ayurveda, is one of the best Ayurvedic supplements for aiding digestion.
- It balances Vata and Pitta, while slightly aggravating Kapha only when excessively used.
- It is extremely helpful in dealing with Pitta-related digestive issues like acidity.
- Its anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for soothing inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract caused by excess heat. It protects from gastric ulcers and heat burns.
- As a powerful rejuvenator (Rasayana), it provides strength and vitality to the stomach and intestines.
- Its cooling effect heals the esophagus and prevents peptic ulcers.
- Its mild laxative properties help soften the stool without irritating the intestine, preventing constipation.
- However, it should not be taken by persons with Kapha disorders, like hypertension, as it fills water around the arteries, further increasing blood pressure. Pregnant women should also avoid its consumption.
Conclusion
In this article, we learned about some of the most commonly used ayurvedic supplements used for enhancing gut health. We learned the importance of gut health and the role it plays in our overall well-being. Optimum digestive health ensures the prevention of most diseases. Ayurveda believes in a holistic way of living aimed at self-realization. Therefore, these herbs can be taken by most individuals (with a few exceptions) to maintain digestion. All the products mentioned in the article are not sponsored, but our personal recommendations.
