Managing Diarrhea, IBS, and Debility with Ayurveda
Caraka Cikitsa Sthāna 19 refers to Diarrhea and Irritable Bowel Syndrome as Atisara. This condition resembles clinical diarrhea which is defined as the frequent passing of liquid stools within a short period of time. Diarrhea, among adults, is categorized in two ways, either as acute sudden onset or chronic relapsing for longer than two weeks.
Acute sudden onset diarrhea is the most common and generally, the cause is contaminated food/water, infectious disease, or incompatible food. Chronic relapsing diarrhea is caused by impaired agni, inflammation, and/or ama. The most common disorders are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, or malabsorption syndrome. Over time these conditions cause debility and the person suffers from poor health.
Caraka states Atisara is caused by consuming foods that are too heavy and hot to digest. This impairs the agni and the body reacts by expelling out the incompatible or undigested material from the digestive system.
Five Root Causes of Atisara:
An Ayurvedic assessment by an Ayurvedic Doctor will determine the underlying cause and help recommend the most effective herbal products. Two herbs Musta (cyperus rotundus) and Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) are very effective for managing Atisara.
Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
Musta (cyperus rotundus)
Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal has a large number of products that are useful in managing IBS and Diarrhea. Some of them are:
Kutaja Arishtam is useful in diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, and intestinal motility disorders.
Musta Arishtam – is useful in IBS, indigestion, intestinal colic, malformed stools, regulates bowel movement, and strengthens health.
Vilwadi Leham useful in gastrointestinal disorders, acid peptic disease, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, loss of appetite, and metallic taste.
Balaswagandhadi Oil is useful for generalized debility, convalescence, infections, neurasthenia, muscle weakness, paralysis, and chronic headaches. Balances vata, improves muscle strength, immunity, and quality of the blood.
Lakshadi Oil is indicated for both children and debility in adults, useful for convalescence from chronic fever, psychosis, seizure disorders, and promotes growth in infants and children.