Diarrhea and dysentery are gastrointestinal disorders characterized by abnormal bowel movements, causing discomfort and disruption to daily life. Diarrhea involves frequent, loose, and watery stools, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration. It can result from viral or bacterial infections, food intolerances, or medications. Dysentery, on the other hand, manifests as severe diarrhea with blood or mucus in the stool, along with abdominal pain and fever. It is commonly caused by bacterial infections such as Shigella or amoebic dysentery.
Ayurvedic herbs offer a holistic approach to managing dysentery by addressing its symptoms and underlying causes while promoting overall digestive health.These herbs are renowned for their potent anti-diarrheal and antimicrobial properties, effectively combating bacterial and amoebic infections. These herbs also help reduce intestinal inflammation and stool frequency, soothe the gastrointestinal tract and restore normal bowel function.
Following are the 13 Ayurvedic herbs recommended for diarrhoea & dysentery
Bael (Aegle marmelos) Fruit – It is highly valued for its digestive benefits, particularly in treating diarrhea and dysentery due to its astringent properties. It helps soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reducing inflammation and promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, Bael fruit supports overall digestive health and boosts the immune system.
Kutza (Holarrhena antidysenterica) Bark – It is highly effective in treating dysentery and chronic diarrhea due to its strong anti-diarrheal properties. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which help combat intestinal infections and reduce gastrointestinal inflammation. Additionally, Kutza bark supports overall digestive health and promotes normal bowel function.
Sonth (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome – It is known for its digestive benefits, helping to alleviate nausea, indigestion, and bloating. It possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can relieve joint and muscle pain.
Pippali (Piper lingum) fruit – It is known for its digestive benefits, enhancing appetite and alleviating indigestion, gas, and bloating. It has anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. Additionally, Pippali supports metabolism and can aid in weight management and fat reduction.
Laksha (Cateria Lacca) Gum – It is used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce intestinal inflammation and soothe the digestive tract. It aids in controlling excessive bowel movements and alleviating symptoms of dysentery.
Black pepper (Pinper nigrum) Fruit – Its antimicrobial properties help combat intestinal infections. It enhances digestion and stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, promoting better gastrointestinal health.
Lodhra (Symplocos Racemosa) Bark – It is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, Lodhra bark aids in diarrhea and dysentery management due to its soothing effects on the digestive system.
Pomengrante (Punica Granatum) Fruit – It aids in digestion and may help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, pomegranate fruit supports overall immune function and contribute to skin health and hydration.
Tabashir (Bambusa Arundinacea) – It is derived from Bambusa arundinacea, is prized in traditional medicine for its cooling and diuretic properties, aiding in urinary tract health. It is utilized to alleviate conditions like dysentery and diarrhea due to its astringent and antimicrobial qualities. Additionally, Tabashir may support bone health, promoting bone density and strength.
Mochrus (Bombax Malabaricum) Gum – It is known for its demulcent properties, soothing irritated mucous membranes and relieving coughs and sore throats. It is utilized in traditional medicine to alleviate digestive issues due to its mild astringent effects. Additionally, Mochrus gum may be applied topically to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.
Nagkesar(Messua Ferra) Flower – Its flowers have antimicrobial effects, supporting overall wellness.
Ajowan (Trachyspermum Ammi) Seeds – Its seeds are prized for their digestive benefits, relieving indigestion, bloating, and gas. Ajowan seeds may help alleviate respiratory issues such as coughs and bronchitis due to their expectorant qualities.
Dhataki (Woodfordia Fruticosa) flower – Its flowers are revered in Ayurveda for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for digestive health. They aid in managing conditions like diarrhea and dysentery due to their soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, Dhataki flowers may be utilized in herbal formulations to support female reproductive health and regulate menstrual cycles.
These herbs act as an appetizer, digestive and anti-spasmodic, alleviates Vata (air) & Kapha (water) & acts as binding tonic. Supporting healthy digestive fire, healthy solidification of the digested food and maintaining the morning regularity.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle
It may be beneficial to have regular use of Sat Isabgol (plantago psyllium whole) mixed with sugar and yogurt (curd) in daily diet (few times a day) as per requirement before meals.
Foods to Favor
- It is advisable to eat vegetarian light, soft and limited diet.
- Green Vegetables (Bitter Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Snake Gourd)
- Green Gram Soup
- Pomegranate
- Yogurt (Curd)
- Buttermilk
- Khichdi (Krishra) of Green Gram (Khichdi is a very healthy food for the above mentioned problems.)
Foods to Avoid
- Sea foods like shrimp, fish
- Heavy foods (milk, cheese, flower bread, cake, pastries, black gram)
- All types of meats, Fish, Egg, Egg-Curry, Fish-Curry and Fried food.
- Excessive intake of Pungent things (Ginger, Onion, Garlic), Sour things (Corn, Canned food, Rice) and Alkaline foods (Lemon, Orange, Peas, Cabbage, Pumpkin).
- Curry Hot foods (which are too warm to touch and also hot in potency).
- Ground Nuts
- Cashew Nuts (Kaju)
- Carrot
- Tomato
- Chilly
- Fenugreek Seed Powder
- Canned Food
- Pickles
- Tea and Coffee
- Wine
- Acidic Foods or Fruits
Do’s
- Drink lukewarm water.
- Eat a lot of salads and a fibrous diet.
- Eat Amla daily at morning time to maintain morning regularity.
- Try to eat on regular and fixed timing.
Don’ts
- Avoid irregular food habits like overeating at one sitting.
- Avoid food rich in fat or oil.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Avoid tobacco chewing.
- Avoid unnecessary stress and tensions.
- Avoid rice at night time.
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