Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
How can I treat floating Stools?
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Question #30004
237 days ago
1,475

How can I treat floating Stools? - #30004

Tara
$3.51

My stools have been floating since about a week. I have no other symptoms, have a very good apetite and all of my blood tests are normal. I have been taking abhayarishta after dinner. I neither smoke nor drink. My food habits are super clean too. I'm getting worried now.

Age: 33
Chronic illnesses: None
Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

Floating stools by themselves, especially when there is no pain area, weight loss, weakness or abnormal blood test or usually not serious. They often occur due to excessive gas in the intestine or quicker bubble movement since you’re taking Abhaya Arista. It is very likely the cause at which speed of direction and can create mild fermentation, which makes stool lighter. If you stop Abhaya Rista for a week and observe stools may return to normal. Make sure to chew food well ,drink warm water instead of cold and avoid excessive Raw salads or carbonated drinks. Only if stools become greasy, foul smelling difficult to flush or if you notice weight loss or fatigue then you should get further test, otherwise, in your case, it looks harmless and temporary.

13597 answered questions
29% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
AVP Abhayarishtam - Arya Vaidya Pharmacy
Accepted response

0 replies

hello Tara ,

i understand your concern it’s normal to feel worried when you notice a change in your stools, especially when everything else seems fine. Floating stools usually indicate that there’s excess gas or fat content in the stool, which can happen if digestion is a bit sluggish or if there’s temporary mild malabsorption. Since your appetite is good, blood tests are normal, and your diet is clean, this is likely a temporary digestive imbalance rather than anything serious. Sometimes, even Ayurvedic tonics like Abhayarishta can slightly alter digestion in sensitive individuals.

Before starting any treatment, I’d like to know about your, frequency, appetite, sleep, and any stress you might be experiencing. These help in tailoring the right treatment for you. If everything is normal in these aspects, then we can follow the plan below.

treatment Plan : Ama Pachana (Digestive cleansing – 3 days): Triphala Churna: 3g with warm water at night before sleep

Internal Medicines (after Ama Pachana): Dadimashtaka Churna: 3g twice daily after meals for 10–15 days (helps normalize digestion) Sitamrashadi Kashayam: 20 ml twice daily after meals for 10–15 days (supports fat digestion and overall gut health)

Diet Recommendations: Eat warm, freshly cooked meals; avoid raw, cold, or oily foods Include rice, dal, lightly cooked vegetables, and yogurt if tolerated Avoid excessive ghee, fried foods, and heavy legumes temporarily Drink warm water throughout the day

Lifestyle & Habits: Gentle walking after meals to support digestion Avoid late-night meals or overeating Practice simple breathing exercises to reduce stress

Investigations (if needed): Stool test for fat content if symptoms persist beyond 2–3 weeks Liver function test and pancreatic function check if persistent

Do’s & Don’ts: Do eat warm, light meals regularly Avoid cold drinks, raw salads, and heavy processed foods Do maintain proper hydration Avoid unnecessary stress around digestion Monitor bowel movements daily Stop any unnecessary herbal tonics if they worsen symptoms

With proper care, floating stools usually resolve within 1–2 weeks. Follow this plan consistently, and you should notice improvement.

Warm regards, Dr. Karthika

550 answered questions
41% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
AVN Triphala Gulgulu - AVN Ayurveda Formulations
Sitaram Dadimashtaka Choornam - Sitaram Ayurveda
AVN Mahatiktakam Kashayam - AVN Ayurveda Formulations
Accepted response

0 replies

1.Chitrakadi vati 2 tab twice daily with warn water before meals 2.Trikatu 1/2 tsp twice daily with warm water after meals

Foods to Include - Grains: Old rice, barley, broken wheat (daliya) - Legumes: Split moong dal (yellow), soaked and cooked well - Vegetables: Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, ash gourd, carrots (steamed) - Fruits: Pomegranate, ripe banana (if no acidity), stewed apple - Spices: Cumin, coriander, fennel, ajwain, turmeric (small amounts) - Fats: Desi ghee (1 tsp/day) to soften Ama and support Agni

11830 answered questions
28% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
S N Pandit Trikatu Churna - S.N.Pandit & Sons
Chitrakadi Vati (Tablet) - Zandu
Accepted response

0 replies

Its a sign of ama an ayurvedic term So first you have to change your food consumption patterns Only eat when felt hungry Start with Amapachak vati 2BD B F Amrittotar kashaya 20ml BD A F Shaddharan gutika 2BD A F You are all set

429 answered questions
29% best answers

0 replies

No Need to worry dear,

1.Since Abhayarishta is the only new variable, consider pausing it for a few days to see if your stools return to normal. If they do, discuss the dosage with an Ayurvedic doctor to ensure it is right for your body.

2.Keep a food journal for a week to see if your floating stools correlate with particular foods. If you recently increased your fiber intake or started consuming more gas-producing vegetables, your digestive system may just be adjusting.

3.Try eliminating common culprits like dairy or artificial sweeteners for a short period to see if your symptoms clear up.

4.Continue with your clean eating, but be mindful of your food combinations. For Ayurvedic guidance, try adding spices like ginger or cumin to your meals, and sit down to eat in a calm environment.

Take care 😊

Kind Regards, Dr.Isha Ashok Bhardwaj.

1391 answered questions
44% best answers

0 replies

Don’t worry take chitrakadivati 1tab bd , kutajaganavati 1tab, bilwasava 20ml bd Enough

14757 answered questions
35% best answers

0 replies

Start with Tablet Liv-52 1-0-1 after food with water, will improve your digestion. Triphala tablet 0-0-2 at bedtime with water Avoid processed fatty fast street foods Keep a gap of 3-4 hrs. Between any snak/ meal Include Buttermilk with a pinch of asafoetida black salt and roasted jeera powder after lunch daily

13461 answered questions
30% best answers

0 replies

​In Ayurveda, the health of a person is closely tied to the state of their Agni (digestive fire) and the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Floating stools, especially when there are no other major symptoms, can be interpreted in a few ways from an Ayurvedic standpoint.

​Ayurvedic Perspective on Floating Stools ​Ama and Agni: Healthy stools are believed to be well-formed, light brownish-yellow, and slightly oily. Ideally, they should float, as this indicates a healthy, balanced digestive fire (Agni) and a lack of Ama. Ama is the term for undigested food and toxins that accumulate in the body due to a weak Agni. When Ama is present, the stools can be sticky, heavy, and sink in water. Therefore, floating stools could be seen as a sign of good digestion and the absence of Ama. However, if they are also greasy or oily, it could point to an issue with fat metabolism.

​Vata Dosha: Floating stools can sometimes be associated with an imbalance of the Vata dosha. An excess of Vata, which is related to air and space elements, can lead to increased gas in the digestive tract. This gas can get trapped in the stool, making it less dense and causing it to float. Other signs of Vata imbalance include bloating, gas, irregular appetite, and sometimes a feeling of being “spaced out.”

​Abhayarishta and your Symptoms: You mentioned taking Abhayarishta, an Ayurvedic formulation primarily used for digestive issues, especially constipation. Its main ingredient, Haritaki, is a powerful herb that can have a laxative effect. While it is generally considered safe and beneficial for digestion, it can influence your bowel movements. Given that your stools have been floating since you started taking it, it’s possible that the herb is having a specific effect on your system, perhaps by increasing the air (Vata) element in your gut.

​What I suggest

​considering your constitution (Prakriti), current imbalance (Vikriti), lifestyle, and other symptoms.

​Dietary Adjustments: your diet for any foods that might be contributing to gas. This could include beans, lentils, cabbage, or other gas-producing foods. They might also suggest incorporating warming, easy-to-digest foods and spices like ginger, cumin, and fennel to help balance Vata and support your Agni.

​Re-evaluating Abhayarishta: if the Abhayarishta is suitable for your specific constitution and current condition. While it is often used for constipation, its effect can vary from person to person. believe it is contributing to a Vata imbalance.

​Lifestyle changes: emphasize the importance of a regular routine, stress management, and mindful eating to maintain a healthy digestive system. ​

1340 answered questions
20% best answers

0 replies

HELLO TARA JI, IF YOU HAVE NO OTHER SYMPTOMS THEN IT IS NOT A SERIOUS ISSUE. FLOATING STOOL INDICATE AAM IN THE BODY. STOP TAKING ABHYARISHTA FOR 1 WEEK AND NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE.

TREATMENT- 1.CHITRAKADI VATI 0-1-1 BEFORE MEALS 2. AAM PACHNI VATI 1-0-1 AFTER MEALS

OTHER TIPS- .EAT SMALL PORTIONS OF MEALS. . DON’T EAT WHEN YOU ARE NOT HUNGRY. . TAKE EASY TO DIGEST FOOD. .AVOID FAST FOOD,FRIED FOOD AND MAIDA. .WALK FOR 20MIN AFTER DINNER. YOGA- VAJRASANA,MANDOOKSANA. FOLLOW THESE AND YOU WILL GET RESULT. TAKE CARE REGARDS ,DR.ANUPRIYA

832 answered questions
64% best answers

0 replies

Floating stools can often be attributed to excess gas content or malabsorption issues, and in Ayurveda, this can be linked to imbalances in the digestive fire (Agni) or disturbances in Vata dosha. While you mention having a good appetite and normal blood tests, let’s look at some practical Ayurvedic recommendations to help address the issue.

Firstly, consider incorporating a small quantity of ginger into your diet regularly. Ginger is known to enhance digestion and balance Vata. You can take fresh ginger juice or add it to warm water before meals to stimulate Agni. Alternatively, half a teaspoon of trikatu powder (a blend of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) mixed with honey can be equally effective when taken twice daily.

Pay attention to your eating habits - ensure to eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Avoid drinking large quantities of water immediately before, during, or right after meals, as it can dilute digestive enzymes and weaken Agni. Sipping on warm water or herbal teas like cumin or fennel tea during meals is preferable.

Abhayarishta is primarily indicated for digestive issues and constipation, but if you feel it’s not helping, it might be worth evaluating if it suits your prakriti (constitution) or dosha balance. Adjustments might be necessary.

Try practicing yoga asanas like Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) and Vajrasana after meals, known to support digestion.

If changes in stool persist beyond 2-3 weeks, it would be prudent to consult a qualified healthcare professional to rule out any underlying condition, despite normal blood tests. Ayurveda emphasizes balance, butmodern medical insights are beneficial for comprehensive care.

13341 answered questions
39% best answers

0 replies

HELLO TARA,

-Normally well digested stools are compact, neither too hard nor too loose, sink in water and pass without efforts -Floating stool In Ayurveda suggest -Vata imbalance= excess air/gas trapped in stool -Kapha/Ama involvement= unprocessed mucus, undigested food particles, or unassimilated fats making stools lighter

-Since your appetite is good and blood tests are normal this points to digestive fire imbalance rather than a disease. It means the body is not fully breaking down and assimilating nutrients

In Ayurveda, this is understood as mandagni (low digestive fire) with Ama formation and vata-kapha vitiation

TREATMENT GOALS -Agni deepana (rekindle digestive fire)- improve digestion so food is completely processed -Ama pachana (remove toxins/undigested residue)- clear what is causing light, floating stools -Vata kapha Shamana = restores balance of air and mucus elements -Srotosodhana= improve assimilation and proper stool formation -Prevent recurrence= by adopting long term diet, lifestyle and stress management

INTERNAL MEDICINES

1) TRIKATU CHURNA= 2 gm with warm water before meals for 4 weeks =improves agni, digests ama, reduces kapha

2) HINGWASTAKA CHURNA= 2 gm with warm water/ghee before meals =relieves vata, gas, bloating, supports digestion

3) TAKRA spiced with cumin, black pepper, rock salt- daily after lunch =strengthens agni, balances kapha, cleanses channels

4) GUDUCHI TABLET= 1 tab twice edaily =restores agni without aggravating pitta, balances all three doshas

IF PROBLEM PERSISTS >1 MONTH= Mild virechana (purgation with castor oil + warm milk once a week) may be taken

DIET -warm, freshly prepared meals -mung dal khichdi with ghee -spices= cumin, ajwain, ginger, hing, black pepper -cooked vegetables= bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin -herbal teas= cumin-fennel-ginger

AVOID -excess milk, cheese, curd at night -raw salads, cold drinks , ice cream -heavy beans rajma, chana , fried/oily food -mixing milk with salty/sour foods

LIFESTYLE AND YOGA -eat at regular times, avoid skipping meals -avoid overeating even if appetite is strong -Yoga asanas= vajrasana after meals, pawanmuktasana, trikonasana, ardha matsyendrasana

PRANAYAM -kapalbhati -nadi sodhana -bhramari

PROPER SLEEP= avoid late nights

SIMPLE REMEDIES -warm water with a pinch of dry ginger powder after meals -jeera-ajwain tea -1 tsp ghee in warm water before bedtime -buttermilk with roasted cumin + rock salt post lunch

DO FOLLOW

HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA

12822 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

Floating stools can be a sign that your body is processing fats differently than usual. It might be linked to vata imbalance, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. Since you’ve been taking abhayarishta—an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for constipation—let’s look into some other adjustments to support healthy digestion.

First, consider including more warm, cooked foods like soups and stews, avoiding raw, cold, or excessively oily foods. These meals are calming for vata, which in turn helps in better digestion and absorption. You can also incorporate some spices like asafoetida, cumin and ginger in your cooking to enhance agni (digestive fire) and stabilizing digestion.

Drinking a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of fresh grated ginger and a dash of lemon juice before meals can stimulate digestive enzymes, which may help with the fat processing.

You might also want to try triphala—it harmonizes all three doshas and supports digestive balance. Take about half a teaspoon of triphala powder with warm water before bedtime.

Ensure you are not over-consuming laxative herbs or supplements as this can also affect the consistency of your stools. Abhyarishta is beneficial, but it might be worthwhile to review the need for continuing it if you’re not experiencing constipation.

If you continue to notice floating stools for more than a week or if you experience additional symptoms like pain or discomfort, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional. Remember to approach your diet and lifestyle changes slowly and let your body adapt. Keep an eye on your overall well-being and stay in tune with any shifts that might signal a need for further evaluation.

11973 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What to do for continual diarrhea and high blood pressure with bloating and poor appetite?
How to treat constipation and piles that I've had for over a year?
How to use Haritaki churan for IBS with constipation and gas pain?
Can I take Manasmitra Vatakam for erosive gastritis and anxiety, and how should I take it?
How to treat ulcerative colitis and reduce frequent bowel movements?
How to use Avipathi Chooram for gas and body heat symptoms?
How to treat digestive issues and gain weight for a 30-year-old male with a history of jaundice and IBS symptoms?
How long does it take to recover from IBS after virechana treatment with Ayurvedic medicines?
What to eat for reflux issues and voice changes after 2.5 months of antacid use?
Can Ayurveda cure chronic classic pancreatitis in my son who is taking Creon 10000 twice daily?
How to treat acidity and burning sensation in the stomach after gallbladder removal?
How to treat foul smelling loose motion with bloating and acidity in a Pitta type patient?
How to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver and manage weight effectively?
How to treat constipation and fissures after diarrhea and hospital stay?
How to create a diet plan for Proctitis and prediabetes?
Is taking 1 teaspoon of Bilagyl in the evening enough for my IBS treatment?
How to stop itching and frequent bowel movements on both sides of the stomach?
What type of Panchakarma treatment is best for my ulcerative colitis after 3 years?
Can I take Amla Powder with Pantoprazole for heartburn, and how should I use it?
How to treat loss of appetite and constant stomach tightness with pain in diabetes?
What causes mucus in stool and how to treat it?
What are the best home remedies to improve gut and liver health for fatty liver disease?
How to treat gallbladder polyps causing inflammation and acidity?
How to use Gandharvaastadi Kashyam, Kastooriadi pills, and Triphala for gas and pelvic discomfort?
How to treat gas, bloating, and loose stools with incomplete bowel movements?
What to do for painful constipation in a 14-year-old?
What is an effective, non-habit forming tablet for daily use to relieve constipation and hard stool?
How to treat stomach pain in my 10-year-old child after giving Nudys syrup?
How to treat constipation and related skin issues for a 35-year-old with pitta nature?
How to treat fatty liver and persistent gas issues in a 50-year-old woman?
How to replace PPIs for GERD caused by Hiatus Hernia with Ayurvedic medicines?
How to treat fatty liver grade 3 and IBS with liv 52 DS at age 47?
How to prevent abdominal discomfort after taking meshashringi tablets?
What to do for constipation and feeling unwell after eating only boiled food without oil?
How to treat a painful perianal abscess that I've had for 4 years?
What can I take for really foul smelling gas that makes people avoid me?
How to transition from magnesium citrate to triphala for constipation without side effects?
What to do for throat irritation, fatigue, weight loss, and stomach burning after H. pylori treatment?
Can I take supplements to gain weight after having an ulcer?
How to treat ulcerative colitis with frequent bowel movements?
Is it safe to eat pumpkin seeds with yogurt for stomach inflammation and acidity?
How to treat sticky loose motion after eating spicy food?
What to do for indigestion and heat in the stomach after a Virechana treatment?
Can I use Dhootapapeshwar Sutshekhar Ras Swarna Yukt for erosive gastritis with anxiety?
Can I give my 11-year-old child Swarna Prashan for frequent belly problems like loose motion and headaches?
How to increase weight and mass with Lehya while treating IBS?
What is the best medicine for pitta type loose motion with bloating after spicy food?
How to treat erosive gastritis and anxiety symptoms like restlessness and leg pain?
How to treat gastric issues like acid reflux and low hemoglobin with lethargy?
How to treat oesophagitis and bile reflux with home remedies?
How to treat long-term indigestion, bloating, and severe constipation with a history of duodenal ulcer and fatty liver?
How to improve weak digestion and reduce liver fat while feeling drowsy all the time?
What precautions should I take after Kshar Sutra for anal fissure and piles to avoid discomfort?
How to treat chronic digestion problems and regain health after 8 years of issues?
What to do for constant hunger every 1-2 hours with ulcers in my food pipe and stomach?
How to use shatavari for balancing vata and pitta inflammation in the gut with loose motions and bloating?
What is causing my dysphagia, GERD, and sore throat with fatigue and weight loss after H. pylori diagnosis?
How to treat a stomach ulcer that I've had for over 15 years?
What to do for persistent stomach pain and ulcers despite medication?
What are the Ayurvedic recommendations for managing gallbladder stones before surgery?
What to do for ongoing throat tightness, chest heaviness, and digestive issues after treating gastritis and H. pylori?
How to improve appetite and weight gain when liver function is low?
How to treat constipation in my 4-year-old daughter who has been suffering for a year?
What to do for abdominal pain above the navel with blood in stool and weakness?
What to do for frequent urges to defecate with little output and gas?
What is causing my stomach problems, weight loss, and bad breath after a year of experiencing dhat?
How to treat IBS with diarrhea, mucus in stool, gas, and bloating?
Can I eat at night if I have bloating and burning in my upper stomach?
What to do for heavy bloating and gastric problems after taking M2 Tone syrup for 5 days?
What to do for rectal ulcers and anal pain lasting a year?
What to do for frequent toilet visits and stomach pain after eating?
What to do for chronic pancreas issues with weight loss and no stomach pain?
How long should I take Dabur Aampachak syrup for chronic indigestion that's been bothering me for over 8 years?
Is it safe to take Livamrut advance, Arogya Vardhinivati, and Chitrakadivati for gas issues while on Duzela, Pregabid, and Ecosprin at age 65?
How to use Diarex for IBS and lactose intolerance, and what is the proper dosage?
What to do for a bloated stomach with rotten smell and joint pain after eating peda?
What to do if I can't sleep due to gas, throat burning, and feeling unwell?
What to do for loss of appetite and gas after eating at a hotel?
Is Carmikot syrup safe for my 8-month-old baby with gastric issues?
How to know if this medicine will cause loose motions with my sensitive digestive system?
How to treat chronic pancreatitis with pain, loss of appetite, and bloating?
How long should I take Agnikundali Vati for digestive issues like gas and indigestion?
How to treat erosive gastritis and severe anxiety with symptoms like restlessness and crying?
What to do for persistent acidity and gas issues with peptic ulcer and hiatal hernia?
What to do for feeling of incomplete bowel movement and burning pain after going to the bathroom?
How to treat chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia and H. pylori infection?
Is taking Bilagyl once a day enough for my IBS treatment after 85 days of Ayurvedic care?
How to treat constipation and gas that lead to blocked nose and back pain?
How to treat erosive gastritis and anxiety that I've had for 2 months?
How to treat right leg sciatica and gastrointestinal problems with Mahayograj Guggul?
How to treat pittaj atisara with Kutaj ghan vati, Bilvadi churna, and Mustarishtam?
How to dissolve gallstones to avoid gallbladder removal after pancreatitis attacks?
What to do if my 3-year-old daughter has a bloated stomach and mild pain for 1-2 days?
How to use Hingvastak for bloating, constipation, and hemorrhoids?
What juice or syrup is best for fatty liver grade 3 and right side stomach pain in a 42-year-old male?
How to treat persistent digestive issues like gas, constipation, and acidity in a 64-year-old vegetarian?
How to treat my 9-year-old's severe stomach discomfort after antibiotics and adenoid removal?
What herbal medication can help reverse idiopathic gastroparesis and improve stomach motility?
Can I take Mukta Sukti Bhasma with Avipattikar Churna for erosive gastritis, and when should I take it?
How to treat lingering gut cramps and swollen lymph nodes after E. coli infection?

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Connor
8 hours ago
This doc really nailed it! The insights were spot on and explained everything in detail. Grateful for such a thorough response that helped me understand a complex situation.
This doc really nailed it! The insights were spot on and explained everything in detail. Grateful for such a thorough response that helped me understand a complex situation.
Benjamin
11 hours ago
Thanks for the detailed answer! Really cleared things up & the dosage suggestions look doable. Appreciate the cautious approach with my mom's age in mind.
Thanks for the detailed answer! Really cleared things up & the dosage suggestions look doable. Appreciate the cautious approach with my mom's age in mind.
Lila
11 hours ago
Thanks so much for the detailed response! Really appreciate the clarity—feels way less daunting now. I'll definitely keep this in mind.
Thanks so much for the detailed response! Really appreciate the clarity—feels way less daunting now. I'll definitely keep this in mind.
Sierra
11 hours ago
This answer was super helpful, gave so much detailed info. Thank you for breaking it down and mentioning what to watch out for with kidneys care!
This answer was super helpful, gave so much detailed info. Thank you for breaking it down and mentioning what to watch out for with kidneys care!