Ajeerna

Question

Lately, I’ve been dealing with constant indigestion, bloating, and a heavy feeling in my stomach, no matter what I eat. I think this might be ajeerna, which I’ve read about in Ayurvedic texts. It seems to describe exactly what I’m experiencing. I’d like to know how to approach ajeerna through Ayurveda and whether it can be resolved with simple remedies or if it requires more intense treatments.

From what I understand, ajeerna occurs when the digestive fire, or Agni, becomes weak, leading to incomplete digestion. This makes sense in my case because my meals often leave me feeling tired and sluggish instead of energized. I’ve read that herbs like hing, ajwain, and triphala are recommended for ajeerna, but I’m not sure how to use them correctly. Should I make a tea, take them as powders, or use them in my cooking?

I’ve also been advised to eat lighter meals, but even that hasn’t completely solved the problem. Could fasting or detoxifying treatments like Panchakarma help with ajeerna? I’ve never tried anything like this before, so I’m a little hesitant.

Does anyone here have experience treating ajeerna naturally? How long does it take to restore digestive balance through Ayurveda? And are there any common pitfalls I should avoid, like specific foods or habits that worsen ajeerna?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Ajeerna, or indigestion, is indeed an imbalance of Agni (digestive fire) in Ayurveda, and it can lead to symptoms like bloating, heaviness, and sluggish digestion. To address ajeerna, Ayurveda offers several remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Herbs like hing (asafoetida), ajwain (carom seeds), and triphala are excellent choices to support digestion. Hing and ajwain can be consumed as teas or added to your meals, while triphala is often taken as a powder, either mixed with warm water before bed or in the morning on an empty stomach. These herbs stimulate Agni, helping to improve digestion and reduce bloating.

If lighter meals haven't resolved the issue, it might be beneficial to gradually incorporate more easily digestible foods, such as soups, stews, and well-cooked vegetables, while avoiding heavy, fried, or cold foods that can further weaken Agni. Fasting occasionally or following a gentle detox like Panchakarma can help reset the digestive system, but it's important to approach this under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner, especially if it's your first time. Detoxification can be intense, and the process should be tailored to your specific needs.

Restoring digestive balance through Ayurveda can take time, often requiring a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the severity of the imbalance. It’s important to avoid overeating, irregular eating habits, and consuming foods that are difficult to digest, such as processed or highly spicy foods. Additionally, staying hydrated, practicing mindful eating, and ensuring a stress-free environment during meals can all support Agni.

If you’re considering Ayurvedic treatments for ajeerna, starting with a balanced diet and introducing digestive-supporting herbs is a great first step. If the symptoms persist, you may want to explore more advanced therapies like Panchakarma under expert guidance.

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Ajeerna, or indigestion, is indeed an imbalance of Agni (digestive fire) in Ayurveda, and it can lead to symptoms like bloating, heaviness, and sluggish digestion. To address ajeerna, Ayurveda offers several remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Herbs like hing (asafoetida), ajwain (carom seeds), and triphala are excellent choices to support digestion. Hing and ajwain can be consumed as teas or added to your meals, while triphala is often taken as a powder, either mixed with warm water before bed or in the morning on an empty stomach. These herbs stimulate Agni, helping to improve digestion and reduce bloating.

If lighter meals haven't resolved the issue, it might be beneficial to gradually incorporate more easily digestible foods, such as soups, stews, and well-cooked vegetables, while avoiding heavy, fried, or cold foods that can further weaken Agni. Fasting occasionally or following a gentle detox like Panchakarma can help reset the digestive system, but it's important to approach this under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner, especially if it's your first time. Detoxification can be intense, and the process should be tailored to your specific needs.

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