ABSTRACT

In Ayurveda, the gastrointestinal system plays a very important role in both the maintenance of health and the cause of disease, not only diseases of the gastrointestinal tract but all disorders. A weak digestion, known as mandagni, is considered to be the main cause of all diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders.1 Therefore, spices and herbs have been commonly added to food or taken as drugs to improve digestion, aid absorption, and promote elimination. The two most commonly used spices in Indian cooking are ginger and turmeric. Clinical trials covering such common, classical uses are rare. However, a clinical trial has been carried out to evaluate the efficacy of ginger in malabsorption syndrome or grahni roga.2