15 Powders to Warm the Stomach
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‘All disease begins in the Stomach’ was an aphorism taken from Hippocrates. The ability of the Stomach to digest properly is directly related to the maintenance of Health, and the development of Disease. “All Disease begins the the Stomach“ Hippocrates Therefore, making sure the Stomach is working properly is of prime importance. Medicines used to warm the Stomach and activate the Qi are used to stimulate digestion and absorption, clear Cold and Damp, and promote movement of food through the Digestive system. The following are all related formulas traditionally used to warm the Stomach, promote Digestion, restore appetite, increases nutrition, and relieve Wind and bloating. |
There are many, many variations, but basically they consist of warming spices along with aromatic seeds of the apiaceae (celery) family. Cinnamon and Ginger are the most important spices, Long Pepper, Mace, Nutmeg, Clove and Cardamon all being common additions. Fennel and Aniseed are most commonly used of the seeds, these being sweetest and most grateful to taste and the stomach. Cumin, Caraway and Coriander are also often used. Sugar is often added, or the seeds are used in their confected form. Sweetness is better liked by the Stomach and the sugar acts as a type of buffer to the very warming ingredients. Licorice was sometimes used with sugar, and can be used today in place of sugar, or else Honey can be used to form an Electuary. These are pleasant, safe medicines for people with poor digestion, nausea, indigestion, bloating etc. |
Remember: 3 scruples = 1 dram; 8 drams = 1 oz.
Common Tragea (1)Cinnamon Ginger, 1 oz. each Clove, 1 ½ drams Anise ½ oz. Mace, 1 dram Sugar, sufficient Common Tragea (2)Nutmeg Prepared Coriander, 2 oz. each Cinnamon Clove, 1 dram each Mace, ½ dram Sugar, 3–6 oz. Common Tragea (3)Cinnamon Ginger, ½ oz. each Coriander seed 1 oz. each Nutmeg Clove Mace Galangal, 2 drams each Sugar, sufficient Common Tragea (4)Confected Fennel seed Confected Aniseed Confected Caraway Licorice, equal parts of each Ginger Long Pepper, of each a little Tragea GrossaCinnamon, ½ oz. Ginger, 3 drams Nutmeg, 1 ½ oz. Mace, 1 dram Clove, ½ dram Confected Aniseed, 2 drams Tragea Grossa for the StomachCalamus Licorice Gentian, 4 oz. each Tormentail Zedoary Amomum Galangal, 1 oz. each Ginger Nutmeg Long Pepper, ½ oz. each Cinnamon Clove, 6 drams each Aniseed Fennel Caraway, 1 oz. each Tragea for the Stomach, Head, Lungs and LiverCinnamon, 1 oz. Licorice, 3 ½ drams Nutmeg, 3 drams Ginger Galangal Aniseed, 2 drams each Clove Mace, 1 dram each Sugar, as desired Common Tragea (5)Cinnamon, ½ oz. Ginger Clove Mace Galangal, 2 drams each Calamus Zedoary, 2 scruples each Tabasheer, 1 scruple |
Imperial PowderCinnamon Ginger, 2 drams each Nutmeg Galangal Amomum Cardamon Long Pepper, 1 scruple each Calamus, 1 dram Clove, ½ dram Species IncisaLicorice, 1 oz. (8 drams) Cinnamon, 6 drams Ginger, 5 drams Calamus ½ oz. (4 drams) Nutmeg Galangal Clove, 2 drams each Aniseed Caraway Fennel seed Coriander seed, 2 oz. each This was beaten with Sugar. Tragea OptimaAniseed Fennel seed Caraway Cumin Calamint Pennyroyal, 1 dram each Long Pepper Spikenard (or Valerian) Mastic Rock Salt Licorice Cardamon, ½ dram each Good for the Stomach and Digestion, clears Wind, benefits sight, Vertigo and Stones. Powder to Season food withCinnamon 2 oz. Ginger, 1 oz. Long Pepper Galangal Amomum, 2 drams each Cardamon Nutmeg Sandalwood Rose, 1 dram each Clove ½ dram Saffron 1 scruple Optimal Powder to have with FoodAmomum (Greater Cardamon) Lesser Cardamon Aniseed Fennel seed Caraway Cumin Zedoary Sage Long Pepper Clove Saffron, 2 drams Licorice Nutmeg, ½ oz. (4 drams) ea. Cinnamon 1 oz. Pennyroyal 2 ½ oz. Powder, to be taken with food Purges the Brain; good against Vertigo, benefits Sight, restores when lost; strengthens digestion, increases appetite, clears intestinal wind, strengthens the cold and in convalescence, strengthens Lungs. |
Examples from Ayurveda
Trikatu – Three PungentsGinger Black Pepper Long Pepper, equal parts Despite this being a simple formula, only composed of three spices, it is the foundation of many formulas to warm the Stomach, clear Cold and Damp, and promote Digestion in both Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine. It is also used in the other traditions occasionally. Because so much importance is placed on Digestion in Ayurveda, this combination appears in many traditional formulas of that system, and not only for digestive disorders. As it enhances digestion and assimilation, when added to large formulas, or formulas with hard-to-digest medicines, it enhances their efficacy. |
Asafetida 8 PowderGinger Black Pepper Long Pepper Celery seed Cumin Nigella Asafetida Rock Salt, of each equal parts The Asafetida is fried in Ghee, then the other ingredients are mixed. This again combines Apiaceae seed with Spices, but adds Rock Salt and Asafetida. Ayurvedic prescriptions regularly add Rock Salt to such digestive formulas, and Rock Salt could be added to any of the above formulas with benefit. Used similarly for Indigestion, Bloating, Abdominal Distention or Pain, Belching, Hiccups, Food Stagnation etc. Dose: 1–2 grams |
Other Related formula
Powder to Strengthen the Stomach of Andernacus
Powder for Digestion (Riverius)
Peptic Powder