Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently shared a personal detail about her life that resonates with millions of Indians: her fondness for the popular herbal tablet Hajmola. During an appearance on Kapil Sharma's talk show, she described her dependence on it as a digestive aid, even mentioning how she stored containers of it in a drawer and that her husband, Nick Jonas, wasn't a fan.
This revelation, made in late December 2025, highlighted a common national practice. For countless people across India, popping a chewable herbal pill like Hajmola after a heavy meal, wedding feast, or street food indulgence is a ritual seen as essential for settling the stomach.
The Expert Verdict: Irritant Over Aid
However, a stark contrast exists between popular perception and medical opinion. Nutritionists and gastrointestinal experts caution that these widely consumed tablets are often more of a gastric irritant and appetite stimulant than a true digestive aid. For many individuals, especially those with pre-existing conditions like acidity, reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or sensitive stomachs, these pills can actually worsen digestive symptoms instead of providing relief.
The core issue lies in the definition of a digestive aid. True digestives support the process by increasing enzyme secretion or bile flow, gently aiding gut motility without harming the stomach lining, and reducing bloating or gas. Natural options like ginger, fennel (saunf), cumin (jeera), ajwain, and peppermint excel in this role.
What's Really Inside Your Herbal Digestive?
The composition of many commercial herbal digestives tells a different story. They typically contain:
- Acidic compounds like citric acid and amchur (dry mango powder).
- Osmotic irritants such as black salt and regular salt, especially problematic in large amounts.
- A mix of spices, hot chilli powder, pippali (long pepper), clove, and ginger that increase gastric acid secretion.
- Additional components like sugar and artificial flavour enhancers.
This potent combination creates the signature mouth-watering, tingling sensation. Importantly, this sensation is not a sign of improved digestion; it is merely the result of gastric stimulation.
Why We Feel They Work & The Hidden Risks
The tablets work by stimulating taste receptors, triggering saliva and gastric acid production, and temporarily increasing stomach activity. This creates a false sense of relief by making the stomach feel "active" and providing a sharp sensory distraction from feelings of heaviness.
This stimulation, however, does not equate to better digestion. It often means more acid and gastric activity, which can progressively worsen digestion for many. The risks are significant for certain groups:
- It can increase stomach acid, worsening acid reflux, heartburn, and gastritis in those with sensitive guts.
- It can irritate the stomach lining, leading to burning, nausea, or discomfort.
- It can exacerbate symptoms for people with GERD, peptic ulcers, or IBS.
- The salt-acid mix can cause bloating and loose stools.
- Frequent consumption may lead to increased thirst, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance.
Ultimately, these supplements push the digestive system into a state of heightened chemical activity rather than calming it. They do not address root causes of discomfort like poor gut motility, low enzyme output, microbiome imbalance, or overeating.
Who Should Be Cautious and What Are The Alternatives?
Experts advise particular caution for individuals with:
- Acid reflux or frequent heartburn
- A history of ulcers or gastritis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- High blood pressure (due to high sodium content)
- A sensitive stomach or anxiety-linked gut issues
For those seeking genuine digestive support, experts recommend gentler, traditional alternatives:
- Chewing a few fennel seeds (saunf) after meals.
- Drinking ajwain water for bloating.
- Having ginger tea for slow digestion.
- Consuming buttermilk with roasted cumin or probiotic foods like curd.
While herbal digestives like Hajmola offer a sharp, appealing taste and a sensation of action, their physiological effect aligns more closely with a chemical stimulant than a digestive healer. For long-term gut health, the focus should be on foods and habits that soothe, support, and replenish the digestive system, not provoke it.
