Bloating is one of the common digestive issues faced by many. Unhealthy food habits, indigestion, desk-bound lifestyle – all contribute to bloating.
According to Ayurveda, bloating is caused due to a weak digestive fire (Agni). It is called Aadhmaana and is a kind of Vata imbalance. Bloating that occurs occasionally is considered normal. However, if it is frequent, it is a sign of imbalance in digestion.
Bloating in our abdomen happens when our gastrointestinal tract is not able to split the food into smaller particles for absorption. The food then remains in the body and gets converted to toxins and our body does not receive any nourishment.
Ayurveda suggests the following remedy for relief from bloating.
Garlic milk
This recipe is from Caraka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana.
Ingredients
Garlic – 5g
Milk – 50ml
Water – 50 ml
Preparation
Add garlic paste to milk and water and boil it until the quantity reduces to 50ml. Strain and drink 10ml two times a day after food.
Benefits
Garlic milk is good for subsiding gas, bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation. This recipe is also suitable for people with heart disease and arthritis.
Ayurveda recommends using small garlic over big ones, though the latter is easy to clean. The reason is that small garlic has more health benefits than big garlic.
Small garlic is good for the heart, eyes, liver, hair, hot potency and anti-ageing. It is also useful for relief from worms and digestive issues and for healing wounds. It also reduces Vata and improves vitality.
Big garlic, however, is the inferior variety. It has all benefits of small garlic but to a lesser extent. It is also extremely Pitta increasing.
Remember, garlic milk is medicine. So, it is not advisable to consume it daily forever. You can use it for a few days and stop it. But, do not store the garlic milk to use later.
And if you’re struggling with any of these gut issues, you can join our gut health program or if you have any queries, contact us. We’ll help bring you back to your optimal health.