Gastric problem or gastritis is the disorder that we all frequently encounter with. Oldies and most commonly young people around the age of 12-19 year often complain about such problems. It is one of the digestive disorders. Do you know what gastritis is? How could you decide whether you have symptoms of gastritis? Let’s say, you have a gastric problem, but how will you treat it? Obviously, there is no lack of medicine for gastric problems in all the medical disciplines. What makes you choose unani medicine for gastric problem? Stay tuned to see how gastric problems occur and how we can treat them via unani medicine for gastric problem.
Do you have Any Idea What Gastric Problem is?
In general, gastric problem or gas is an ailment of the stomach. It often arises due to an empty stomach or excessive eating (indigestion). Gastritis makes an erosion in the stomach lining. Moreover, it stimulates the secretion of stomach acid that starts inflammation of the stomach lining.
Unani Insight on Gastric Problem
According to the unani system, gastritis involves accumulation of humours (akhlat) in the stomach cavity. Tib e unani links the disorder with retention of Dam (Sanguine), Safra (Yellow bile), Balgham (Phlegm) or Sauda (Black bile) in the stomach. Their presence in the stomach for a long time ruptures the mucus membrane in the stomach causing gastritis.
Unani Terminologies for Gastric Problem/Gastritis
In unani system, we have several terminologies used for gastric problem such as:
- Sozish-e- Me’da
- Iltehab-e- Me’da
- Waram-e- Me’da
- Hurqat-e- Me’da
Is Gastritis Different from Ulcer?
We must not confuse gastric problems or gastritis with ulcers. It seems like an ulcer but it is distinct from ulcer. In ulcer, a patient feels stomach problem and related symptoms due to a deep open sore. The excessive acid in the stomach starts digestion of the stomach wall in the area where mucus membrane is damaged. In contrast, we mark gastritis as a shallow sore that only swells the lining. An ulcer often appears as a symptom in gastritis.
What are the General Symptoms of Disease?
Normally, a gastric problem may be acute to chronic with the passage of time, showing various observable symptoms:
- Bad breath
- Bloating
- Stomach ache (upper abdomen)
- Chest burning
- Vomiting and retching
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Stomach ulcer
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Dark colored- tarry stool
- Burping (air coming from stomach releases via mouth with a sound)
Also Read: 30 Super Healthy Foods for Your Diet
Which Factors Make Ground for a Gastric Problem?
- Empty stomach
- Spicy food
- Engulfing big bites without chewing it properly
- Emotional crisis
- Stomach bacteria (H. Pylori)
Helicobacter bacteria resides in the mucous lining of the stomach. However, this bacteria may harm your digestive system causing gastritis, if it remains there for a long duration.
- Bile refluence
It is marked by the backflow or passive movement of bile from to the stomach. In addition to various digestive enzymes, bile contains other toxic elements. During digestion, our liver pours bile secretions to enhance the enzymatic digestive activity along with the removal of waste. When the bile reflux stays in the stomach, it consequently puts the person at the risk of gastric problems.
How can you Confirm Whether you have a Gastric Problem?
Typically, a healthcare representative performs tests to diagnose gastric problems and its nature. The test may be a blood sample test in first preference and a breath test in second step.
Avicenna on Gastric Problem
In Avicenna’s famous publication “Canon of Medicine (Al-Qanun Fit-Tibb)”, he has mentioned gastritis disease. Also, he quoted its apparent symptoms. This data from history is proof that human civilization is familiar with gastritis or gastric problems from the very beginning.
Moreover, Avicenna added information about various disorders associated with internal body organs. Also, he explained problems like gastritis are a result of imbalances between external environment and body conditions. However, the unani system has explained it as changes in temperament (cold or hot) of the stomach.
Unani Medicine for Stomach Problems
What to eat? (Recommendations)
- Eat a healthy diet that is easily digestible without putting a stress on your stomach. For instance, a BRAT diet, etc.
- Drink more water.
What not to Eat? (Restrictions/ Taqleel-e- ghiza)
- Avoid spicy food.
- Do not take saturated fats.
Mufrad Advia (Single herbs)
| Scientific name | Common names | Health benefits |
| Alpinia galanga (Linn.)Willd. | Khulanjan | A rhizome used in unani medicine for gastric problem Relieves persistent stomach aches, mucous inflammations, and various viral infections |
| Althaea officinalis Linn. | Khatmi/ Marshmallow | Beneficial for treatment of inflammation in mucous membranes |
| Curcuma longa | Haldi/ Turmeric | A golden spice that facilitates the digestion Show remarkable anti-inflammatory properties Turmeric water inhibits bloating |
| Zingiber officinale Roscoe | Adrak/ Ginger | Have antibacterial properties Kills H.pylori bacteria that may be cause of gastric problem |
| Nigella sativa Linn. | Kalonji | Have multiple health benefits Treats gastric problems, peptic ulcer, and much more. Exhibits antibacterial activity |
Adwiyat E Murakabiya (Compound Medicines)
Compound unani medicine for gastric problem includes:
- Jawarish Mastagi
- Majoon Zanjabeel
- Jawarish Anarain
- Majoon Dabeedulward
- Qurs Satawari
- Jawarish Tabasheer
- Qurs Tabasheer
- Sharbat-e- Unnab
- Khameera Sandal
- Sharbat Neelofar
- Itrifal Aftimoon
- Sharbat-e- Anar
Ilaj Bil Tadbeer (Regimental Approach)
- Chew your food properly.
- Take regular and optimum meals.
- Do light exercises.
- Walk a few steps after a meal rather than laying down.
- If you feel any emesis, then it’s good to vomit for emptying the stomach.
Why Prefer Unani Medicines for Gastric Problems?
From the diversity of literature on stomach and stomach disorders in history, we can estimate the necessity of the subject. Stomach pain is not novel for the unani system. That’s why we have plenty of unani medicine for gastric problem. The effectiveness of unani medicine for gastric problem has been proved with various experimental trials in vivo and vitro. Actually, they are simple drugs with almost no side effects. You can buy them from any herbal store.
Conclusion
Gastric problem is a severe disorder caused by inflammation of mucous lining in the stomach. Unani medicine for gastric problem has proved its excellence with the passage of time. They show antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Along with unani medicine for gastric problem, a patient may cut off spicy food and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
