Ayurveda for diarrhea is referred to as “atisara”. It is considered a condition in which the digestive fire (agni) becomes weakened, leading to the accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. This accumulation can cause inflammation in the digestive system and result in diarrhea. According to Ayurveda, there are three types of diarrhea, each caused by an imbalance in a different dosha:
Types of Ayurveda for Diarrhea:
- Vata-type diarrhea: This type of diarrhea is characterized by dryness, lightness, and mobility. It is caused by an excess of vata dosha and may be accompanied by gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
- Pitta-type diarrhea: This type of diarrhea is characterized by heat, inflammation, and acidity. It is caused by an excess of pitta dosha and may be accompanied by fever, burning sensations, and yellowish or greenish stools.
- Kapha-type diarrhea: Ayurveda for Diarrhea with Kapha dosha is characterized by heaviness, sluggishness, and mucus. It is caused by an excess of kapha dosha and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Causes Of Diarrhea
In Ayurveda, atisara (diarrhea) is considered a condition caused by an imbalance in the digestive fire (agni) and an accumulation of toxins (ama) in the body. There are several factors that can lead to this imbalance and cause diarrhea, including:
- Eating foods that are difficult to digest: Consuming foods that are heavy, oily, or difficult to digest can weaken the digestive fire and cause toxins to accumulate in the body.
- Consuming contaminated food or water: As per Ayurveda for Diarrhea eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites can cause inflammation in the digestive system and lead to diarrhea.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can weaken the digestive fire and cause an imbalance in the doshas, leading to diarrhea.
- Medications: Certain medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect, particularly antibiotics and laxatives.
- Imbalance of doshas: Diarrhea can also be caused by an imbalance in one or more of the doshas, particularly vata and pitta doshas.
- Seasonal changes: Changes in weather and season can affect digestion and lead to diarrhea.
- Infections: Infections such as viral gastroenteritis, bacterial infections, or parasitic infections can cause diarrhea.
Ayurveda For Diarrhea treatment typically focuses on balancing the doshas and improving the strength of the digestive fire. Some common remedies for diarrhea in Ayurveda include:
Common Remedies For Diarrhea
- Ginger tea: Drinking ginger tea can help to improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the digestive system. Simply grate a small piece of fresh ginger root, add it to boiling water, and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain and drink the tea.
- Pomegranate juice: Drinking pomegranate juice can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive system and improve digestion.
- Kutajarishta: This is an Ayurveda for Diarrhea herbal tonic that can be helpful for treating diarrhea and other digestive disorders. It contains the bark of the kutaja tree and other herbs.
- Cumin water: Drinking cumin water can help to improve digestion and reduce bloating. Simply boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water for a few minutes, strain, and drink the water.
- Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurveda for Diarrhea herbal formula that can be helpful for improving digestion and reducing inflammation in the digestive system. It is available in powder or capsule form and can be taken with water before bed.
Ayurveda Medicines For Diarrhea
There are several Ayurvedic medicines that can be helpful for treating atisara (diarrhea), depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some commonly used Ayurvedic medicines for atisara:
- Kutajarishta: An Ayurveda for Diarrhea tonic made from the bark of the kutaja tree and other herbs. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea caused by infections and other digestive disorders.
- Bilwadi churna: This is a herbal powder made from bilwa (bael) fruit and other herbs. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea caused by excess pitta dosha.
- Kutajghan vati: Tablet made of bark of the kutaja tree and other herbs. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea caused by infections and other digestive disorders.
- Mustakarishta: Ayurveda for Diarrhea herbal tonic made from the musta herb and other herbs. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea caused by an imbalance in the doshas.
- Shankha vati: This is a tablet made from conch shell ash and other herbs. It is commonly used to treat diarrhea caused by an imbalance in the doshas.
- Dhatri loha: It is an Ayurvedic mineral-based supplement that can be helpful for treating diarrhea caused by anemia or other nutritional deficiencies
Atisara Remedies As Per Dosha
In Ayurveda, the treatment of atisara (diarrhea) focuses on balancing the doshas, particularly vata and pitta doshas, which are commonly involved in the condition. Here are some examples of dosha shaman (balancing) treatments for atisara based on the doshic imbalance:
- Vata-pacifying treatments: Ayurveda for Diarrhea when caused by vata dosha recommended treatment that may include consuming warm, nourishing foods, such as rice gruel or kichari, and avoiding cold, raw or dry foods. Warm oil massage, gentle yoga, and meditation may also be recommended to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Pitta-pacifying treatments: If atisara is caused by an imbalance in pitta dosha, treatments that balance this dosha may be recommended. This may include consuming cooling, calming foods, such as sweet fruits, steamed vegetables, and cooling spices like coriander and fennel. Avoiding spicy, acidic or fried foods, as well as exposure to heat and sunlight, may also be recommended.
- Kapha-pacifying treatments: Ayurveda For Diarrhea or atisara when caused by an imbalance in kapha dosha requires treatments that balance this dosha may be recommended. This may include consuming light, warm, and spicy foods, such as ginger tea, light soups, and warming spices like cinnamon and black pepper. Daily exercise, warm oil massage, and exposure to sunlight may also be recommended to stimulate the digestive fire.
Ayurveda may also recommend specific herbs and supplements, such as kutaja, bilwa, and musta, to help treat atisara and promote digestive health.