This is a question I hear often in clinic, and the honest answer has more nuance than a one-line rule.
Digestive complaints are where Ayurvedic assessment differs most from a standard workup — rather than a single diagnosis, I am looking at agni strength, the specific dosha pattern involved, and how long the imbalance has been present.
Dietary correction is almost always the first intervention, not herbs — specific food combinations, meal timing, and portion patterns can resolve a surprising number of chronic digestive complaints on their own within a few weeks.
When symptoms persist despite consistent dietary changes, that is when I add targeted herbal formulations, and in select cases recommend specific Panchakarma procedures aimed at resetting digestive function.
Every patient's presentation is different, so this is general clinical guidance rather than a substitute for an individual consultation — Rohan Gupta, BAMS, Physician, would want to examine your specific history before recommending a protocol.