Ayurveda for constipation

Kabja/ Vibandha

There are several causes for constipation like

• habit of suppressing the urge over long periods
• absence or non-availability of articles habitually used before defecation, such as drinking coffee or tea
• habituated use of laxatives.

Home Remedies

• Triphala powder is very popularly used for this condition. It contains three drugs namely - Haritaki (Harada), Vibhitaki (Baheda) and Amalaki (Amla). 5gm of this powder (1 tea spoon) should be taken with luke warm water at bed time.
• The best to evacuate in chronic condition is castor oil. The castor oil used should be purified and diluted. The 4-6 tea spoon (20-30 ml.) of this oil is to be taken with warm milk.
• 1 Teaspoonful of Sana leaves (Sanay) in 1 cup of hot milk at bedtime is an easy method to relieve constipation.

Diet consideration

• Drink a glass of water early in the morning after washing the face and mouth.
• It is a better idea, if you can take a glass of warm milk at bedtime after adding a teaspoonful of ghee to it.
• Beans, dry grains, cabbage, mushrooms and other dry food should be avoided.
• Spices, which balance digestion- asafoetida (Hing), Ginger (Adraka), Cardamom (Elayachi) or Fennel (Saunf), should be taken with food to alleviate and promote the downward movement of gas.
• Try to avoid hot and spicy food and adequate fluids should be taken.
• Eat plenty of fruits and leafy vegetables as Papaya and sugarcane are very effective in relieving constipation.
• Use whole wheat flour and not refined flour.

Source : Manual for ASHA/ANMs on general wellness and prevention of common ailments through Ayurveda