Common Digestive Conditions & Natural Remedies

Acid Reflux & Heartburn

Excessive stomach acid causing burning sensation in chest and throat.

  • Licorice Root - Soothes stomach lining and reduces acid production
  • Aloe Vera Juice - Cooling and healing for irritated esophagus
  • Chamomile Tea - Calms inflammation and promotes digestion
  • Slippery Elm - Forms protective coating on stomach lining
  • Ginger Tea - Stimulates digestion and reduces nausea

Bloating & Gas

Excessive gas production causing abdominal discomfort and distension.

  • Fennel Seeds - Carminative properties reduce gas and bloating
  • Peppermint Oil - Relaxes intestinal muscles and reduces spasms
  • Cumin Seeds - Stimulates digestive enzymes and reduces flatulence
  • Activated Charcoal - Absorbs excess gas in digestive tract
  • Probiotics - Restore healthy gut bacteria balance

Constipation

Infrequent or difficult bowel movements due to slow intestinal transit.

  • Psyllium Husk - Natural fiber supplement for regular bowel movements
  • Triphala - Traditional Ayurvedic formula for gentle cleansing
  • Prunes - Natural laxative rich in fiber and sorbitol
  • Castor Oil - Stimulates intestinal contractions (use sparingly)
  • Aloe Vera - Soothes and lubricates intestinal tract

Diarrhea

Frequent loose or watery stools, often due to infection or irritation.

  • Black Tea - Tannins help bind stools and reduce inflammation
  • Banana - Provides potassium and helps firm stools
  • White Rice - Bland food that's easy to digest
  • Probiotics - Restore beneficial bacteria after infection
  • Chamomile - Anti-inflammatory and calming for irritated intestines

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Chronic digestive disorder with abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits.

  • Peppermint Oil - Reduces abdominal pain and spasms
  • Ginger - Anti-inflammatory and digestive stimulant
  • FODMAP Diet - Eliminates fermentable carbohydrates
  • Probiotics - Specific strains for IBS symptom relief
  • Stress Management - Meditation and relaxation techniques

Dosha-Specific Digestive Support

Vata Digestive Issues VATA

Vata imbalance often causes irregular digestion, gas, bloating, and constipation. Focus on warming, grounding foods and regular meal times.

  • Warming Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper
  • Oils: Sesame oil, ghee for cooking
  • Herbs: Ashwagandha, shatavari for stress reduction
  • Lifestyle: Regular meal times, warm foods, gentle exercise

Pitta Digestive Issues PITTA

Pitta imbalance leads to acid reflux, inflammation, and loose stools. Focus on cooling, soothing foods and avoiding spicy, hot foods.

  • Cooling Herbs: Aloe vera, licorice, coriander, mint
  • Foods: Sweet, bitter, astringent tastes
  • Oils: Coconut oil, olive oil
  • Lifestyle: Avoid hot, spicy foods, stay hydrated, cool environment

Kapha Digestive Issues KAPHA

Kapha imbalance causes slow digestion, heaviness, and mucus accumulation. Focus on stimulating, light foods and regular exercise.

  • Stimulating Spices: Black pepper, cayenne, mustard, horseradish
  • Herbs: Trikatu, guggulu for metabolism
  • Foods: Light, dry, warm foods
  • Lifestyle: Regular exercise, avoid heavy foods, fasting

Essential Herbs for Digestive Health

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Benefits: Stimulates digestive enzymes, reduces nausea, anti-inflammatory, carminative

Usage: Fresh ginger tea, ginger capsules, ginger chews

Dosage: 1-2 grams fresh ginger daily, or 500-1000mg capsules

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Benefits: Relaxes intestinal muscles, reduces spasms, relieves gas and bloating

Usage: Peppermint tea, enteric-coated capsules, essential oil

Dosage: 1-2 cups tea daily, or 0.2-0.4ml essential oil in capsules

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

Benefits: Carminative, reduces gas, stimulates digestion, anti-spasmodic

Usage: Fennel tea, fennel seeds, fennel essential oil

Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons seeds daily, or 1-2 cups tea

Triphala

Benefits: Gentle laxative, detoxifying, improves digestion, balances all doshas

Usage: Powder mixed with warm water, capsules

Dosage: 1-2 grams powder daily, taken at night

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations

Daily Digestive Wellness Practices

  • Morning Routine: Drink warm water with lemon upon waking
  • Meal Timing: Eat at regular intervals, avoid late-night meals
  • Chewing: Chew food thoroughly (20-30 times per bite)
  • Hydration: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
  • Exercise: Gentle walking after meals improves digestion
  • Stress Management: Practice deep breathing and meditation
  • Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep
⚠️ Important Considerations

While these natural remedies are generally safe, consult with a healthcare provider if you have:

  • Severe or persistent digestive symptoms
  • Blood in stool or black stools
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Existing medical conditions or medications