Vata‑variant of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

An Ayurvedic, Individualized Approach

Effective treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) requires an individualized approach based on the person’s unique symptoms and constitution. The Vata‑variant of IBD is characterized by over‑activity of the colon, which leads to irritation, dryness, and instability of bowel function.

This over-activity is experienced as following symptoms:

  • Cramping abdominal pain
  • Frequent urge to use the bathroom with little or no stool
  • Bloating with excess gas
  • Increase flatulence, without relief
  • Alternating constipation and loose bowels
  • Increased irritability with stress and anxiety
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dryness affect skin, eyes, etc.

In course of treatment, when Vata is dominant, the body needs:

  • Reduction of irritation and spasms
  • Regulation of colon activity
  • Nourishment and tissue rebuilding
  • Adequate hydration and grounding support

Read an article describing other variants of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Herbal Medicine for Vata Inflammatory Bowel Disease:

Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes restoring digestive rhythm, reducing irritation, and stabilizing bowel function using targeted Herbal Medicine.

  • Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica)
    • Traditionally used for diarrhea and Grahani, Kutaja exhibits astringent and digestive‑supportive qualities.1
    • Research indicates it as being anti‑inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial actions.2,3,4
  • Bilwa (Aegle marmelos)
    • Bilwa is described as astringent, bitter, and pungent, supporting fluid regulation and digestive stability.5,6
    • Clinical trials demonstrate improvement in chronic diarrhea and Grahani symptoms. It is even more effective when mixed therapeutic recipes are discussed below.7,8,9
  • Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
    • Musta acts is a warming, anti-toxic herb, that offers special benefit of controlling and drying up inflammatory fluids. 10
    • Experimental studies have shown it to be an effective antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant; that also help protect the liver and control bleeding.11,12,13
  • Trikatu (Ginger, Black Pepper, Long Pepper)
    • Trikatu is a combination three herbs mentioned above. It is described as a warming, pungent formulation that stimulates digestion, improves appetite, and enhances absorption of nutrition and other herbs.14
    • For the Vata-variant, this herb helps with improving appetite, relieves bloating, support digestion of therapeutic recipes and medicines. It is also a helpful anti-inflammatory, controlling reactivity of the immune system.15,16

Therapeutic Diet and Digestive Support Vata Inflammatory Bowel Disease

When clients come to us in crisis, we take a progressive approach with a therapeutic diet to help control their symptoms. Digestive support is infused into these recipes to with absorption of nourishment, slowly returning the individual to full health.

Progressive Digestive Nutrition

Here is a graduated dietary protocol aligned with digestive strength:

  • Peya (Thin Rice Broth)
    • This is the first recipe we offer during acute digestive distress. It is very easy to digest and soothes intestinal overactivity. It is warm and grounding in nature.
    • Herbs such as Bilwa, Kutaja, and Trikatu, along with pink salt, are added to enhance therapeutic benefits.
  •  Yavagu (Thicker Rice Gruel)
    • As symptoms improve and appetite returns, thicker, more nourishing rice gruel is introduced. This Helps calm inflammation and provides gentle energy.
    • Cumin and carom seed powders are added to further support digestion.
  • Yusha (Lentil‑Based Soups)
    • As strength and activity of the client increases, additional protein-rich recipe is introduced to rebuild tissues. Easily digestible lentils such as red lentils are used first. Then, Mung beans are added as digestion improves.
    • Turmeric is incorporated to provide a strong anti‑inflammatory foundation.
    • This is the last step leading to adding more vegetable and returning to a wholesome diet.

To read more about therapeutic benefits of turmeric, check out this article by Dr. Anup.

Conclusion:

Effectiveness of Ayurveda comes from the Individualized treatment of each person based on their symptoms. These variations in symptoms come for the genetic and epigenetic make-up the individual person.

The simplicity of the recipes makes it easy for patients to adapt these treatments and stop the cycles of depletion and degradation of their health. In addition to this, we use classical Ayurvedic medicine that speeds up recovery, enhance the healing process, and sustain the health over long term.

Meet Dr. Anup

Researched and Written by Dr. Anuprao Mulakaluri, ND and AHC

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Research References:

  1. Bhavamishra “Bhavaprakasha, Guduchyadi Varga, Verses 116–118.” Translated by KR Srikanth Murthy, Chowkambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2015.
  2. Zahara K, et al. (2020) “Metabolic Diversity and Therapeutic potential of Holarrhena pubescens: An important ethnomedicinal plant.” Biomolecules, Vol. 10(9), 2020, Pg. 1341.
  3. Ranade Manjiri. Monotherapy with Kutaj Parpati Is Effective in reducing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms – A Randomized controlled, parallel group trial. Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine Vol-10 Issue-4 Oct.-Dec., 2021.
  4. Kumari V., et al. (2017) “Assessment of effect of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica, WALL) in different doshika atisara in infants: A clinical study”. Journal of Research and Education in Indian Medicine, 2017
  5. Bhavamishra “Bhavaprakasha, Guduchyadi Varga, Verses 13.” Translated by KR Srikanth Murthy, Chowkambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2015.
  6. Bhavamishra “Bhavaprakasha, Amritadi phala varga, verse 56-60.” Translated by KR Srikanth Murthy, Chowkambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2015.
  7. Parmar, et al. (2016) “Various Pathya Kalpana of Bilwa (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa ex  Roxb.) – A Review” Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine, Vol. 5(2), Pg. 57-78.
  8. Nair SS and Gujarathi RH (2020). “Study of Bilwa Amr Yog on Atisara in the Age Group of 1-5 Years.” International Journal of Science and Research, Vol. 9(3), 2020.
  9. Dahake SJ, et al. To Study the Effects of Bilwadi Churna in the Management of Grahani Dosha. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 6(13), Pg. 561-566.
  10. Bhavamishra “Bhavaprakasha, Karpuradi Varga, Verse 12-14.” Translated by KR Srikanth Murthy, Chowkambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 2015.
  11. Satyanarayan Patra et al. Medicinal Properties on Cyperus Rotundus Linn. AYUSHDHARA | May – June 2019 | Vol 6 | Issue 3. 2237.
  12. Venkatasubramanium P, et al. (2010) “Cyperus rotundus, a substitute for Aconitum heterophyllum: Studies on Ayurvedic concept of Abhava Pratinidhi Dravya (drug substitution)” Ayurvedic Journal of Itegrative medicine, Vol. 1(1), 2010, Pg. 33-39.
  13. Uddin SJ, et al. (2006) “Antidiarrheal activity of Cyperus rotundus.” Fitoterapia, Vol. 77, 2006, Pg. 134-136.
  14. Bhavprakash, Purvakhanda, Haritakiyadi varga, Verse 63. Translated by Prof. KR Srikantha Murthy, Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi..
  15. Singh AK. Clinical Evaluation of Trikatu as Appetite Stimulant (Angnivardhan). Journal of Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation.
  16. Murunikkara V and Rasool M. Trikatu, an herbal compound as immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis – An experimental study. Cellular Immunology, Vol. 287(1), Jan. 2014, Pg. 62-68.

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