Natural Remedies for Constipation in Ayurveda
The long-term solution for constipation is to correct the imbalance that caused it, not take medicines. Ayurveda, the world’s oldest medical system, offers a holistic approach to treating all diseases. The Ayurvedic treatment for constipation aims to restore balance in the body’s energies that lead to constipation and improve digestion and metabolism for smooth bowel movements.
Constipation is an uncomfortable condition that can be treated with Ayurvedic lifestyle changes and herbal formulations. To improve your digestive health and prevent constipation, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle. Home remedies for constipation can also help you achieve this. For thousands of years, these herbs have been used to provide long- term relief from constipation. Here, we discuss all the natural ways to cure constipation and how to get relief through Ayurveda.
What is Constipation?
Constipation is a condition in which a person has infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools. The normal frequency of bowel movements can vary widely from person to person, but generally speaking, people who go fewer than three times per week are
considered to be constipated. Other symptoms of constipation can include:
- Hard, dry, or small stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Nausea
Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, certain groups of people may be more likely to experience constipation than others, including:
- Women: As believed by ayurvedic doctors in Prayagraj, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can affect bowel movements and increase the risk of constipation.
- Older adults: As people age, the muscles in the digestive tract can become weaker and less efficient, making it more difficult to have regular bowel movements.
- People with certain medical conditions: Constipation is a common symptom of conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- People taking certain medications: Some medications, such as opioids, antacids, and antidepressants, can slow down the digestive process and lead to constipation.
- Children: Children can suffer from constipation due to various causes. These include changes in diet, fear of using the toilet, a lack of exercise and an improper diet. Constipation can cause painful stomach cramps and bloating. It is especially common for children when they start using formula food or beginning school.
- Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as a low-fibre diet, lack of physical activity, and dehydration, can also contribute to constipation. It’s also important to note that constipation can be a symptom of a more serious condition such as colorectal cancer, so it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing chronic constipation or other symptoms.
Ayurveda and Constipation
According to Ayurveda, constipation, or Vibandha, can occur due to an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and elimination in the body. Ayurveda views disease from a holistic perspective, taking into account the individual’s unique constitution and lifestyle factors. The best Ayurvedic treatment for constipation suggests making changes to one’s lifestyle to boost metabolism.
According to Ayurveda, some common causes of Vata-related constipation include:
- Consumption of dry and cold foods, such as raw fruits and vegetables, crackers, and popcorn, which can dry out the intestinal tract and slow down bowel movements.
- Not drinking sufficient water, which can dehydrate the body and make stools harder to pass.
- Spending a lot of time under sunlight, which can dry out the body and exacerbate Vata imbalances.
- Being physically inactive and sitting in the same place for a long time, which can slow down the digestive process and make stools harder to pass.
Practitioners of some of the best Ayurvedic treatment centre in Prayagraj recommends certain diet and lifestyle changes to balance Vata dosha and alleviate constipation. This may include eating warm, moist, and nourishing foods, drinking adequate fluids, engaging in regular physical activity, and practising stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Herbal Formulations for Constipation
Herbal formulations are commonly used in Ayurveda for treating constipation. Some of the commonly used herbal formulations for constipation include:
Triphala: Triphala is a blend of three fruits – Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, known for its laxative properties. It helps to strengthen the intestinal muscles, promotes regular bowel movements, and cleanses the colon.
Haritaki: Haritaki is known for its laxative properties and it is used to relieve constipation, bloating, and gas. It helps to stimulate the intestinal muscles, improves digestion and eliminates toxins.
Isabgol: Isabgol, also known as psyllium husk, is a natural laxative that helps to bulk up the stool and make it easier to pass.
Shankhapushpi: Shankhapushpi is an Ayurvedic herb that is traditionally used to treat constipation and other digestive issues. It is known to relax the intestinal muscles and promote regular bowel movements.
Sukumara Ghrita: Sukumara Ghrita is a type of medicated ghee which helps improve digestive health and is often used to treat constipation.
Dashamula: Dashamula is a classical Ayurvedic herbal formulation made from the roots of ten different herbs. It is used to balance the Vata dosha and it is considered to be a rejuvenating tonic for the entire body. It is important to note that these herbal formulations should be taken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctors in Prayagraj as the right dosage and combination of herbs can vary depending on the individual’s unique constitution and symptoms.
Conclusion
Constipation can ruin your morning and the rest of the day on a daily basis. If home remedies for severe constipation don’t work, you choose from a variety of natural cures for constipation at Prakritiveda to get your life back on track.