According to Ayurveda, constipation is caused due to vata dosha aggravation, but can also be caused due to aggravation of pitta and kapha doshas. There are various ayurvedic treatments for constipation. Constipation is caused due to wrong eating habits and bowel conditions. Hence, changes in food habits, herbal remedies and various exercises can treat the condition effectively.
The Ayurvedic name for constipation are Vibandh, Kostha Badhata, Aanah. Constipation is considered to be a chronic and acute problem. Constipation problem aggravates other digestion problems and can also lead to slow blood circulation. Sometimes, it can also cause cold, fever, skin eruptions, headaches and pain in calf muscles. Hence, a simple problem of constipation can also have drastic consequences.
Ayurvedic View of Constipation
Two types have been specified:
- Caused by accumulation of undigested food juice called aamaj aanah.
- Caused by accumulation of waste matter in the intestines, called purishaj aanah.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation
- Isabgol (Psyllium husk powder) — Take 2 heaped teaspoon powder of isabgol twice with warm milk or water.
- Harad — Fry Harad in ghee. Then make a powder of it.Take this with warm water once or twice daily for few days.
- Senna — Make a powder of senna leaves and take ½ tsp twice with war water.
- Mulethi — Powdered Mulethi should be mixed with jaggery for constipation relief.
- Honey — To get relief from habitual constipation, take 1 tsp of honey in warm water on an empty stomach regularly. This clears the bowel and acts as a prophylactic against digestion problems.
- Fennel — Roast and powder fennel. It should be taken with warm milk before bedtime to get relief from habitual constipation.
- Triphala — It consists of haritaki, amala and bibhitaki, which is an excellent colon cleanser. 5 to 15 gms should be taken with luke warm water before going to bed.
Ayurveda also emphasizes on sleeping early and rising early to regulate your sleeping hours and to maintain good digestion. Massaging the body with oil called Abhayanga for 2 times a week, helps in curing constipation.
Characteristic Symptoms of Constipation
- Delay in frequency of the bowels, hard stools, a feeling of incomplete evacuation and pain and difficulty in passing stools.
- Heaviness in stomach, abdominal cramps, increased wind formation, headache, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite and sometimes bleeding while defecating.
