Ayurvedic treatment for reflux disease

Ayurveda describes acid reflux and heartburn mainly under amlapitta, a condition linked to aggravated Pitta, sour and burning qualities in the digestive tract and weak digestive fire (agni). This section explains the traditional approach as an interpretive framework. Scientific evidence for most Ayurvedic treatments in reflux disease is limited, so it should be used as a supportive addition and never as a replacement for medical care.

Traditional principles

• Reduce Pitta-aggravating habits: very spicy, sour, salty, fried and fermented food, alcohol and tobacco.
• Eat at regular times, in a calm setting, and avoid skipping meals, which is said to disturb agni.
• Prefer cooling, easily digested foods such as rice, moong dal, cooked vegetables and ghee in small amounts.
• Keep a gap of two to three hours between dinner and sleep.

Commonly mentioned Ayurvedic supports Practitioners sometimes use herbs and preparations such as amla, licorice (yashtimadhu), shatavari, guduchi, coriander and fennel water, and mineral or herbal formulations. Quality, dose and purity differ widely, and a few products have been found to contain heavy metals. Some herbs, such as licorice, can raise blood pressure and lower potassium.