Gastritis is of several types depending upon
the nature of the inflammation, the condition of the mucous
membrane and glands. Hydrochloric acid and some other digestive
enzymes are secreted by the glands of the stomach. Inflammation
of the stomach thus results in the impairment of these
secretions leading to indigestion. In ayurveda, this condition
is known as urdhvaga amlapitta.
Symptoms
-
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting,
headache and dizziness.
-
There is pain and discomfort in the region
of the stomach
-
Coated tongue, foul breath, bad taste in
the mouth, increased flow of saliva, scanty urination, a
general feeling of uneasiness and mental depression.
-
In more chronic cases the patients’
complaints of heartburn and a feeling of fullness in the
abdomen, especially after meals.
Root Causes
-
Dietetic indiscretion
-
Habitual overeating of badly combined or
improperly cooked foods
-
Excessive intake of strong tea, coffee or
alcoholic drinks.
-
Habitual use of large quantities of
condiments and sauces.
-
Other causes include worry, anxiety, grief,
and prolonged tension, use of certain drugs, strong acids and
caustic substances.
Herbs which is
useful :
Coconut :
Coconut water is an excellent remedy for gastritis .It gives the
stomach the necessary rest and provide vitamins and minerals.
The stomach is greatly helped in returning to the normal
condition if nothing but coconut water is given during the first
twenty-four hours.
Rice:
Rice gruel is another excellent remedy for acute cases of
gastritis .One cup of rice gruel twice daily is recommended .In
chronic cases where the flow of gastritis juice is meager, such
foods as require prolonged vigorous mastication are beneficial
as they induce a greater flow of gastric juice.
Potato:
Potato
juice has been found valuable in relieving gastritis. The
recommended dose is half a cup of the juice, two or three times
daily, half an hour before meal.
Marigold:
The
herb marigold is also considered beneficial in the treatment of
gastritis. An infusion of the herb in doses of a tablespoon may
be taken twice daily
Diet :
The patient should undertake a fast for two
or three days or more, depending on the severity of the
condition. He should be given only warm water to drink during
this period. This will give rest to the stomach and allow the
toxic condition causing the inflammation to subside. After the
acute symptoms subside the patients should adopt an all fruit
diet for the next three days and take juicy fruits like apples,
pears, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches and
melons. He may thereafter gradually embark upon a balanced diet
consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruit.
The patient should avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, spices and
condiments, meat, red pepper, sour foods, pickles, strong tea
and coffee. He should also avoid sweets, pastries, rich cakes
and aerated waters. Curds and cottage cheese should be used
freely.
Life Style :
The patient should not
expose himself to hard mental or physical work. He should avoid
anxiety, worry and anger. He should be given complete rest. A
walk in the early morning for about a mile is very useful.
Patient should try to avoid hot drinks and foods. It's better
not to take spicy and oily foods.
Yoga :
Special Note:
The patient should be given dry frictions and a sponge daily
application of heat with a hot compress or hot water bottle,
twice a day, either on an empty stomach or two hours after meals
will also be beneficial.
