Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
In Ayurveda vomiting is known as Chhardi and is classified into five types caused by Vata Pitta Kapha Tridosha and exogenous factors like disgusting sights worms or pregnancy. The pathology involves the upward movement of vitiated doshas ejecting gastric contents through the mouth preceded by nausea and salivation. Madhava Nidana describes specific symptoms where Vata causes painful and loud vomiting Pitta causes burning and sour vomit and Kapha produces cold and slimy expulsion. Management described in Chakradatta primarily involves fasting to digest Ama followed by light diets like parched paddy water mixed with honey. Treatment focuses on pacifying the specific aggravated dosha using herbal formulations containing ginger and sandalwood or through purification therapies like mild emesis for Kapha and purgation for Pitta.
Vomiting (Chardi) is a condition characterized by the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. In Ayurveda, it is defined as the upward movement of the Doshas (bio-energies) that cover the mouth and produce pain in the vital organs. It is often associated with the aggravation of Udana Vayu (a sub-type of air energy) and the stomach (Amasaya). While often a symptom of other diseases, it is also treated as an independent disease entity with specific classifications and treatments.
Chardi is defined as the expulsion of doshas (impurities) or food contents through the mouth, driven by the forceful upward impulse of the body's winds (Vata). It is characterized by the covering of the face or mouth by the ejected material. In Ayurveda, it is considered a disorder primarily of the stomach () caused by the vitiation of due to incompatible diet or stress, leading to the upward expulsion of contents.
Literal Meaning: The term Chardi refers to the act of vomiting or expelling contents upward.
Conceptual Interpretation: Vomiting is viewed as a reversal of the natural downward flow of Apana Vata and Samana Vata. The Udana Vata becomes aggravated and forces the contents of the stomach upwards,. It acts as a natural mechanism to expel Ama (toxins) or incompatible substances from the body.
Viruddha Ahara (incompatible foods)
Excessive intake of liquid, oily, or heavy foods
Taste imbalance (salt, sour, pungent)
Eating during Ajirna
Excessive exertion
Excessive fasting (Vata aggravation)
Suppression of natural urges
Bhaya (fear), grief, anger
Bibhatsa (disgust)
Dauhrida (pregnancy-related vomiting)
Dosha: Udana Vata, Vyana Vata with Kapha and Pitta
Dushya: Rasa, Anna
Srotas: Annavaha Srotas
Agni: Mandagni
Adhisthana: Amashaya
Hrillasa
Praseka
Aruchi
Lavanasvadata
Vataja Chardi
Pittaja Chardi
Kaphaja Chardi
Sannipataja Chardi
As per Charaka Samhita and Madhava Nidana:
Prashna and Darshana
Differential diagnosis: Hridroga, Visuchika
Langhana
Laja with honey
Draksha juice
Avoid heavy, oily foods
Rest
Hygiene
Avoid urge suppression
Sunthi with milk
Chandana
Eladi Churna
Bilwa, Kapittha
Vamana with Madanaphala
Virechana
Curable: Single Dosha involvement
Difficult: Sannipataja, Kshaya
Fatal Signs: Blood, pus, fecal odor
Correlates with Emesis
Psychogenic Vomiting
Emergency signs → intestinal obstruction
Q: Should I eat if I am vomiting?
A: No. Ayurveda recommends Langhana (fasting) as the first and most important treatment for vomiting (except when caused by pure Vata/exhaustion). Fasting helps the stomach rest and digest the toxins (Ama) causing the issue.
Q: What is the best home remedy for nausea and vomiting?
A: Licking a mixture of honey and ginger juice, or honey and powder of parched paddy (Laja), is very effective. For burning sensation (Pitta), cold grape juice or sugar water is beneficial.
Q: Why does Ayurveda suggest induced vomiting (Vamana) to treat vomiting?
A: If the vomiting is caused by a large accumulation of Kapha (mucus) and toxins in the stomach that the body is struggling to expel, Ayurveda prescribes therapeutic emesis (Vamana) with herbs like Madanaphala to completely empty the stomach. Once the stomach is clean, the urge to vomit stops naturally,.
Q: Can stress cause vomiting?
A: Yes. Ayurveda recognizes Agantuja Chardi (exogenous vomiting) which can be triggered by strong emotions like fear (Bhaya), grief, or disgust (Bibhatsa).
Q: Is vomiting in pregnancy considered a disease?
A: It is classified as Dauhrida (related to the longings of pregnancy) or Garbhini Chardi. While common, if it becomes severe, it requires management with specific light, sweet, and pleasing foods.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Apr 5, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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