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)

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

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.

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.

A number of preliminary studies show that some of the herbs found in avipattikar may aid in the treatment of certain health conditions. For instance, there's some evidence that amla may help keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check and protect against diabetes, while haritaki may reduce oxidative stress and help treat metabolic syndrome. In addition, ginger appears to ease nausea and may be beneficial for people with chronic pain.

Although the safety of long-term or regular use of avipattikar has yet to be tested in clinical trials, there's some concern that certain herbs found in this herbal formula may be harmful to some individuals.

Ginger, for example, may have blood-thinning effects that could aggravate bleeding disorders. Haritaki, meanwhile, may reduce blood sugar and therefore have negative effects when taken in combination with blood-sugar-lowering medications, such as those used in the treatment of diabetes.

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.

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.

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.