Agni – the digestive fire in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic nutrition

Agni – the digestive fire in Ayurveda

What does Agni mean?

Agni (also called digestive fire) is the source of our health according to Ayurvedic teachings. A healthy digestion is one of the most important aspects to maintain strong health into old age.

What does and influences Agni?

Agni is responsible for the digestive process as well as for the assimilation of food and is the main focus of Ayurvedic nutritional teachings. Many physical ailments such as constipation, flatulence, heartburn, reflux or even diarrhea are directly related to the function of the digestive fire. Depending on the nature of the excretions, one can recognize which foods are optimally metabolized and which ones burden our metabolism.

How does Ayurvedic diet influence agni?

In Ayurveda, it is not only important what we eat, but also that our digestive fire works optimally so that nutrients can be completely broken down, assimilated and excreted. It is therefore advisable to avoid eating habits that weaken our digestive capacities. The food that is not digested forms toxins (called Ama in Ayurveda) that circulate throughout the body through the blood and lymph, weakening our defenses and causing various health problems.

The Ayurveda specialists at Giardino Hotels will be happy to provide you with dietary recommendations appropriate to your constitution as well as further tips at any time.

7 tips for a better digestive fire (Agni) from our Ayurveda specialists:

• Use spices and herbs that stimulate and improve digestion.
• Do not consume drinks or edibles that come straight from the refrigerator. Yes to warm drinks. (more information on does and donts)
• Pay attention to the right amount of food and do not eat beyond hunger.
• Always chew well and insalivate food well.
• Take a short digestive walk and breathe deeply – this will improve your digestion.
• Keep it simple, don’t combine too many different foods.
• Avoid stress and discussions during the meal.

Recipe idea: Agni drink

• 1/2 liter of water
• 4-5 slices of fresh ginger
• 2 slices of turmeric
• 1 pinch rock salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• coriander seeds
• star anise

Boil down to 2.5 dl, strain and sip before meals.

More details on Ayurvedic cures in Switzerland and how Ayurveda works at:
Ayurveda by Giardino

The hotel to the story:
Hotel Giardino Ascona