Vomiting (Chardi)

Medically Reviewed by Ayuveda Clinical Team (Lead Medical Reviewer: Dr. Nitin Mohite, BAMS, MBA • Medical Logic Developer, UK • Clinical Profile • LinkedIn).

Vomiting, termed Chardi, is viewed as the upward expulsion of stomach contents due to the reverse movement (Pratiloma Gati) of Udana and Vyana Vayu. According to classical texts like Charaka Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana 20) and Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra 49), it originates in the Amashaya (stomach) when Doshas are aggravated by incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara), excessive liquid intake, or mental distress. This reversal of peristalsis forces the contents through the mouth, often preceded by Hrillasa (nausea) and Utklesha (gastric irritation). Management focuses on Langhana (fasting) to settle the stomach and restoring the natural downward flow of Vata.

Dosha imbalance

Vataja Chardi (predominant Vata): Characterized by frothy, scanty vomitus with astringent taste and abdominal pain.
Pittaja Chardi (predominant Pitta): Involves yellow, bitter, or sour vomitus accompanied by a burning sensation and thirst.
Kaphaja Chardi (predominant Kapha): Features thick, white, sweetish, and cold vomitus with heaviness and lethargy.
Sannipataja Chardi (Tri-dosha): A severe form with mixed symptoms of all three doshas.
Dwishtartha-yogaja Chardi (Psychogenic): Caused by disgusting sights, odors, or mental agitation.
Krimija Chardi: Resulting from intestinal parasite infestation.

Recommended Ayurvedic herbs

Ela (Cardamom): Acts as a potent anti-emetic and carminative. — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Shunti (Dry Ginger): Stimulates Agni and controls Vata movement. — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Excellent for Pittaja and Sannipataja Chardi. — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Mayurpucha Bhasma (Peacock feather ash): A classical herbomineral remedy specifically for stubborn vomiting. — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula): Used for its Vatanulomana (downward-moving) property. — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Effective in Pitta-induced vomiting. — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb
Bilva (Bael fruit): Often used in Garbhini Chardi (pregnancy vomiting). — Classical Ayurvedic medicinal herb

Home remedies

Laja Peya (Puffed Rice Gruel)
Cardamom and Honey Linctus
Guduchi Cold Infusion (Sheetakasaya)
Ginger-Lemon-Salt Digestive

Dietary recommendations

Laja Peya (Puffed rice water) is the primary recommended liquid diet as per Ashtanga Hridaya for its lightness.
Mudga Yusha (Green gram soup) seasoned with a pinch of rock salt and ginger.
Pomegranate juice (Dadima Rasa) to pacify Pitta and satisfy thirst.
Avoid oily, spicy, and heavy foods (Snigdha and Guru Ahara) until digestion (Agni) is restored.
Small, frequent sips of lukewarm water or rice water (Tandulodaka).
Old Shali rice (matured rice) served in a liquid gruel form.

Classical & Scientific References

Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana & Chikitsa Sthana) — Classical Ayurvedic internal medicine compendium.
Sushruta Samhita (Sharira Sthana & Uttara Tantra) — Surgical and foundational therapeutic treatise.
Ashtanga Hridaya (Vagbhata) — Core clinical principles and therapeutic pharmacology.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) & Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI), Ministry of AYUSH.

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