Amalaki Powder for Acidity and Gastritis

Judicious use of Amalaki powder is effective in successful management of acidity and gastritis with certain do’s and dont’s described in the Ayurvedic texts:

•  It is advisable not to overeat and have long gaps between meals. Small frequent meals of soft and easily digestible food items should be taken.
• Consumption of raw and leafy vegetables, fried, spicy, sour, salty, heavy and improperly cooked food, sheep’s milk, alcohol, curd, sesame seeds should be avoided.
•  Use of vegetables with bitter taste such as bitter gourd, banana flowers, and pumpkin, pomegranate, honey, boiled and cooled water and food grains like wheat, rice and barley is beneficial in patients with acidity and gastritis.
• Suppression of natural urges, particularly of vomiting and passing stools should be avoided.

Dose and mode of administration

In adults, the dose of Amalaki powder is 3 to 6 grams and in children 500 mg to 1 gram, twice a day, to be swallowed on an empty stomach or just before meals with water.

Indications and uses

• Hyperacidity, gastritis, anorexia, vomiting during pregnancy and anaemia associated with chronic acid peptic disease are the common indications for Amalaki powder.
• Clinical trials have proven Amalaki to be effective in the management of acidic gastritis, non-ulcer dyspepsia and duodenal ulcer with significant prevention of recurrence of symptoms.
• Amalaki powder can also be used as a natural supplement of vitamin C in nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy and chronic diseases.

Reference – Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care (WHO)