The Health Benefits of Avipattikar

Avipattikar is an herbal remedy used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Available in dietary supplement form, it contains a number of different ayurvedic herbs and is generally used to treat digestive problems.

Avipattikar contains the following herbs:

• Amla (Emblica officinalis)
• Behada (Terminalia belerica)
• Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) 
• Clove (Syzygiumaromaticu)
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Indian bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala)
• Long pepper (Piper longum)
• Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus)
• Turpeth (Operculina turpethum)
• Vidanga (Embelia ribes)

Uses

According to the principles of Ayurveda, health problems often result from imbalances in the three doshas. Avipattikar is often used to treat imbalances in the dosha known as pitta and, in turn, promote healing from the following health conditions:

• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• Gastritis
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Ulcers
• GERD (acid reflux)

Health Benefits

Although practitioners of ayurvedic medicine have long used avipattikar to enhance digestive health and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, very few scientific studies have tested the formula's effects.

Peptic Ulcers

A 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found avipattikar shows promise in the treatment of peptic ulcers, a condition marked by sores in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.

In tests on rats, the study's authors determined that avipattikar helped thwart the development of peptic ulcers by reducing the secretion of gastric acid. According to the study's authors, avipattikar's ulcer-fighting effects may be similar to those of ranitidine, a medication commonly used in the treatment of ulcers.

Selection, Preparation, and Storage

Avipattikar is sold in many natural-foods stores and available online. It is sold in capsules and as a powder.

Dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the content of some avipattikar products may differ from what is specified on the product label.

Look for brands that are certified organic, GMO-free, and tested for heavy metals. Some brands of powder may contain sugar. If you are watching your intake of added sugar, read the ingredients list before buying.

Mixed with warm water, the powder has a spicy flavor that can be enjoyed as a tea once or twice a day to soothe heartburn or ease a sour stomach.

Alternative Remedies

Several natural remedies may soothe digestive problems. If you're seeking a natural treatment for heartburn, consider such herbs as licorice and slippery elm. For constipation, increasing fiber intake with the help of flaxseed or psyllium may be beneficial. There's also some evidence that a combination of enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway oil may alleviate indigestion.

A Word From Verywell

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend avipattikar as a treatment for any condition. If you're considering the use of avipattikar in treatment of a chronic health condition, make sure to talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen. Self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.