Impairment of the function of digestion, with gastric discomfort after meals means dyspepsia. In Ayurveda it is called “Agnimandya.”
All causes responsible for impairment of digestive power can cause dyspepsia. According to Ayurveda, it has been classified into 5 types due to vitiation of single doshas and duel combination of dosha. Continuous overeating without taking into consideration of one’s own digestive capacity, eating uncooked and unripe foods, drinking too much water and psychological disturbance can cause this disease. Various other types, such as acid dyspepsia, is due to hyperacidity or due to cholelithic abnormality in gall bladder and liver, while catarrhal is due to inflammation of gastrointestinal tract and fermentative is due to foods which cause fermentation. Other types like functional, atonic, and nervous have also been described.
Vata type- the digestion of food is very erratic, and is associated with gas in abdomen, colic type of pain.
Kapha type- the digestion is very slow and there may be nausea and sensation of heaviness in the abdomen.
Pitta type- is associated with burning sensation, vomiting with yellowish liquid.
The general line of treatment should be first to detoxify the toxins in gastrointestinal tract by giving detoxifying herbs (ama pachana) likeajwan, ginger, or cinnamon. Then deepana herbs to increase digestive power can be given like trikatu . In acute cases only, vitiated doshas have to be removed by purificatory procedures like medicated emesis.
In Vata type, heating ype of carminatives like asafetida, cloves should be given. Apply sesame oil to the abdomen and afterwards carry out fomentation. Panchkshara powder (SYS) or narayan powder (BR) 1 teaspoon 3 times a day with hot water has beneficial results.
In Kapha type, fist fasting should be done to reduce ama. Then give herbs like calamus, nutmeg, oregano, thyme, or juniper berries. Mixture of equal parts can be given in dose of ½ teaspoon 3 times a day for 15 days. Tab. Shankha – vati should be given with warm water. For both these types, jeerakadyarishta herbal wine of cumin dry ginger, clove, dhataki and jaggery should be given 15 ml. twice day after food for 3 weeks.
In Pitta type, if the dyspepsia is due to hyperacidity, give the treatment to reduce th acidity. Give tab. Shatavari 250 mgm, 3 times day, for 2 weeks.
Use herbs like emblica or plant alkalies.
Diet should be anti-ama type. Patient must not eat If he is not hungry. When the appetite returns, start with light and warm diet like vegetable soup or rice with mung, and cooked vegetables.
