Acid reflux/heartburn
A few people have contacted me recently about heart burn and acid reflux and I feel it might be helpful to read this article by Joman Romaro, here, in which he proposes the metaphysical reasoning for this discomfort.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, acid reflux and heart burn indicates excess pitta (fire) in the body. Often there is a sour taste or fumes coming up into the mouth. The throat sometimes produces excess mucus to protect itself and this can be felt in the mouth. There can also be upper abdominal pain near to the chest, also recurrent throat inflammation and excess phlegm in the throat as it attempts to protect itself and stop the burning. There can also be teeth decay.
In terms of treating it from an Ayurvedic perspective here are some suggestions:
Coriander water upon waking - each night soak 3tsps of organic coriander seeds in a glass of filtered room temperature water. In the morning drain the seeds and drink the coriander water. This is an elixir in Ayurveda, it calms the whole system, removes excess pitta/heat (on all levels of being) and flushes the energy channels.
1/2 to 1tsp of Ashwaganda choorna mixed with 30ml of warm water (try to source the powder, not capsules, as it is better to taste the powder). Ashwaganda can be really calming for the mind, helping to reduce stress/anxiety in the mind/body complex, which can feed the fire.
Shatavari choorna can be very helpful for women, as a pitta pacifier. This can be taken with the Ashwaganda in 30ml of warm water. Please don't take however if using hormone therapy.
Rice water can be very helpful - so cook rice and add extra water. When you drain the rice keep the water and drink. Drinking coconut water can also help and bicarbonate of soda added to a glass of room temperature water.
Eating little and often, on a pitta-friendly diet so avoiding chilli, tomatoes, vinegars, citrus fruits (even apples and pears can be triggering), oily nuts, raw foods, ice cream, red meat, hard cheeses, alcohol, coffee, too much garlic/onions/ginger, all salads and all freezer/fridge temperature foods. Instead stick to easily digestible foods such as white rice, vegetable stews and soups, poached fruit, soaked oats etc. Try not to drink before a meal, but during meal. Also try not to eat too late. I can provide a more comprehensive list if needed, just email me at emma@beinspiredby.co.uk, also look back at previous blog posts on Pitta.
A mug of warm milk before bed can help.
In the evening, after eating, take a combination of 1/2tsp of Avipaththikara choorna and 1/2tsp of Bhaskaralavna choorna with quarter cup of boiling water or rice water if possible, set for 5 minutes and drink about 1/2 hour after dinner. Please note that the latter remedy contains land salts, which are rich in minerals and taste quite revolting but do the job - they are very alkaline and help reduce sugar cravings and comfort eating.
When chronic or when gastric erosion is permanent it is difficult to treat.
Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress, walking in nature, practising relaxation techniques and yoga etc.
The condition can cause anaemia and when chronic, can lead to Vitamin B12 deficiency.
There are other medicines, such as Yogarajaguggul which can help with anxiety and nervousness, but you are best to consult with me privately so that the treatment can be scheduled to your specific needs. We have to remember that we are all different, but I have a feeling that some of the above should help, alongside reducing stress in one's life and looking at any underlying mental/emotional aspect of the condition.
Please note that I can provide the medication from a trusted source. Please contact me to arrange payment/collection.
Emma x
