12 Effective Home Remedies for Gastritis Treatment

Reviewed By Experts

Gastritis occurs when the stomach’s mucosal or inner lining is inflamed, damaged, irritated, or eroded. If not treated on time, acute gastritis may take the shape of chronic gastritis [1] and eventually lead to total dysfunction of stomach mucosa and more serious outcomes like peptic ulcers and gastric cancers. [2]

The primary cause of gastritis is an infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. The other causes include non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux, functional dyspepsia, faulty autoimmune responses, and infections caused by other microorganisms other than H. Pylori, such as Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex, and Mycobacterium avium intracellulare. [1] Tobacco smoking, alcoholism, and use of steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have also been associated with gastritis. [1]

The common symptoms of gastritis include vomiting, epigastric pain, [1] abdominal bloating, frequent stomach upsets, indigestion, hiccups, loss of appetite, indigestion, and tarry, black stools. [3]

Ayurveda, the ancient health science, refers to ‘gastritis’ as Amlapitta. Wrong lifestyle choices, food habits, and mental stress can lead to several disorders of the Mahasrotas (gastrointestinal tract). Amlapitta is a Pitta-dominated condition associated with Purishvaha and Annavata srotas. Weakened digestive fire or Mandagni and accelerated production of Ama results in the issue of Gastritis or Amlapitta. In other words, when the Amla guna or Amla attribute of Pitta increases, you get Amlapitta. [4]

There are two classifications of Amlapitta from the Ayurvedic point of view:

1. Urdhvaga Amlapitta (When the Amlapitta has an upward movement, causing the sour pitta to leap up to your throat)

2. Adhoga Amlapitta (When the Amlapitta has a downward gati or movement, irritating your GI tract) [4]

Also, there is another set of classification of Amlapitta based on the Dosha that dominates it:

• Saanila 
• Sakapha 
• Saanilakapha [4]

The most common symptoms of Amlapitta according to Ayurveda:

• Aruchi (Anorexia)
• Tiktamlodgar (acid eructation)
• Utklesh (Nausea)
• Vibandha (Constipation)
• Gaurav (Lethargy)
• Gurukoshthatva (Heaviness in Abdomen) [5]

In this article, you’ll be introduced to a repertoire of gastritis treatment through home remedies. You’ll learn about both acute gastritis treatment and chronic gastritis treatment and also about the ayurvedic treatment for gastritis. Read on:

Gastritis treatment at home

1. Amalaki Fruit Remedy

Equal amounts of Amalaki (Amla/Indian Gooseberry) fruits and shatavari root need to be combined with sugar and ground into a fine powder. Taking nearly 5 grams of this mix along with Honey and Desi ghee on an empty stomach can bring you relief from Amlapitta/Gastritis. [6]

2. Adraka Remedy

Adraka or Ginger can improve digestion and nausea. When you have a robust digestion power, you’ll not experience the symptoms of Amlapitta. Chewing ginger slices or combining one teaspoon of freshly extracted ginger juice and one teaspoon of lemon juice can improve digestion, stimulate appetite, and prevent nausea. [6]

3. Durva Remedy

Combine 10 ml of the freshly extracted juice of Durva with 1 cup of warm milk and take twice a day to relieve the annoying symptoms of Gastritis or Amlapitta and Gastric ulcer. 

[6]

4. Guduchi Remedy

Take 5 grams of Guduchi stem and a handful of Patola and Nimba leaves. Boil all of these in water until 100 ml water reduces to 1/4th. Strain and drink the decoction two times daily to get relief from Amlapitta. [6]

5. Haritaki Remedy

Mix 5 grams of Haritaki powder in hot water and drink regularly. This potent Ayurvedic herb can increase mucus production, forming a protective film that prevents ulcer formation and heartburn. [6]

6. Katuka Remedy

Take 2 grams of Katuki Ayurvedic churna with sugar regularly after food to reduce the chances of Amlapitta. [6]

Apart from the abovementioned Ayurvedic home remedies for Gastritis, it would also be helpful to learn about the commonly used Ayurvedic treatment for gastritis.

Shatapatriadi churna is an Ayurvedic formulation often administered to patients with Gastritis or Amlapitta. This churna comprises Shatapatri, Yashtimadhu, Draksha, and Amrita. Most of the Ayurvedic drugs used in the treatment of Amlapitta come with Katu, Tikta, Madhura, Kashaya Rasas, Ushna, and Laghu Gunas, which prove to be effective against the hyperactivity of Pitta’s Tikshna and Drava Gunas. Also, these drugs have a vital role in managing weakened digestive fire or Mandagni. [7]

Patoladi Yoga, or Raktapachak vati, is another Ayurvedic formulation used to treat various digestive tract ailments, including gastritis. This formulation comprises Guduci, Katuki, Shunthi, and Patola, having Pittarechaka, Agnideepaka, and Pittashamaka properties. [7]

Other medications include Sootshekhara rasa, Kamadudha rasa, Kapardika bhasma, Narikela lavana kshara, and Laghu Sootshekhara rasa.

7. Probiotics

Certain probiotics can effectively fight gastritis caused by H. Pylori. The bacterial adherence mechanism is impaired due to the use of probiotics, thereby eradicating the damaging effect of   H.Pylori on the stomach mucosa. Yogurt and buttermilk or takara are rich in natural probiotics and can be included in the diet as a gastritis home remedy. [8]

8. Lukewarm Water

Drinking lukewarm water can soothe the irritated digestive tract and facilitate easy digestion. It is also helpful in calming the inflamed stomach mucosa.

9. Garlic Extracts

The natural compounds in Garlic can destroy the H. Pylori bacteria, which is responsible for gastritis. Chewing 2-3 raw cloves of Garlic or taking store-bought garlic extract can be used as antral gastritis treatment and erosive gastritis treatment. [9]

10. Olive Leaves

Olive leaf extracts can treat gastritis effectively. The leaves can be used to prepare a decoction for treating many gastric problems. Olive leaves are excellent for treating intestinal and gastric inflammation. [10]

11. Oats

Oats are an on-trend food item these days and are considered extremely healthy. Beta-glucan, a kind of molecule in Oats, can prevent gastritis. [10]

12. Essential Oils

Lemongrass or other essential oils can be beneficial for gastritis treatment at home. You may dip a cotton swab in the essential oil and inhale its aroma to relieve gastritis symptoms. [11]

It is important to note that some home remedies do not follow the Ayurvedic approach of treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to consult a medical professional before making any dietary modifications to your lifestyle.

FAQs

Conclusion

Detecting the root cause of gastritis might be the best way to find the solution. Gastritis symptoms can aggravate due to consuming spicy food, indulging in too much alcoholism, or taking high amounts of aspirin. Gastritis symptoms should never be ignored as gastritis may progress into a more serious medical condition if left untreated. If gastritis treatment at home does not yield positive results, you must consult a doctor immediately.

Disclaimer

This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References

1. Gastritis
2. Chronic Gastritis
3. Prevalence and associated risk factors of gastritis among patients visiting Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4. Management of Amlapitta (gastritis) in Ayurveda: A review
5. Ayurvedic management of amlapitta with special reference to hyperacidity: A case study
6. Ayurveda Offering Herbal Healing
7. A comparative clinical study of Shatapatrayadi churna tablet and Patoladi yoga in the management of Amlapitta
8. Diet and Helicobacter pylori infection
9. Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by garlic extract (Allium sativum)
10. GASTRITIS: A BRIEF REVIEW OF HERBAL TREATMENT AND CONVENTIONAL THERAPY ALTERNATIVES
11. Essential oils as components of a diet-based approach to management of Helicobacter infection
12. Amlapitta: Ayurvedic management, Do’s and Dont’s.