Ayurvedic science believes that ama or undigested food particles is the root cause for the onset of every disease.
So amapachana or evacuating this undigested food is the first line of treatment.
Constipation is defined as irregular bowel movements. It could be either hard stools or incomplete evacuation. Constipation can be a symptom of any other disease or a problem alone. This completely depends on the food habits and lifestyle.
Ayurvedic science explains about the body constituency and what we call as Prakruthi which defines a person’s physical and psychological character. This is assessed through nadi pareeksha or pulse diagnosis.
According to our science it is said, that a kapha prakruthi has very poor digestive powers. So when this type of person consumes heavy food, it slows down the metabolism and causes constipation.
Similarly, if a person with a vata prakruthi fasts, eats dry and rough food, stays awake or doesn’t get enough good quality sleep at night, he or she will have poor metabolism, again leading to constipation.
Hence, ayurvedic treatment is given according to the prakruthi or constitution.
Here are some easy remedies to prevent constipation:
- Number 1 – mix one teaspoonful of castor oil in either warm milk or water and drink it at bedtime. This should be done only once in 15 days.
● Number 2 – mix five grams of haritaki churna with castor oil and consume it at bedtime. You can do this daily for a month. This avoids retention of water in the abdomen.
● Number 3 – grind an equal quantity of ginger and ajwain or carom seeds together to get a powder. Have 1-2 grams with buttermilk twice daily before food. This helps to improve digestion and get relief from constipation. This can be followed for a week or 15 days constantly, even if there is loss of appetite. Otherwise, just drink as and when there is bloating and indigestion.
● Number 4 – soak 1- 3 figs in water overnight and eat it on an empty stomach the next morning. This remedy is best suited for children and non-diabetic elders. The fibre in it helps to relieved from constipation. This should be consumed on alternate days for a month.
● Number 5 – Tamarind mixed with coconut oil is placed in the anal region as a suppository to get relief from constipation.
Please note that castor oil can be consumed for a maximum of 45 days at a stretch. These remedies will be more effective when accompanied by lifestyle changes.
Here are some herbs that help treat constipation.
Sonamukhi or swarnapatri powder has laxative properties and cures chronic constipation. Take one teaspoonful with warm water at bedtime. Use this for a minimum of 2-3 months.
● Triphala is a safe herb for moderate constipation. Take one teaspoonful with warm water twice daily, on an empty stomach in the morning & evening. In case of severe constipation, the same thing can be repeated every night before going to bed.
● 1- 2 Eranda or castor seeds ground into a paste with 2 inch piece of ginger and 5 grams of jaggery can be taken twice daily.
● Haritaki is held in very high esteem in ayurveda for its properties to cure many problems. Take one teaspoonful of haritaki powder with 2-3 grams of rock salt in hot water at bedtime.
Vegetables help prevent constipation. Here are some ways to have them:
● Cucumber juice, bottle gourd juice, papaya juice or aloe vera juice on an empty stomach is very helpful in treating constipation.
● You could also have aloe vera with orange juice. Take 100 millilitres of orange juice with 40 millilitres of aloe vera juice. If someone is used to the taste of aloe vera juice, then this proportion can be modified to 20 millilitres orange juice with 40 millilitres aloe vera juice.
- Ash gourd juice – Ashgourd juice is also excellent for this condition. 100 grams of ash gourd blended with 4-5 pudina or mint leaves is a very good way to prevent constipation. Consume this on an empty stomach without filter.
● Coriander leaves’ juice – blend a bunch of coriander leaves with water and add lemon to it. Drink it for relief from constipation.
● Fresh apple juice with lemon and honey in the morning is another great way to prevent constipation.
● And lastly, blend a ripe banana with milk and honey and have it first thing in the morning. You could also have 1-2 green bananas at night for a good bowel movement in the morning.
We hope these simple Ayurvedic and home remedies will help you ease your constipation.
