Significance of Indigestion
Indigestion, a complex concept across various fields, is primarily defined as difficulty digesting food. In Ayurveda, it's linked to gastrointestinal issues and diseases. In Rasashastra, it's a common ailment addressed by medicine. Health Sciences views it as a symptom of conditions like Agnimandya and Amlapitta, often stemming from poor diet or eating habits. The term manifests as discomfort, pain, or other symptoms.
Synonyms: Dyspepsia, Upset stomach, Gastrointestinal discomfort, Bloating, Heartburn, Stomach upset, Abdominal discomfort., Stomachache, Acid reflux, Nausea
In French: Indigestion; In Dutch: Indigestie; In Finnish: Ruoansulatushäiriöt; In Spanish: Indigestión; In German: Verdauungsstörungen; In Swedish: Dålig matsmältning; In Malay: Senak perut; In Italian: Indigestione; In Portugese: Indigestão; In Polish: Niestrawność
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Indigestion'
In Buddhism, Indigestion represents various challenges. It's a tactic for food avoidance, a fatal consequence of overeating, a source of physical heaviness, and a result of stress. It can also be linked to spiritual impurities, affecting sacred food's effectiveness.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A health condition that afflicted King Pasenadi due to stress caused by his circumstances.[1] (2) The physical discomfort that Maha Moggallana considers to be the cause of his heaviness, representing external and internal challenges.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A condition the Crow pretends to suffer from to avoid sharing food with the Pigeon.[3]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A health condition that caused the ascetic's demise after he overate on the seventh day of fasting.[4]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A state resulting from spiritual impurities that may affect the efficacy of sacred food.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Indigestion'
In Hinduism, indigestion is multifaceted. It is a common digestive issue, a symptom of other ailments, and a condition treatable by various remedies, including specific medicines and dietary adjustments. It can cause discomfort, vomiting, and is linked to improper eating habits and other health problems.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) The medicine, in pill form, is indicated for curing ailments such as indigestion, as well as other conditions like piles and leprosy, according to the information.[6] (2) It is one of the ailments that the medicinal preparation is intended to cure, among other conditions such as fever and flatulence.[7] (3) This medicine is indicated to cure indigestion, along with other conditions such as rheumatism, fever, excess of phlegm, and enlarged spleen.[8] (4) Indigestion is a condition mentioned alongside fever, indicating that the medicine is particularly effective when a fever is accompanied by indigestion, suggesting a targeted application.[9] (5) Indigestion is a condition that the medicine prepared using the described process is intended to cure, along with many other unspecified ailments and diseases.[10]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Indigestion is a symptom of amlapitta, which can also manifest as fatigue, nausea, belching with bitter and sour taste, heaviness of the body, burning sensation in the heart and throat, and aversion to food, according to the text.[11] (2) The text mentions indigestion as a symptom or disease that can be addressed by a medicine.[12] (3) A digestive condition that can lead to vomiting, characterized by discomfort or difficulty in digesting food.[13] (4) A digestive issue linked with poor dietary choices that can exacerbate the problem of worms.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) This is a condition that is treated by bira, and is a sign of the efficacy of the substance, according to the information given.[15] (2) This digestive issue is addressed by using betel nuts, indicating a remedy to aid in the process of food digestion.[16]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 2: Minerals (uparasa)
(1) A digestive condition that Manas-shila is said to remedy.[17]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) If a person has a weak digestive system or is experiencing indigestion, Snehana therapy may not be suitable.[18] (2) This is a possible outcome of over consumption of spicy food, which can trigger issues in the upper GIT.[19] (3) Indigestion is a digestive discomfort that can accompany liver-related health issues.[20] (4) This is a condition that is listed among the causes of eczema, and it is mentioned alongside constipation, acidity, and flatulence in the text.[21] (5) This is one of the symptoms that was assessed in the study to find any association with waist height ratio.[22]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This is one of the clinical indications and it is given with Lashunadi vati and Kupiluhingwadi vati, according to the text.[23] (2) It occurs when the digestive fire is weak, leading to improper digestion and an inability to separate beneficial ingredients from waste.[24] (3) This is a health problem that can be addressed through the use of Pippal and Ajwain.[25] (4) This describes the difficulty in digesting food, and is one of the symptoms under consideration.[26]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) If menstruation occurs as a result of this, an abortion of the fetus cannot be averted.[27] (2) A digestive disorder that can lead to the impairment of gastric fire and manifest in symptoms including diarrhea.[28]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A digestive disorder that can contribute to the development of symptoms in patients afflicted with Gulma.[29]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A condition characterized by difficult digestion, where the excrement is expelled with difficulty, often linked to the malfunction of the digestive organ known as gahani.[30]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A health condition marked by difficulty in digesting food, which can result from eating habits.[31]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A digestive disorder that may accompany conditions of Vata-roga.[32]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) Ajeerna, a condition that contraindicates the use of matrabasti, highlighting the importance of proper diet before administration.[33]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A digestive disorder that can contribute to the accumulation of mucous in the head, potentially leading to nasal problems.[34] (2) A common digestive issue that involves discomfort after eating, addressed by the medicinal properties of the Modaka.[35] (3) A digestive issue that is treated with the compound described.[36] (4) Difficulty in digesting food, which can be exacerbated by the presence of parasites.[37] (5) Indigestion is a digestive disorder that results in symptoms like nausea and can lead to vomiting.[38]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The discomfort experienced by deities and ancestors due to excessive food offerings given at the Sraddha.[39]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A metaphor used in the text to illustrate how minor discomfort can prevent enjoyment of something otherwise pleasurable.[40] (2) A disagreeable physical condition resulting from improper eating habits; mentioned as an example of an undesirable outcome.[41] (3) A digestive condition where food consumed the previous day has not yet been processed, leading to discomfort.[42] (4) A condition that should be avoided when deciding the timing of meals; consuming food during this state is deemed inappropriate.[43]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Indigestion is a factor, along with mucus and bile, that the literatures do not address, as their focus is on the complexities of grammar.[44] (2) A condition of discomfort or inability to digest food properly, which was caused by eating rice in the context of the provided text.[45] (3) The ailment experienced by the Lord, prompting Him to seek help from Murari Gupta.[46]
The concept of Indigestion in local and regional sources
Indigestion is presented as a notable health concern within the text. It's linked to potential diabetes and is cited as a root cause of ailments, tied to eating habits. The text also describes it as a personal physical ailment, connected to prior health issues and the author's current discomfort.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The text identifies indigestion as a significant health issue, potentially leading to diabetes, and suggests that the root cause of many ailments is due to eating habits.[47] (2) This is a physical ailment the author is suffering from, which is likely due to the water in the area, and is affecting his health.[48] (3) This refers to a physical ailment that caused the sender's prior health issues, which was identified as the primary cause of their discomfort by the healers they consulted for treatment.[49]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A medical condition suffered by the tiger after eating a man, which led to severe pain and the belief that his end was near.[50]
The concept of Indigestion in scientific sources
Indigestion is a prevalent digestive issue marked by stomach discomfort and difficulty digesting food. It arises from various factors like diet, eating habits, and impaired digestion. This condition is often linked to related issues such as Amlapitta, and is addressed with remedies like lavender, Mentha piperata oil, and herbal solutions.
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) Discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often related to eating, for which lavender has been traditionally used as a remedy.[51] (2) Difficulty in digesting food, a gastric problem that Itrifal Kishneezi has been traditionally used for in Unani medicine.[52]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) "Indigestion" is a medical complaint that may be included on a patient's list of issues to discuss with a doctor during a consultation.[53]
From: Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics
(1) A classical symptom of Amlapitta, specifically Avipaka, used as a criterion for patient selection.[54]
From: Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development
(1) The effectiveness of some plants and bark has been demonstrated in treating conditions such as stomachaches, abdominal pains, indigestion, diarrhoea, diabetes, venereal diseases, and infirmity.[55]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) A digestive discomfort for which radish has been traditionally used as a remedy in various cultures and folk medicine practices.[56] (2) A digestive discomfort for which herbal remedies such as Psidium guajava L. are used, forming part of the broader category of digestive problems.[57]