Ayurvedic Medicine For Constipation
Constipation medically implies failure in evacuating the waste material from our body on regular basis. Passage of waste matter commonly referred as faeces takes place in two phases namely ;
- Momentum from the colon
- Exit from the rectum
However interference in any aspect of this process may result in constipation.
Let’s see what Ayurveda says about constipation:
According to Ayurveda, it is usually Vata imbalance particularly if it is long standing. Also in Ayurveda it is referred as Apana. Apana vata is responsible for free flow or expulsion of stools. When the function of Apana vata is disturbed, it results in constipation( restricted flow of stools). According to Ayurveda, the root cause for constipation is irregularity in the availability of digestive enzymes and impaired function of the large intestine specifically the colon.
What are the causes of constipation?
- Constitution of the individual ( prakruti)
- Habit of suppressing the urge over long period of time
- Ingestion of vata promoting foods which are dry( rooksha), powdery( pishtha), cold (sheeta), astringent ( kashaya), bitter( tikta)
- Very little food or starvation
- Plenty or over exercising
- Intestinal obstruction
- Anaemia
- Depression
- Less intake of water
- Excessive use of antacids
As per Ayurveda, due to above factors, there is imbalance in the Vata and Apana vata is aggravated and it is stored or blocked in the lower part of the large intestine, resulting in constipation.
Basic home remedies for constipation:
- Include fibrous food in your diet- Lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, raisins, leafy vegetables, salads, beans.
- Drink good amount of water- In normal person according to Ayurveda, drink water whenever you are thirsty but in case of diseased condition like constipation, it is advisable to drink good amounts of Water and fibre rich diet softens the bowel movements and prevent constipation.
- Avoid excess of coffee and tea
- Avoid excess eating of milk and dairy products as it restricts the bowel movements
- Do not hold the urge- As per Ayurveda, a natural urge is a signal to the person to Regular holding of urge eventually leads to constipation
- Avoid excessive spicy food, heavy non-vegetarian and fried
What is the Ayurvedic medicine for constipation?
Along with the home remedies, one can have SHARANGDHAR’S SUKHASARAK VATI which is an ayurvedic formulation consisting of Indravaruni and Haritaki which regulates the liver function and increases the flow of digestive enzymes. Thus it improves the digestion and enhances the bowel tone. It helps to strengthen the intestinal muscles and helps in natural expulsion or defecation.