With
modern lifestyle and living conditions, constipation has emerged a major
disease in every household, affecting children and adults alike. Constipation is generally considered to be a
condition wherein there is difficulty in emptying the bowels, usually
associated with hardening o faeces, involving high level of constraint.
But,
did you know that constipation is not just associated with bloating and the
inability to pass stools? It has several other associated symptoms too, such as
headaches, bad breath, acne, loss of appetite, irritability haemorrhoids, acidity,
ulcers in the mouth, disturbed sleep, mood swings, dullness and lack of enthusiasm. Though all
of these symptoms may not appear together, constipation is associated with most
of these symptoms.
Causes of constipation
Ayurveda
believes that constipation is the result of indigestion, which leads to
accumulation of faeces in the intestine. Vata (air element) is produced, its
dry and cold quality interferes with the functioning of colon, and manifests in
the form of heaviness, stomach pain and increased thirst.
As for
cause, most of the causes are lifestyle-related. Once you make specific
lifestyle tweaks, you can regain a clean colon. Some other causes could be
pregnancy, age, and travel.
Insufficient
water intake is the primary cause. The food in your intestinal tract needs
water to move and reach its final destination. Therefore, with less consumption
of water, you are likely to feel constipated. Drinking sufficient amount of
water is the best natural remedy for constipation.
Having
processed food, meat, alcohol, and excessive dairy intake, involving a diet
with nil fibre content, is the most common cause of constipation. Drinking
excess tea and coffee can aggravate the problem and cause chronic constipation.
Finally, the
sedentary lifestyles that we lead today are a major cause for constipation. So,
ensure that you including walks and any form of exercise in your routine.
Few Ayurvedic Remedies for relief:
Listed below
are some Ayurvedic remedies that can help you find relief from constipation.
Most of these are practical tips and remedies that can aid you in your journey
of finding relief from constipation.
A teaspoon
of ghee at bedtime can help
Ghee is an
excellent lubricator. Ayurveda uses ghee in most of its medications. Ghee helps
by lubricating your intestinal tract and helping with smooth passage of faeces.
Although oil also works on the same principles as ghee, the latter is the
healthier option. A teaspoon of coconut or olive oil may also do the trick. You
can also add ghee to warm milk and consume at bedtime.
Pay
attention to diet
The
nutrients in leafy veggies help in muscle contraction, while the fibrous fruits
increase the bulk of the faeces. One best way out is to follow a vata-pacifying
diet, by keeping away from cold foods and drinks, dried fruits, salads and most
beans. Instead, go for warm foods and drinks and well-cooked veggies.
Triphala is
the best Ayurvedic remedy
Triphala is
one of the most trusted and effective remedies for curing constipation. Have it
in the form of tea. Else, grind together quarter teaspoon each of triphala,
cardamom seeds and coriander seeds and have twice a day. The glycoside present
in Triphala has laxative properties, while coriander and cardamom seeds help
treats flatulence and indigestion.
Liquorice
root promotes bowel activity
On
consultation with your Ayurvedic physician, you can take a teaspoon of powdered
liquorice root, and mix it up with warm water, adding a teaspoon of jaggery to
it. This helps in improving bowel activity.
Figs soaked
in warm water may be beneficial for kids
The high
fibre content presence in figs makes it the ideal remedy for constipation,
particularly in kids. Figs also helps keep your digestion strong. They could be
included as part of daily diet.
Replace
regular tea with ginger / mint / dandelion tea
Ginger,
being a warming herb can help generate more internal heat, thereby activating
the process of digestion. The menthol present in peppermint has an
antispasmodic effect that helps relax the muscles in digestive tract, making it
easier for the stool to pass through. Dandelion tea has a mild laxative effect
too.
Castor oil
is a natural laxative
Since
ancient days, people have believed in the power of castor oil, which is a
popular natural laxative. This oil stimulates small and large intestine. On
consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of the oil on an empty stomach, one can pass stool
within 8 hours.
Water for
hydration and moderate exercise is a ‘must’
Drinking
sufficient quantity of water is a remedy by itself, as water hydrates the body
and helps the food move along digestive system. It helps soften the stools too.
Ideally you should drink a minimum 8 glasses of water a day. However, do not
replace it with any other artificial or sweetened beverage. There is really no
substitute to clean and pure water. Also, ensure that you exercise at least
half an hour a day to stimulate bowel activity.
Try inverted
yoga postures
As mentioned
earlier, Ayurveda believes that excess vata disrupts the downward energy that
supports elimination and stability. So what is the solution, you ask? Go upside
down with inverted postures! Postures such as ‘viparita karani’ (legs up the
wall pose) can help reverse the flow of ‘prana’ in the body, and aids better
integration. They stimulate the lower belly and helps settle the pelvic organs
that may have been disrupting the whole process.
If these
simple measures do not work for you, discuss with your Ayurvedic physician if
you need to take any internal medications, and the appropriate dosage and
course of treatment to help you find relief from constipation.
