How to Relieve Constipation Using Ayurvedic Herbs?

What is Constipation?

As Per Modern Aspect

Constipation is an extremely common problem in the digestive system. In this condition, the muscles of the colon contracts poorly and absorbs excess water from the food present in the colon which leads to hard and dry stools that are difficult to expel.

As Per Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, constipation is correlated with Vibandha. It comes under apatarpanjanya vyadhi (diseases caused by nutritional deficiency).

In this disease, there is an aggravation of Apana Vata which gets blocked in the lower part of the intestine and leads to constipation.

What are the Causes of Constipation?

• Intake of low fiber diet
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Lesser intake of fluids
• Neurological injuries such as Spinal cord injury
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• Hemorrhoids
• Hypothyroidism

What are the Symptoms of Constipation?

• Hard and dry stool
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Lethargy
• A Headache
• Abdominal cramps
• Disturbed bowel movements

How to Relieve Constipation using Ayurvedic Herbs?

1. Patola (Parval)

Patola herb is rich in Vitamin A and C, carbohydrates. It also contains potassium, magnesium, and sulfur. It is useful in bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and other associated symptoms. It is used as a laxative that increases the bowel movements and makes the stool soft. It is also used in gastritis and relieves excessive thirst.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water is rich in calcium, vitamin C and potassium. It acts as a diuretic that helps in increasing the flow of urine. It helps in maintaining the balance of electrolytes. It is effective in replacing the fluid loss and used as an oral rehydration fluid. It also acts as a digestive tonic that increases the bowel movements and relieves constipation.

3. Haritaki

Haritaki is the effective ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of constipation. It promotes bowel movements and helps in normalizing bowel movements. It acts as an anti-oxidant that detoxifies the body by eliminating the toxins from the body. It is useful in piles also. It increases the bowel movements of the intestine and relieves inflammation. It also improves life expectancy and also useful in worm infestation.

In Ayurveda, Haritaki is useful in balancing the Tridosha and relieves ama.

Steps to Follow

• Add 1to 2 grams of haritaki in a cup of hot water.
• Consume this tea daily.

Another Step

• Consume a teaspoon of a mixture of haritaki (Harad), bibhitaki (baheda) and amlaki (Amalaki).
• Consume this daily at night after the meal.

4. Draksha

Draksha is the most common and effective herb used in Ayurveda. It is rich in iron and useful in various diseases. It improves the appetite and promotes the digestive system. It acts as a natural coolant and is helpful in relieving excessive thirst, dryness, burning sensation and vomiting. It makes the stool soft and promotes the flow of urine.

Steps to Follow

• Soak some 5 draksha in water overnight.
• Consume them in the morning.

5. Aragwadha

It is the most ancient and effective herb used in Ayurveda system of medicine. It acts as an analgesic, appetizer, anti-pyretic and blood purifier. It also acts as a purgative that relieves constipation. It increases the bowel movements and makes the stool soft. It is also useful in treating fever. It boosts the immune system and removes the toxins from the body. It also provides relief in other symptoms associated with constipation such as nausea, lethargy, abdominal pain and distension.

Steps to Follow

• Soak a few raisins in the morning.
• Throw away the water in the evening and consume these raisins.

6. Katukarohini (Katuki)

Katukarohini herb acts as a natural coolant which is useful in bleeding disorders. It provides relief in heartburn, acidity and bitter taste of mouth. It helps in breaking up the hard stool and useful in anorexia and vitiligo. It is also useful in relieving worm infestation and other symptoms associated with it. It is also used in treating chronic recurrent fever. It boosts the immune system and prevents the body from infections.

In Ayurveda, it is useful in pacifing the Vata and Kapha dosha that adheres with in the mucosal surface of the colon in the abdomen. It also helps in circulating the rasa dhatu within the channels of the heart.

Steps to Follow

• Add some honey in 1 to 3 gms of katuki powder.
• Consume this daily.

7. Castor oil (Eranda Taila)

In the Ayurveda system of medicine, castor oil is used both as internally and externally. It is the effective and best oil for purgation. It cleanses the body and has the ability to pierce into the minute body channels. It increases the bowel movements and promotes the digestive strength. It improves the blood circulation and removes the waste products from the body. It also improves the appetite and also provides relief in other symptoms associated with constipation.

Steps to Follow

• Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of castor oil in a glass of milk.
• Mix it well and consume this milk daily.

Another Step

• Grind 2 to 4 tender leaves of castor and make a paste of it.
• Add aloe vera to this paste.
• Consume this paste daily.

Yogasanas for Constipation

1. Pawan Mukta Asana (Wind Relieving Pose)

It helps in stimulating the colon, small intestine, and abdomen and improves the appetite. It also enhances the blood circulation and it is effectively providing relief in constipation.

2. Mayurasana (Peacock)

Mayurasana increases the intra-abdominal pressure and aids in relieving constipation. It increases the bowel movements and reduces the enlargement of the liver. It is also useful in increasing appetite.

3. Uttanpadasana (leg Raised Pose)

It improves the functions and provides strength to the abdominal muscles and combats indigestion. It also strengthens the spinal cord and reduces the abdominal stiffness.

4. Balasana (Child’s Pose)

It calms the digestive organs and increases the bowel movements. It removes the waste products and enhances the blood circulation in the blood. It provides relief in other symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal pain, and distension, nausea and lethargy.

Hope this information is useful.