Parinamashula mentioned in Ayurvedic literatures can be correlated to duodenal ulcer/peptic ulcer due to similarity in the symptoms i.e. the pain corresponding with the digestion of food.
Peptic ulcers are a distinct breach in the mucosa of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called duodenum or both. Peptic ulcer is a gastro intestinal disorder due to an imbalance between the aggressive factors like acid, pepsin, Helicobacter pylori and defensive factors like bicarbonate secretion, prostaglandins, gastric mucus, innate resistance of the mucosal cell factors. Normally peptic ulcer develops when aggressive factors overcome the defensive factors.
The major factors that disrupt the equilibrium between aggressive factors and defensive factors are Helicobacter pylori, acid–pepsin hyper secretion, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sometimes idiopathic due to usuage of tobacco, psychological stress, rapid gastric emptying and Zollinger- Ellisson syndrome where there is a high and uncontrollable production of acid also leads to ulcer formation. Abdominal pain and tenderness in the epigastric area are the main presentations. Ayurveda offers a wide range of drugs for this condition.
Ulcers are an open sore of the skin or mucus membrane characterized by sloughing of inflamed dead tissue. Ulcers are lesions on the surface of the skin or a mucous membrane characterized by a superficial loss of tissue. Ulcers are most common on the skin of the lower extremities and in the gastrointestinal tract, although they may be encountered at almost any site. There are many types of ulcer such as mouth ulcer, esophagus ulcer, peptic ulcer, and genital ulcer. Of these peptic ulcer is seen among many people. The peptic ulcers are erosion of lining of stomach or the duodenum. The two most common types of peptic ulcer are called “gastric ulcer” and “duodenal ulcer.” The name refers to the site of ulceration. A person may have both gastric and duodenal ulcers at the same time. Gastric ulcers are located in the stomach, characterized by pain; ulcers are common in older age group. Eating may increase pain rather than relieve pain.
More and more people have felt pain in their stomach every now and then. But they fail to understand the distinction between Common Acidity or indigestion-related pain from that of stomach ulcers.
People can experience single or multiple symptoms accordingly. For a detailed diagnosis, it is always suggested to go to a certified physician and get yourself thoroughly checked.
Gastric ulcers will be prominent towards the left part of the upper abdomen and can be easily confused with heartburn. There can be instances where pain can also increase upon eating.
A duodenal ulcer can be experienced around the belly button region and can be confused as hunger or indigestion. It can be painful at night and you can feel relief from pain upon eating. Some other symptoms that you can feel are bloating, belching, nausea, and vomiting.
Please Note: It can be difficult to identify that you have ulcers by yourself as some of the symptoms are common with indigestion and acidity. It is always recommended to consult with your prescribed physician for a detailed analysis.
As you know, stomach ulcers are formed when the internal lining is damaged. But most recent studies on this topic states that the causative factor is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. According to the studies done by experts in this field, it is now known that 90% of people with duodenal ulcers and 80% with gastric ulcers are caused by H. pylori.
Another reason that contributes to stomach ulcers is a lack of coordination between the pyloric valve and the intestines.
One of the indirect factors that contribute to the formation of ulcers is smoking. These play a major role in the aggravation and growth of ulcers. Smoking accelerates the process of gastric emptying and reduces the secretion of bicarbonate acid buffers in the duodenum. In addition to this, smoking forces the stomach to dump acidic food into the duodenum too quickly.
Another indirect factor is Drinking alcohol. It can increase ulcer formations when H. pylori are present in the system by damaging the gastric mucosa. Alcohol can also worsen the symptoms and prevent their healing.
Stress and Anxiety is one of the main causes initiating the formation of ulcers. Both physical and psychological stress can play their part in causing and augmenting the symptoms.
It is seen that the use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin, is also a cause of ulcers.
Usage of specific herbs and ayurvedic medicines proves highly beneficial for ulcer.
An ayurvedic medicine for stomach ulcers that combines variety of herbs (Ficus arnottiana , Gymnosporia motana, Alstonia Scholari, Azadirachta indica, Asparagus racemosus, Berberis asiatica, Bauhinia variegate, Aloe vera, Butea frondosa, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Carica papaya, Astragalus membranaceus, Annona squamoza, Rheum emodi, Benincasa hispida, Curcuma longa, Eruca sativa, Uncaria tomentosa, Angelica sinensis, Ulmus rubra, Emblica officinalis, Althaea officinalis, Tinospora cordifolia, Brassica oleracea, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Centella asiatica Crataeva nurvala, Moringa oleifera, Musa paradisca, Garcinia cambogia, Panax ginseng,etc)
It has Mishri and Vaividang that reduce burning sensation, inflammation, and cramps. Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Lawang, Pippli, and Indian dill (Sarjika Kshor) helps indigestion. Other ingredients like Sheetal Parpati, Amlaki, and Mulethi work as cooling and relaxant that soothes the stomach lining. Korai kilangu (Nagar Mustaka) acts as a diuretic. This ayurvedic combination works by balancing the pH level (acidity) of the stomach relieving the discomfort and pain caused by ulcers.
Shatavari – enhances the mucous secretion, controls the hormonal rage, and reduce the production of the acid, which neutralizes the stomach acid levels.
Indravaruni – antioxidant properties heals the damaged linings in the intestines, and reduces the free radicals; also comes with purgative properties which pacify the pitta.
Amalaki – a powerful regulator of the acidity, soothing effect on heartburn.
Kushmanda – controls the gastric secretion and strengthen the digestion
Herbs such as licorice and slippery elm provide symptomatic relief and long term healing. Combinations of bitter and sweet herbs are most beneficial. The combination of dandelion and licorice roots is a personal favorite of mine.
Liquorice – known to have hydrating properties, helps heal the digestive tract as well as prevent ulcers from having a relapse.
Rose flowers – soothing effect on stomach ulcers and resultant irritations.
Seenthil – known for its property to increase the production of mucin which lines the organs so as to protect them from the excessive digestive juice which is acidic in nature.
Katukarogini – known for its antioxidant benefits, because of which act as an effective stomach protective agent.
Myrobalan – effective for many stomach ailments like gastritis (inflammation and swelling of the stomach) and stomach ulcers. It might help form a protective barrier for the stomach lining and prevent ulcer formation.
Gastric ulcer treatment in Ayurveda is about finding the type of dosha imbalance to identify the type of ulcer an individual is dealing with. Upon finding that, appropriate healing, management, and remedial measures are undertaken under the strict guidance of our experienced hands at Welnesbiolabs Ayurveda.
It is recommended to avoid certain food items such as coffee and other caffeinated beverages, carbonated drinks, spicy, salty, and deep-fried food.
You can also include certain foods and spices such as ginger, garlic, turmeric, aloe vera, honey, banana, etc in your diet. Take care to eat at regular intervals to prevent the formation of ulcers in the stomach. Eating probiotic foods such as curd also helps relieves the symptoms.
Enhances the mucous secretion,
Controls the hormonal rage,
As a powerful regulator of the acidity,
Soothing effect on heartburn.
Controls the gastric secretion,
Strengthen the digestion,
Protective barrier for the stomach lining.