Gastroenteritis Natural Remedies And Ayurvedic Treatment

Gastroenteritis is infection of the gut that involves inflammation of the lining of stomach, small intestine and the large intestine. It is also referred as the stomach bug, stomach flu, stomach virus or gastric flu.

The infection can last for a day or two to severe diarrhoea and vomiting for several days. Viruses like the rotavirus and bacteria like E Coli, Campylobacter and Shigella are largely responsible for instances of stomach flu in children. In adults Norovirus and Campylobacter are responsible for this disease.

Stomach virus is highly contagious and is easily communicable from one person to another. It’s because virus can be transmitted by the infected person through his hands after going to the washroom. The virus can also be transmitted if the food is prepared by an infected person.

Surfaces or objects touched by infected people are also ideal places for transmission of the disease. Therefore, it is imperative for an infected person to wash hands thoroughly with warm water for 20 seconds after going to the washroom or before preparing meals.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are watery diarrhoea and vomiting accompanied by abdominal cramps or pain. Some people may also have fever, chills, headache, muscle pain or fatigue. Dehydration is also very common in stomach flu. The symptoms may include excessive thirst, infrequent urination with very dark coloured urine, dry skin, lethargy and tiredness.

Does Ayurveda Have a Cure For Gastroenteritis?

Yes, Ayurveda has stood the test of time, and is capable of treating this disease naturally with herbal formulations. The herbs used for treatment not only eradicate the disease from the body but also enhance the immunity thus leaving the individual re-energised and re-vitalised. On the other hand, the modern medicine uses wide spectrum anti-biotics that play havoc with the body’s natural bacteria and rather weaken the body’s defences.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Gastroenteritis

Medicinal herbs are a gift of nature. Even the ancient scriptures also mention about the medicinal and healing qualities of herbs. The different herbs that are used in the natural treatment of gastroenteritis are:

• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) - Giloy is known for its healing properties and its use in the treatment of many ailments. It is rich in anti-oxidants that fight free radicals and enhance the immunity. It is also very helpful in curing diseases involving pita imbalance. It calms down the digestive system, removes toxins from the blood and fights disease causing bacteria.

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• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) – It’s a wonder herb for digestive disorders. Chewing haritaki fruit increases the digestion power and if it is made into a paste then it helps in cleaning the bowels. Haritaki if taken after having food eliminates all the toxic effects caused by food poisoning. However, haritaki if taken with salt balances kapha, if taken with sugar it balances pita and if taken with ghee it balances vata disorders.

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• Vidanga (Embelia ribes) – Vidanga clears all types of bacterial infections from the intestines. Vidanga, if consumed with warm water or butter milk helps in treating indigestion, vomiting and flatulence.

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• Bilva (Aegle marmelos) – It is one of the dashamoola herbs. It is useful for the treatment of vomiting, stomach cramps and intestine related problems. It is also effective in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.

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• Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) - It promotes intestinal health and digestion and aids in comfortable elimination. It is very helpful in case of loss of digestion.

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• Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) – It contains Glycyrrhizin which is sweet in taste, it reduces intestinal inflammation and promotes proper digestion. It is also effective in reducing gastritis.

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All the above herbs when used in different combination under the supervision of an ayurvedic practitioner are effective natural remedies for stomach bug.

Home Remedies For Stomach Flu

Some of the home remedies that are advantageous for stomach virus are included below:

• Ginger- It has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It can treat stomach infections and prevent watery stools, vomiting, nausea and abdominal cramps. Boil a tsp of ginger in a cup water and cover it for 10-15 minutes. Strain and add some honey, drink this tea 2-3 times in a day until you feel better.

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• Asafetida- Endowed with rich antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it is an ideal home remedy for stomach flu. It also improves digestion and strengthens the digestive tract. Just add half tsp of asafoetida powder to a glass of lukewarm water. Drink this twice daily until the condition improves. Asafetida can also be added to curries and vegetables to prevent gastroenteritis. This is an excellent stomach bug remedy.

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• Apple cider vinegar- It helps in restoring the proper pH level in the stomach and also removes harmful toxins from the body. As it is rich in pectin, so it soothes irritated stomach, reduces stomach ache, vomiting and gas. Add a tsp of unfiltered apple cider vinegar to a glass of lukewarm water and drink this 30 minutes before having your meals. Follow this routine until you feel better.

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• Baking soda- It is a natural anta-acid. It neutralises the excess acid in the stomach and provides relief from sour stomach and heart burn symptoms of gastroenteritis. You can mix half tsp baking soda, half tsp salt and 4 tablespoons of sugar in a quart of water. Have this mixture 2-3 times in a day for relief from gastroenteritis.

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All these natural remedies for gastroenteritis will definitely help ease the symptoms and provide relief. However if the symptoms persist expert help must be sought for.

Best Ayurveda Medicine In Melbourne

In the past few years, Ayurveda has experienced a major resurgence across the world because it promotes longevity and health without the use of prescription drugs and painful surgeries and above all, it does not have side effects.

Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic in Melbourne, is one such ayurvedic clinic that has a firm belief in the tenets of Ayurveda. They have carved a niche for themselves by helping people restore health for the past many years.

Ayurveda believes that every individual is different with a unique constituency and therefore, needs a different herbal formulation. That is the reason that before starting a treatment, a detailed case study of the patient is taken to assess the dosha imbalance and thus prescribe a proper treatment. Panchakarma also forms an important part of the treatment so that the body can be detoxified and rejuvenated.

Seek advice from  best ayurvedic doctors in Melboure at Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic to find out your most reliable natural plan to reduce abdomen flu poisons for ever in children and adults.

Dr. Gurnam Saini

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

MD Alternative Medicine

Panchkarma Detox Expert