Ayurvedic Medicine 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 stool. In constipation, passing the stool becomes difficult and painful. An unhealthy lifestyle is the main cause of constipation. It involves insufficient water intake (8 glasses of water is the daily water requirement of your body), excessive consumption of caffeine in form of tea and coffee, consuming refined foods lacking vitamins and minerals and eating meat.

Constipation and Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, the vitiation of vata dosha is the primary cause of constipation and the other doshas responsible for constipation are pitta and kapha. Constipation felt mostly in hot months is due to vitiation of the pitha dosha, characterized by dry stool. And in the constipation caused by 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 movement. But, if not treated in time, it may lead to severe or chronic constipation accompanying significant pain and discomfort and lead to complications such as fecal impaction or fecal incontinence. A prolonged constipation may lead to a feeling of heavy abdomen, headache, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Constipation should be treated on time to avoid total apathy. The most effective remedy for constipation is available in Ayurveda. Below is the list of ayurvedic medicines for constipation.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Constipation

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, rejuvenator and it 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 intestine and removes endotoxins from the blood. It is taken twice a day, one dose of which consists of 20-30 ml of aloe vera juice mixed with equal quantity of water.
• Isaguha or Psyllium husk: The isabguha or psyllium husk is an effectual herbal ayurvedic medicine for constipation. It forms the stool and puts pressure on the intestine to clear the bowel. Advisable dose is 1-2 table spoons of powdered isabguha with lukewarm water before going to bed.
• Rhuharb: It is another herb which is effective in acute constipation only. But, should be used with caution as in the long run it can precipitate 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, finally coming to an end.