Top 10 Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation

Medical Reviewer: Dr Surabhi Rawat

Constipation is one of the most common ailments in modern life. With the advent of junk food, aerated drinks, over salty food and a lifestyle of eating out, little activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, constipation is a common consequence. We tend to see chronic constipation as just a small issue which can be resolved quickly by popping a few laxatives and going our way, but it much more serious than you might think. Chronic constipation can cause a high amount of toxic buildup in the intestines which are then absorbed in the blood further causing skin problems and bad breath. Other problems like abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and weight gain are also common. Today we will discuss the top 10 Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation but first, we must know the reasons why constipation occurs in the first place.

Common Reasons For Constipation

Most commonly seen reasons for constipation are following

  1. Low fibre consumption
  2. A sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity.
  3. Smoking and excess alcohol consumption.
  4. Not drinking enough water during the day.
  5. More than 50% of the diet consists of meat and poultry.
  6. Following incorrect daily schedule like waking up late and sleeping late. This can also lead to considerable weight gain.
  7. Aggravated Vata Dosha

Here are the top 10 remedies suggested by Ayurveda to help with chronic constipation. Some of these solutions are for quick relief while some can be used as a long-term treatment for chronic constipation.

1. Papaya

Papaya For Constipation
Papaya For Constipation

In Ayurveda, Papaya is considered one of the best remedies for all stomach related problems. Papaya is rich in enzymes papain and chymopapain which help with digestion and help relieve constipation. The good news is that papaya is available in all seasons and it is highly recommended to add papaya in your daily diet to cure all stomach related issues like acidity, gas, bloating, indigestion and constipation.

How and when to eat?

In the morning, as soon as you wake up, after having a glass a water, have a large bowl of papaya before your morning tea or coffee. Wait for half an hour before having tea or coffee.

If in case papaya is not available, you can also have Guava. Make sure you get the soft and juicy ones. Try to avoid chewing on the seeds of Guava.

2. Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation: Triphala Powder

Triphala Powder
Triphala Powder For Constipation

Triphala Churna/Powder is a combination of three powder herbs, Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Belerica), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), which can be used in different combinations to heal almost all types of ailments of the body. It is an excellent remedy for constipation as it acts as a laxative if taken before bed. Although It is considered non-habit forming, it is recommended not to take any sort of powder or churna on a daily basis. Take only cases on emergencies.

How and when to eat?

In the night 20 minutes before going to bed, luke warm a cup of water and mix 1 tsp of Triphala Powder. Don’t boil it and consume this mixture. Triphala powder is bitter to taste so you may feel like vomiting if you try to drink it too quickly. Take your time to drink the mixture.

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3. Abhayaristha

Abhayaristha is an ayurvedic medicine which is mainly used for curing digestive problems like gas, constipation, bloating, piles and haemorrhoids. It is mild for the stomach and aids digestion. It can be consumed for up to a few months daily which forming any habits. The main ingredient of Abhayaristha is Haritaki, which gives excellent results for relieving gas and bloating.

How and when to eat?

Take about 3 tsp of Abhyaristha and mix with 3 or 6 tsp of water (normal temperature). Drink this mixture after half an hour of breakfast and dinner. If you have chronic constipation, you should be taking this mixture for minimum of 2 months to maximum of 1 year.

You can add an equal amount of another medicine called Kumaryasava to make this mixture even more effective. Kumaryasava is also an ayurvedic medicine which is used for digestion related problems.

4. Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation: Gau Ark or Gomutra

Gau Ark is the extract of Gomutra (cow urine) that is used as a potent medicine in Ayurveda. It has germicidal properties and works as a blood purifier. It helps the liver remove toxins from the body and improves the balance of tridoshas (vata, pitta, and kapha).

In Ayurveda, mandagni or low digestive fire is the root of all diseases. Cow urine reignites the digestive fire. Regular intake of Gau ark or gomutra cures chronic constipation permanently.

How and when to consume?

If you are consuming Gau Ark, take 2 tsp with warm water 40 minutes before breakfast and dinner on empty stomach.

If you are having direct gomutra, have 5 to 6 tsp without water.

5. Choker (Wheat Bran)

Lack of fibre is one of the main reasons for constipation. Dietary fiber is extremely important for bowel movements and cleaning of the colon as fibre retains more water in the stool making it softer and easier to pass through the colon. When your diet contains too many proteins and very less or no fruits and vegetables, the necessary fibres become lacking and the colon becomes dry making you unable to pass a rough and hard stool.

Wheat bran or choker is a great source of fibre which can help relieve constipation.

How and when to consume?

Take 2tsp of wheat bran and mix it with a cup of hot water. Consume 30 minutes after breakfast and dinner.

6. Amla and Aloe Vera Juice

Amla or Indian Gooseberry is a fruit found in the Indian subcontinent. It is known for having a high content of Vitamin C which has anti-ageing properties. Not only that, but Amla is also great for resolving stomach issues like acidity, gas, bloating, indigestion and stomach ulcers.

Ghrit Kumari - Aloe Vera
Ghrit Kumari – Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is also known for its many benefits for skin and hair problems but it is also excellent for providing fibre to the body. Aloe vera juice has tons of fibre and is great for gut and colon health. To get the benefits of both Amla and Aloe vera, it is suggested by Ayurveda to consume them together in equal amounts. Regular intake of this mixture will not only get rid of chronic constipation but is also helpful in weight loss if combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise of at least 2.5 hours per week.

How and when to consume?

Mix 2 tsp of Amla juice and 2 tsp of Aloe vera juice. Add 4 tsp of freshwater and mix well. Drink this on empty stomach before breakfast. Aloe vera juice can also be consumed with Amla juice but combining both is recommended for better results. You can take this mixture for a maximum of 48 days in continuation. If you want to continue again after that, take a break of 1 month and start again.

7. Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation: Castor Oil

Castor Oil is a natural laxative but it should only be used when the constipation is more severe. Not to mention, use of methods which are recommended for extreme constipation should not be used on a daily or regular basis as it weakens the digestive system and the intestines. Castor oil is a stimulant laxative, which stimulates and irritates the intestines creating a laxative effect. It increases the movement of the intestines which pushes the stool towards the rectum. Castor oil tends to be habit-forming and once you start using it regularly, other methods rarely work, so use it as a last resort.

How and when to consume?

Just before bedtime, heat a cup of water and add some grated ginger in it to make ginger tea. Boil for some time and take out. Now add 2tsp of castor oil to the tea and drink it. It tends to take effect in about 2 to 6 hours so it’s pretty fast. It is also recommended to only use cold-pressed virgin castor oil for good results. If the constipation is too severe and you don’t see results, repeat the next day with 3tsp. You can go maximum up to 4tsp.

8. Milk and Ghee

Milk and Ghee (Clarified Butter) combined is considered in mild laxative in Ayurveda. This remedy is considered gentle for the gut and does not stimulate the intestines. It is especially beneficial for people with vata and pitta constitution. Overconsumption of Ghee can aggravate kapha dosha and cause weight gain as well, so the long-term regular use of this method is not recommended.

How and when to consume?

Add 1 to 2 tsp of ghee in a cup of hot milk and drink before going to bed. It is best if you use organic cow ghee instead of normal ghee made from buffalo milk.

9. Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation: Roasted Fennel Seeds

Fennel is considered a carminative herb which means it promotes digestion. Fennel mixed with mishri (a natural and better alternative to processed sugar) has been used as an after-meal sweet treat for ages in India as fennel promotes better digestion by producing gastric enzymes and the fibre content helps clean the bowls.

How and when to consume?

Roasted fennel seeds are easily available online but if you don’t find the roasted ones, take a pan and roast the fennel seeds without any oil on low heat for a few minutes.

There are two ways to consume roasted fennel seeds. You can either make fennel seed water by making powder and adding 1 tbsp in 1 glass of lukewarm water. Seep it for a few hours and drink before bedtime.

The second option is to directly mix the fennel seeds in a glass of lukewarm water and consume the mixture before bedtime. Making a powder is recommended though as it tends to work better.

10. Rhubarb and Ginger Powder

Rhubarb (Ravendchini / Archa) is a medicinal plant found in the Himalayan region of India. It has been used as a laxative and purgative in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Other benefits of using Rhubarb include ulcers, intestinal infections, sores, and urticaria. It is highly effective in acute constipation.

How and when to consume?

Prepare a mixture of 2 gms of rhubarb root powder and 2 gms of ginger powder. Consume with a glass of lukewarm water before bedtime.

General Guidelines To Prevent Constipation

  1. More than half of your diet must include fruits and vegetables.
  2. Drink at least 2 litres of water daily.
  3. Make a habit of doing some form of exercise on a daily basis. Lack of activity is a bit reason for chronic constipation and not to mention serious health issues like Diabetes, blood pressure, back pain, and other lifestyle diseases. I personally recommend at least 30 minutes of Yoga every day. Surya Namaskar is especially helpful in relieving constipation.
  4. Lower your meat intake.

 

Note:

Ayurveda advises not to use laxative and purgatives if you are constipated for more than 3 to 4 days in a row as it can create an intestinal obstruction. It is advisable to use an enema using dashmool tea or Triphala tea.

 
 

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Top 10 Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation
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Top 10 Ayurvedic Remedies For Constipation, Chronic Constipation, How To Relieve Constipation Naturally At Home
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