Single Herbs and Diet Propagated by Classical Ayurvedic Texts for Improving ‘Gut Health’ as Indicated in Grahani (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - A Review

Abstract

‘Gut’ is being referred to as ‘second brain’ as the role played by the gut is very crucial to health. In continuation, the gut microbiome is a part of gut health. Diet plays an important role in maintaining the healthy microbiome. A close correlation to gut health is found to Grahani mentioned in Ayurveda. The word ‘Grahani’ is used to specify the organ ‘Grahani’ correlated as duodenum and the disease ‘Grahani’ whose clinical presentation of alternating frequent watery bowels, and constipation blood-stained stools can be correlated to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This disease is attributed to the pathology of the Annavaha srotas (channels carrying the food and the related organs). Even with medical intervention, Ahara (food) is to be planned with utmost care and sensitivity. In Grahani, the treatments and diet prescribed are meant for the healing and recovery of the alimentary tract, they are inclusive of the gut microbiome also. Hence a literature review of the Brhatrayis - the three major classical textbooks in Ayurveda: Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita and Ashtanga Sangraha and Hrdaya were reviewed for the single herbs and diet recommendations in Grahani. Articles supporting this fact from modern pharmacology were added as supporting documents. No review has been done so far exploring into the depths of the Ayurvedic Samhitas regarding the single herbs and diet mentioned to address gastric ailments thus relating to the gut and gut health. This article aims at filling this lacuna.