Ayurvedic Medicines for Constipation

An inability to meet the urge to pass normal stool is a primary symptom of constipation. The other symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome, infrequent bowel movements, and hard stools. In constipation, passing the stool becomes difficult and painful. An unhealthy lifestyle is the main cause of this condition.

It basically occurs because of insufficient water intake, excessive consumption of caffeine in the form of tea and coffee, consuming refined foods lacking vitamins and minerals, and eating meat. The upcoming passages provide comprehensive information on relieving this condition with the help of ayurvedic medicines.

➜ In Ayurveda, the vitiation of vata dosha is the primary cause of constipation and the other doshas responsible for it are pitta and kapha. Constipation experienced mostly in hot months is due to the vitiation of the pitha dosha, characterized by dry stools.

➜ And in the constipation caused by the vitiation of kapha dosha, it becomes painful to pass the sticky feces because of the excessive mucus blocking the rectal passage. The severity of constipation varies depending on the age of the person.

➜ Initially, constipation leads to infrequent (typically three times a week) and difficult bowel movements. But, if not treated on time, it may lead to severe or chronic constipation accompanying significant pain and discomfort, which further leads to complications such as fecal impaction or fecal incontinence.

➜ A condition of prolonged constipation may lead to a feeling of heavy abdomen, headache, lethargy, and loss of appetite. This condition should be treated on time to avoid total apathy. Effective remedies for constipation are available in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda gives prime importance to the daily diet. Including fiber-rich foods, raw vegetables, and fruits such as papaya, tomato, beetroot, and sugarcane proves to be beneficial. Below is a list of ayurvedic medicines for constipation:

► Triphala Choorna
It is the best ayurvedic herbal medicine. As the name suggests, it is made up of three (tri) fruits (fals), namely, amla (Indian gooseberry), haritika (chebulic myrobalan), and bibhitaki (belleric myrobalan). It is an excellent cleanser and rejuvenator that works wonders. Available in both powder and capsule form, it is advisable to take 1 tablespoon of triphala choorna with lukewarm water twice a day.

► Aloe vera
Another ayurvedic herbal medicine is aloe vera juice known as 'Kumari Saar' in Ayurveda. It acts as a natural detoxifier, cleans the intestines, and removes the endotoxins from the blood. It is usually taken twice a day, one dose of which consists of 20 - 30 mL of aloe vera juice mixed with an equal quantity of water.

It is an effectual herbal ayurvedic medicine for constipation. It helps in emptying the bowels with ease. Recommended dose is 1 - 2 table spoons of powdered isabguha with lukewarm water before going to bed. How well it suits an individual will depend on his/her constitution. So, it's advisable to consult a doctor for its correct dosage.

It is another herb which is effective in acute constipation only. But, it should be used with caution as in the long run it can aggravate constipation.

Sometimes, in case of chronic constipation, agastya rasayana, abhayadi modaka, pancha sakara choorna, and madhu yashthayadi choorna are also prescribed. These ayurvedic medicines help in improving the intestinal functions and strengthen the intestinal valves.

Special ayurvedic therapies to treat constipation are purgation therapy named virechana karma and enema therapy named vashthi karma. But, these therapies should be taken under the guidance of ayurvedic experts only.

Drink lots of water, especially in the morning. For better results, drink the water kept overnight in a copper vessel. Take vata-pacifying food (containing adequate amount of oil and ghee). Avoid rice and take wheat instead. Improve your sleeping habits and your constipation will also improve and get cured completely.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.