Ayurveda treatment of Obesity by prescribing illness specific medicinal herbs and dietary recommendations

Ayurveda perceives obesity as a disorder rooted in the imbalance of doshas, predominantly Kapha dosha, along with disrupted digestive fire (Agni). According to Ayurvedic principles, when Kapha accumulates excessively, it leads to the creation of excessive fat tissues, resulting in weight gain and adipose deposition. This imbalance is often attributed to unhealthy dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, emotional factors, and metabolic irregularities. Ayurveda recognizes the unique constitution (Prakriti) of individuals, and imbalances may vary, necessitating personalized approaches for effective intervention.

The Ayurvedic perspective on obesity extends beyond mere physical symptoms, acknowledging the mental and emotional components involved. Emotional imbalances, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to the disruption of doshas and exacerbate obesity. Ayurvedic treatment for obesity is holistic, emphasizing lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, herbal supplements, and detoxification procedures. The primary goal is to pacify aggravated Kapha dosha, enhance Agni, and facilitate the elimination of accumulated toxins (ama) in the body.

Dietary recommendations involve favoring foods that balance Kapha, such as warm, light, and dry options, while minimizing heavy, sweet, and oily substances. Herbal formulations, often containing ingredients like Triphala, Guggulu, and ginger, are employed to support digestion, stimulate metabolism, and reduce adipose accumulation. Regular physical activity is encouraged, with emphasis on exercises that promote warmth, mobility, and energy expenditure.

Ayurveda recognizes the need for a gradual and sustainable approach to weight management, avoiding drastic measures that may further imbalance the doshas. Behavioral modifications, stress management techniques, and mindful eating practices are integral components of Ayurvedic interventions for obesity. The focus is not solely on shedding pounds but on restoring the overall equilibrium of the individual, fostering a state of optimal health and vitality. Ayurveda’s holistic understanding of obesity embraces the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, providing a comprehensive framework for those seeking sustainable weight management solutions.

In Ayurveda, there are seven dhatus or what we also call as body tissues and its these seven dhatus which carries the physiology as a whole. If there is any under nourishment of any of these or if there is any over nourishment of any of these, then certainly many imbalances can happen resulting in diseases:

• rasa – the food substance which is digested
• rakta – blood
• mansa – muscle
• meda – adipose tissue
• asthi – bones
• majja – bone marrow
• shukra – sperm, semen, ovum

Now if we have to understand the principles of ayurveda medical science, the food which we are eating results in the nourishment of the rasa dhatu or the digested portion forms the rasa dhatu. And in sequence wise list, the next one gets nourished from the preceding one. So we can say that shukra is the last one to get nourished and rasa is the first one to get nourished.

In an illness like obesity which is very much in prevalence nowadays, the imbalance starts at the meda (adipose / fat) and asthi (bone) dhatu. There happens a stagnation in the flow of nurtition from meda to corresponding asthi, majja and shukra dhatus and as a result, the fat tissue keeps on depositing more and more in the body and as mansa (muscle) is the predessor one so it gets affected the most due to deposition of fats. Yes certainly an irregular dietary and lifestyle regimen are to be blamed for this imbalance and although genetics also play a role here.

Also there is one more principle of ayurveda which needs to be understood here and which states that excess of fat deposition leads to more “encouragment” in the digestive fire “jathragni” which forms an uneding loop. The patient starts feeling very good appetite and feels hungry most of the times. Thus in this process, more fats get build up and its this very reason why dietary recommendations are very important for any patient whose taking treatment for obesity.

Ayurveda, the ancient system of holistic medicine from India, views obesity as an imbalance in the doshas, primarily Kapha dosha, along with impaired digestion and metabolism. Ayurvedic home remedies for obesity aim to balance the doshas, improve digestion, and promote a healthy metabolism. It’s important to note that individual variations exist, and consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended for personalized advice.

Here are some Ayurvedic-inspired home remedies for obesity:

1. Triphala Powder:
   • Triphala, a blend of three fruits (Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki), is known for its detoxifying properties. Mix one teaspoon of Triphala powder in warm water and consume it before bedtime. This remedy is believed to aid digestion and promote the elimination of toxins.
2. Ginger and Lemon Tea:
   • Ginger stimulates digestion and helps in weight management. Prepare ginger tea by boiling fresh ginger slices in water. Add a dash of lemon juice and honey for flavor. Consume this tea before meals to enhance digestion.
3. Cumin and Coriander Tea:
   • Boil cumin and coriander seeds in water, strain, and drink the infused water. Both cumin and coriander aid digestion and metabolism, potentially supporting weight loss.
4. Honey and Cinnamon:
   • Mix a teaspoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon powder in warm water. Consuming this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning is believed to support metabolism and weight management.
5. Fennel Seed Infusion:
   • Fennel seeds are known for their digestive properties. Boil fennel seeds in water, strain, and drink the infused water. This remedy may help improve digestion and reduce bloating.
6. Trikatu Churna:
   • Trikatu, a blend of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger, is known for its digestive and metabolism-enhancing properties. Mix Trikatu churna with honey and consume it before meals to support digestion.
7. Aloe Vera Juice:
   • Aloe vera is believed to have detoxifying properties. Mix aloe vera juice with a pinch of turmeric and consume it in the morning on an empty stomach. Ensure the aloe vera used is food-grade.
8. Fenugreek Seeds Soak:
   • Soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and consume them in the morning. Fenugreek is considered beneficial for weight management and may help control appetite.
9. Barley Water:
   • Boil barley in water and strain to make barley water. Drinking this throughout the day is believed to have a cooling effect and support weight loss.
10. Guggul Supplements:
    • Guggul, derived from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, is used in Ayurveda to support metabolism and weight management. Guggul supplements should be taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
11. Daily Exercise Routine:
    • Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of regular exercise for weight management. Engage in activities like brisk walking, yoga, or Ayurvedic exercises (Panchakarma) to enhance metabolism.
12. Ayurvedic Dietary Guidelines:
    • Adopt a Kapha-pacifying diet by favoring warm, light, and easily digestible foods. Reduce the intake of sweet, fatty, and heavy foods that may aggravate Kapha dosha.

Remember, these home remedies should be part of a holistic approach to weight management, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner to create a personalized plan that considers your unique constitution and imbalances. Additionally, it’s crucial to approach weight management with a focus on overall health rather than rapid weight loss.

Causes of Obesity

• jathragni (digestive fire) gets encouraged up due to many idiopathic factors
• there is gross imbalance in the nourishment of meda and asthi dhatus whereby the meda dhatus gets overnourished and does not pass much to the next ladder.
• above process leads to an imbalance in the vata dosha which further fuels the digestive fire and it all forms an unending loop.

Here is a detailed explanation of the causes of obesity in Ayurveda:

1. Kapha Dosha Imbalance:
   • Ayurveda recognizes three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – as the fundamental energies governing the body. Obesity is often linked to an aggravated Kapha dosha, characterized by qualities of heaviness, coldness, and stagnation. Excessive Kapha can lead to an accumulation of fat tissues in the body.
2. Impaired Digestion (Manda Agni):
   • According to Ayurveda, the digestive fire (Agni) plays a crucial role in breaking down food, extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. Impaired digestion, known as Manda Agni, can result in the inefficient processing of food, leading to the accumulation of undigested toxins (ama) and excess fat.
3. Unhealthy Diet and Eating Habits:
   • Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced and appropriate diet for maintaining health. Consuming excessive amounts of heavy, oily, and sweet foods, as well as overeating and irregular eating patterns, can contribute to Kapha imbalance and obesity.
4. Lack of Physical Activity (Avyayama):
   • Sedentary lifestyles and insufficient physical activity contribute to the accumulation of Kapha dosha. Lack of exercise reduces the body’s ability to burn calories and maintain a healthy metabolic rate, leading to weight gain.
5. Emotional Factors (Manasika Hetu):
   • Ayurveda recognizes the impact of emotions on overall health. Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and emotional eating can disturb the balance of doshas and contribute to overeating, especially of comfort foods high in Kapha-increasing qualities.
6. Genetic Predisposition (Janmaja):
   • Ayurveda acknowledges the influence of genetic factors in determining an individual’s constitution and susceptibility to certain imbalances. A family history of obesity or metabolic disorders may contribute to an increased risk.
7. Hormonal Imbalances (Dosha Dushti):
   • Ayurveda considers hormonal imbalances as a potential cause of obesity. Disorders affecting the endocrine system, such as thyroid dysfunction and hormonal fluctuations, can disrupt metabolic processes and contribute to weight gain.
8. Sleep Disturbances (Anidra):
   • Inadequate or disturbed sleep patterns can disturb the balance of doshas, particularly increasing Kapha. Poor sleep is associated with hormonal imbalances, increased appetite, and decreased energy expenditure.
9. Seasonal Influences (Ritu Dushti):
   • Ayurveda recognizes the impact of seasons on the body’s equilibrium. Certain seasons, especially during the cold and damp months, can increase Kapha dosha, potentially contributing to weight gain.
10. Excessive Intake of Sweet and Fatty Foods:
    • Ayurveda identifies specific tastes that can aggravate Kapha dosha. Excessive consumption of sweet, salty, and fatty foods, which have Kapha-increasing qualities, can contribute to obesity.
11. Digestive Weakness (Agnimandya):
    • Digestive weakness can hinder the proper breakdown and assimilation of nutrients, leading to the accumulation of undigested food particles and ama. This, in turn, contributes to the accumulation of fat.
12. Environmental Factors (Desha Dushti):
    • The environment, including living in a cold and damp climate, can influence the balance of doshas. Individuals residing in environments that aggravate Kapha may be more prone to obesity.

Illness specific herbs used in preparing ayurveda medications for obesity are as follows:

The primary medicinal herbs which are used as ingredients in the ayurveda formulation for the treatment protocol of Obesity patient are as follows:

• Vidanga (Embelia ribes)
• Aparajita (Cletoria ternatea)
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Bimbi (Coccinia indica)
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
• Bibhitaka (Terminalia bellerica)
• Chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum)
• Amalki (Emblica officinalis)
• Agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis)
• Dronapushpi (Leucas cephalotes)
• Hritpatri (Digitalis purpurea)
• Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata)
• Kokilaksha (Asteracantha longifolia)
• Karvir (Nerium indicum)
• Kadamb (Anthocephalus indicus)
• Parsik yavani (Hyoscyomus niger)
• Patha (Cissampeloes pareira)
• Sasharp (Brassica campestris)
• Tavakshir (Curcuma angustifolia)
• Ishwari (Aristolochia indica)
• Darbh (Imperata cylindrica)
• Chakarmard (Cassia tora)
• Bhuimalaki (Phyllanthus urinaria)
• Ankol (Alangium salvifolium)

Ayurveda utilizes a variety of medicinal plants to address obesity, aiming to balance doshas, improve digestion, and enhance metabolism. These plants are chosen for their specific properties that help alleviate Kapha dosha imbalances and support weight management. Here is a detailed explanation of some medicinal plants commonly used in Ayurveda for obesity:

1. Guggul (Commiphora wightii):

   • Guggul is a resin obtained from the Commiphora wightii tree. It is renowned for its lipid-lowering properties and is often used in Ayurvedic formulations to support weight management by improving metabolism and reducing cholesterol levels.

2. Triphala (Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica):

   • Triphala is a combination of three fruits: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica). This herbal blend is known for its detoxifying and digestive properties, aiding in the elimination of toxins and supporting healthy digestion.

3. Vrikshamla (Garcinia cambogia):

   • Vrikshamla, also known as Garcinia cambogia, contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is believed to inhibit the conversion of carbohydrates into fat. It is commonly used to support weight loss efforts and control appetite.

4. Trikatu (Black Pepper, Long Pepper, Ginger):

   • Trikatu is a combination of three spices: Black Pepper, Long Pepper, and Ginger. This formulation is valued for its ability to enhance digestive fire (Agni) and metabolism, promoting the efficient breakdown of food and supporting weight management.

5. Musta (Cyperus rotundus):

   • Musta is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing Kapha dosha and is often used in Ayurvedic formulations for weight management and improving digestion.

6. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):

   • Guduchi, also known as Giloy, is valued for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. In the context of obesity, it helps in reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

7. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa):

   • Punarnava is recognized for its diuretic properties, aiding in the elimination of excess water from the body. It is commonly used in Ayurveda for managing water retention and supporting weight loss.

8. Triphala Guggulu:

   • Triphala Guggulu combines the benefits of Triphala with Guggul resin. This formulation is often used to balance doshas, improve digestion, and promote healthy weight management.

9. Kokum (Garcinia indica):

   • Kokum is another fruit related to Garcinia cambogia and contains hydroxycitric acid. It is used to control appetite, enhance metabolism, and support weight loss in Ayurvedic practices.

10. Barley (Hordeum vulgare):

    • Barley is known for its cooling properties and is recommended in Ayurveda for balancing Kapha dosha. Including barley in the diet is believed to support weight management.

11. Vidanga (Embelia ribes):

    • Vidanga is recognized for its digestive and metabolism-boosting properties. It is used in Ayurvedic formulations to aid in weight management by enhancing the body’s ability to process and eliminate toxins.

12. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):

    • Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, is used in Ayurveda to manage stress and cortisol levels, which can be associated with emotional eating and weight gain. It supports overall well-being during the weight management process.

It’s important to note that these medicinal plants are often combined in various formulations to address the multifaceted nature of obesity in Ayurveda. The choice of herbs depends on an individual’s doshic constitution, specific imbalances, and overall health status. Consultation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended for personalized guidance and effective utilization of these medicinal plants in the context of weight management.

Over the counter ayurveda medications prescribed for Obesity

• Varanadi kashyam
• Kumaryasava
• Navaka guggulu
• Triphala guggulu
• Mudgadikkanji kashya
• Krimighnadi vati
• Kanchnara guggulu
• Ayaskriti
• Medohara vidangadi lehyam
• Tryushandhya kwatham
• Arogyavardhini vati
• Hingwasthak churna

Here is a detailed explanation of some common medications used in Ayurveda for obesity:

1. Medohar Guggulu:
   • Medohar Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that combines Guggulu (resin), Triphala (three fruits), Trikatu (three spices), and other herbs. It is widely used to balance Kapha dosha, improve digestion, and aid in weight management.
2. Triphala Churna:
   • Triphala Churna is a well-known Ayurvedic powder comprising three fruits: Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica). It is valued for its detoxifying properties, promoting healthy digestion, and supporting weight loss.
3. Varanadi Kwath:
   • Varanadi Kwath is a decoction prepared from herbs like Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) and others. It is used to balance Kapha dosha, promote urinary elimination, and support weight management.
4. Arogyavardhini Vati:
   • Arogyavardhini Vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation containing herbs like Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki, Shilajit, and Guggulu. It is known for its detoxifying properties and is used to balance doshas, improve digestion, and aid in weight loss.
5. Trikatu Churna:
   • Trikatu Churna is a powder formulation combining three pungent spices: Black Pepper, Long Pepper, and Ginger. It is used to stimulate digestion, enhance metabolism, and support weight management.
6. Gugguluthikthakam Kashayam:
   • Gugguluthikthakam Kashayam is a herbal decoction containing Guggulu, Neem (Azadirachta indica), and other herbs. It is used for its anti-inflammatory properties, detoxification, and support in managing obesity.
7. Ayaskriti:
   • Ayaskriti is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation containing Iron Bhasma (processed iron), Triphala, and other herbs. It is used to enhance metabolism, improve digestion, and support weight management.
8. Punarnavadi Kashayam:
   • Punarnavadi Kashayam is a decoction formulated with Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and other herbs. It is used for its diuretic properties, promoting the elimination of excess water and supporting weight loss.
9. Lekhaneeeya Gana Herbs:
   • Lekhaneeeya Gana comprises herbs with scraping and fat-reducing properties. Herbs like Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) are often used to promote weight loss.
10. Amruta Guggulu:
    • Amruta Guggulu is a formulation that combines Guggulu with herbs like Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Amalaki, and Guduchi. It is used for its detoxifying properties, supporting digestion, and aiding in weight management.
11. Trikadi Kwath:
    • Trikadi Kwath is a herbal decoction containing Trikatu (three pungent spices) and other herbs. It is used to enhance digestion, stimulate the digestive fire, and promote weight loss.
12. Vidangadi Churna:
    • Vidangadi Churna is a powdered formulation containing Vidanga (Embelia ribes) and other herbs. It is used for its anti-parasitic properties, supporting digestion, and aiding in weight management.