Ayurvedic Perspective Of Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis

Diverticula are small bulging pouches that form in the lining of your digestive system. The presence of diverticula is known as diverticulosis. Diverticulosis is a common health condition. Diverticulitis is a condition in which one or more pouches get infected or inflamed in the lower part of the large intestine. Diverticulitis leads to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.

According to Ayurveda, vitiation of Vata is the main reason for the development of Diverticulitis. Indigestion leads to the accumulation of wastes or toxins in the body and thereby Vata dosha becomes imbalanced. Hence the Vata dosha is aggravated in the colons and the downward movement of Apana Vayu ( a subtype of Vata dosha) is blocked. Then the Vata moves to other internal organs such as the Cardiac region, Urinary Bladder, and Anus hence causing indigestion. When Vata pushing Pitta dosha causes infections and inflammations, sometimes bleeding also.

Symptoms Of Diverticular Disease

The general symptoms of diverticulitis are:

• High fever.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea sometimes.
• Abdominal tenderness.
• A small amount of blood in stools.
• Bleeding from the rectum.
• Frequent urination.
• Bloating.
• Loss of appetite.

Diverticulitis can be identified by noticing the symptoms like high fever, nausea or vomiting, constipation, abdominal tenderness, bloating, bleeding from the rectum, loss of appetite, a small amount of blood in stools, and diarrhea.

Ayurveda has effective treatment methods to prevent Diverticulitis symptoms positively.

Causes Of Diverticulitis

The exact causes of diverticulitis are under research by experts. However, certain possibilities for the development of diverticulitis are:

• Obesity

  Obesity and high body mass index lead to diverticulitis symptoms.

• Age

  People with the age group above 40 are more likely to get affected with diverticulitis.

• Lack of exercise

  Inactivity is another factor for the development of diverticulitis.

• Smoking

  Studies have shown that people who smoke are more affected by diverticular symptoms than non-smokers. .

• Certain medications

  Long-term use of certain medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, etc causes diverticulitis.

• Low-fiber diet

  Consumption of foods with low fiber causes constipation and other digestive disorders.

Diverticulitis can be developed through various factors such as age, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, a low-fiber diet, and certain medication.

Herbal Remedies To Cure Diverticulitis

Herbal remedies are the safest ways to treat a disease and are easily available in our surroundings. Herbs contain a variety of medicinal properties. Certain herbs that can cure diverticulitis are listed below.

• Aloe vera

  Aloe vera has been widely used in Ayurveda to treat various diseases due to its rich medicinal properties. Aloe vera helps to prevent constipation and pain associated with diverticulitis symptoms.

• Garlic

  Garlic is very effective in treating indigestion problems. Garlic is rich in antiviral and antimicrobial properties that prevent diverticulitis symptoms.

• Ginger

  Ginger has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger has been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea since ancient times.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric ensures healthy digestion and is considered a digestive healing agent. .

• Green tea

  Green tea is rich in anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties that help to prevent infections and inflammations related to diverticulitis. .

• Triphala

  Triphala is a combination of herbs like haritaki, Amalaki, and Bibhitaki which helps to enhance digestion, prevents constipation, and clears the digestive tract effectively. .

Certain potent herbs can prevent diverticulitis symptoms like turmeric, ginger, garlic, aloe vera, Triphala, and green tea.

Lifestyle Tips To Cure Diverticulitis Symptoms

• Regular exercise

  A 30 minutes exercise a day promotes smooth bowel function and prevents pressure in your colon. Also, exercise releases endorphins that act as a natural pain reliever. .

• Drink plenty of water

  The intake of more liquid in your diet helps the fiber to work and makes softer waste in your colon. A liquid diet with essential nutrients prevents diverticulitis symptoms. .

• Avoid smoking

  Smoking leads to the development of diverticulitis. .

• Add more fiber

  Including more fiber content foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, and beans in your daily diet prevents diverticulitis symptoms.

• Practice Yoga

  Yoga Asanas are very effective in the treatment of diverticulitis; especially Surya Namaskar and Udara Shakti Vikasaka Yoga Asanas. .

• Vitamin D

  Try to get more vitamin D in your body. Sun exposures are the natural way to get more Vitamin D and also follow Vitamin D-rich foods to your diet.

Ayurvedic Treatment Of Diverticulitis

Ayurveda aims to find out the root cause of diseases. According to Ayurveda, vitiation of Vata is the main reason for the development of Diverticulitis. Indigestion leads to the accumulation of wastes or toxins in the body and thereby Vata dosha becomes imbalanced.

Ayurveda recommends Snehana, Swedana, and Virechana therapy to bring a balance of Vata dosha.

• Snehana (Oleation Therapy)

  Snehana is one of the Panchakarma treatments followed to expel toxins from our body. The procedure is the application of medicated oils, ghee, and herbs to the body to eliminate toxins and aggravated doshas. Snehana can be of Abhyantara Snehana and Bahya Snehana.

• Swedana (Sweating to excrete toxins)

  Swedana is the process of inducing sweat in the patients by using an herbal mix to expel toxins from the body.

• Virechana (Purgation therapy with the help of laxatives)

  Virechana therapy mainly aims to expel Pitta Dosha from the body through the lower pathways. Here purgative substances are administered for cleansing purposes.

Snehana, Swedana, and Virechana are the recommended Ayurvedic therapies to prevent diverticulitis symptoms.

Conclusion

All the information regarding Diverticulitis was obtained from ancient Ayurvedic resources. Kindly get the advice of your Ayurvedic practitioner before self-medication.