The Ayurvedic view of hyper acidity
Acidity is generally caused due to high secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The Ayurveda calls this condition as Amla-Pitta. The disease occurs due to aggravation of pitta dosha.
The Ayurveda cites many reasons for hyperacidity which includes consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, bad eating habits, Insomnia, Peptic Ulcers, High stress, anxiety, anger and various emotional factors.
The hot climatic conditions also contribute in the pitta dosha aggravation and thus hyper acidity.
The Ayurveda recommends various foods to be avoided during hyperacidity. These include Vinegar, sour citrus fruits, tomatoes, oranges, yogurt, onions, garlic, chillis, fried foods and alcohol.
In short the reason for and root cause for hyperacidity is improper life style and dietary habits.
The basic method of treating hyper acidity is virechan karma (the removal of bile by purgative drugs). Life style modifications including avoiding food stuff that causes the hyperacidity.
The ayurvedic drugs used as single drugs as antacid are Amaltas, Amalaki (ambilica offecinalis), Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), Turmeric, aloe vera, pippali, shatavari, madhuyashti The herbs patol, chandana, murva,gaduchi, patha, are also used as antacid.
The herb shatavari has always given good result in the treatment of amlapitta. In ayurveda mineral preparations used include Pravaal pishti that are rich in calcium and are much effective in treating the hyper-acidic conditions.
The multi drug combinations include avapittikar choorna, Madhuyastyadi Choorna, dhatri rasayana Kamdudha Rasa, Sutsakher rasa etc are used in the treatment of hyperacidity.-WTN
