Ayurveda believes that a strong digestive fire (Jatharagni) is the primary building block of good health. There are 13 types of Agnis (or fire) in the body, Jatharagni, 5 Bhutagni (agni of the five elements) and 7 Dhatvagni (agni of seven dhatus).
Jatharagni is the most important of all as it is responsible for digestion of food and converting it into nutrients. Although there are many single herbs like cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, black pepper, that can be used for improving digestive strength, there are a few medicines that you can easily find in any Ayurvedic medical store and they can be consumed if you are dealing with day to day digestive issues.
Here are a few options you can choose from.
1. Trikatu Churna
Trikatu Churna is a classical Ayurvedic preparation which is a combination of three powerful herbs sunthi (dry ginger), March (black pepper) and pippali (long pepper) in equal proportions. It is hot and pungent in nature and works excellently in igniting the diminished digestive fire. Apart from its use for improving digestive problems, it is also great for weight loss, diabetes, immunity, hyperthyroidism and respiratory disorders.
It increases appetite and treats mandagni, due to its deepana and pachana properties.In Ayurvedic tradition, Trikatu is knownas a heating formulation (ushna) which produces thermogenic action which helps in burning away the toxins and revitalises metabolism. It removes congestion in digestive tract, improves gastric function and food absorption capability.
People suffering from pitta problems like heartburn, acidity, burning sensation, skin eruptions should avoid this medicine. Also pregnant and lactating women should also avoid without prescription.
Dosage and How to take?
125mg to 500 mg. Max intake of 1000mg a day.
Can be taken 1 hour before meals.
2. Jeerakarishta
Jeerakarishta is a powerful Ayurvedic medicine which is used for the treatment of all digestive health related issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, diaorrhea and IBS.
It strengthens the appetite and stomach, liver and intestines.
A good digestive fire is related to a good pitta. Although it is great for strengthening the digestive fire, it is known to increase pitta and balance vata and kapha dosha. It is impairitive to take this medicine in correct dosage or it can lead to vitiated pitta and cause acid reflux, constipation, low blood sugar, burning sensation, palpitation, vomiting and high blood pressure.
Dosage and How to take?
5-10 ml for children and 10-20 ml for adults. This medicine can be taken 2x a day for a period of 2-3 months. The maximum possible dosage is 60 ml in divided doses.
3. Saunf Ark
Saunf or Fennel seeds is considered great when it comes to increasing the digestive strength of the body. This is carminative and digestive in nature which is the reason why it is a tradition to have saunf and mishri combination after having a meal.
Saunf ark is the water prepared made from distillation of fennel seeds with 1:4 ratio of fennel seeds and water. Main properties of Saunf ark are appetizer, antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, digestive stimulant, antacid, anti flatulance, antiemetic and secretolytic. It can be used in case of gas, indigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn and acidity.
It is light on stomach and tridosha balancing.
Dosage and how to use?
It is completely safe to use for both children and adults. Children can take unto 10-20ml twice a day. Adults can take upto 20-60ml twice a day.
4. Ajwain Ark
Ajwain ark is the distillation prepared from carom seeds and water in 1:8 proportion. Is is hot in potency but has amazing digestive capabilities. Due to its hot and pungent nature, it stimulates digestion and appetite. It balances vata and kapha doshas and increases pitta dosha.
Due to its pitta increasing nature, it is not so good for heartburn, hyperacidity or acid reflux, but can be used for indigestion caused due to low stomach acid. If you are a pitta type person or suffering pitta disorders like hot flashes, burning sensation in hands and feet, ulcers, do not use this medicine.
This medicine can be used in abdominal pain and discomfort, indigestion, heaviness in the stomach, loss of appetite, gas and bloating, anorexia.
Dosage and how to take?
Children below 1 year of age can have upto 5 drops.
Children above 1 year of age can have 1/2 ml per kg body weight.
Adults dosage is 12 to 60 ml and max 120 ml a day.
Can be consumed twice a day after meals.
5. Bilwadi Churna
Bilwadi Churna is an Ayurvedic formulation which is mainly used for the treatment of IBS, dysentery, colitis and diarrheao. It is a combination of bilwa, sunthi, hingu, dhania, saunf, and Mochras. the main ingredient being Bilwa (Aegle Marmelos) which is a boon for digestive health.
This combination increases appetite and digestive power. It prevents loose stools as it absorbs any excess water in the intestines. It prevents abdominal spasmodic pains and cramps. It pacifies kapha and vata doshas. It is a digestive stimulant, anti spasmodic, antidiarrheal, anti microbial, carminative, antiflatulent, antihemorrhagic. It is great for gas, bloating, abdominal cramps and discomfort, loose or sticky stool.
Dosage and how to take?
Adults : 1 to 3 grams a day.
Children above age 10 : 750 to 1500 mg
Children from age 5-10 : 500 to 750 mg
Children below age 5 : 25 mg / kg weight
Consume half hour after food.
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