Constipation and bloating are a few common problems that have been encountered by almost everyone in their lives. But being one of the common problems, it is a perennial problem for almost 22% of Indians today. A day without proper bowel movement can make you feel uncomfortable and uneasy.
Constipation is characterized by Vata temperaments of hardness and dryness in the colon. It is caused by inadequate water intake, inactive lifestyle, the insufficient fibre in the diet, consuming larger quantities of meat and many more. Not paying attention to nature’s call in time, drinking alcohol or too much coffee also contributes to this unsettling and chronic condition.
Apart from causing discomfort and distension in your body, constipation can also cause flatulence, bad breath, headache and absorption of toxins from the colon. Other symptoms of chronic indigestion include acne, pimple, disturbed sleeping pattern, acid reflux and heartburn. In severe cases, it can be a contributor to depression as well.
Ayurveda, however, offers several home remedies to cure constipation and promote uninterrupted bowel movement.
7 Effective Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Constipation
Eat Vata Pacifying Diet
As per Ayurveda, every condition of our body is caused when one of the five elements of our body is in an imbalance aggravating one of our doshas. Constipation flares up when Vata dosha is imbalanced. Consuming a diet that pacifies Vata dosha is recommended to cure constipation. Favour more warm-foods and drinks and properly cooked vegetables. You should keep yourself away from foods that cause unnecessary gas like beans, carbonated drinks and fried foods.
Read Also: Top 5 Most Effective Home Remedies for Diarrhea
Triphala
Triphala is an ancient preparation made from three dried roots of Amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. It is known as a natural cleanser of the digestive system and thus should be your go-to-remedy for constipation. Create a fine powder consisting of one-fourth Triphala powder, half-teaspoon coriander (dhania) seeds and one-fourth teaspoon cardamom seeds. Take half teaspoon of this powder twice a day with lukewarm water. You can start and end your day by consuming it half an hour before breakfast and one-two hours after dinner. The coriander and cardamom seeds would help in alleviating flatulence and indigestion.
Ghee and Milk Beverage
Ghee, because of its basic pH level helps in balancing the acidic pH of the stomach. Combine two teaspoons of ghee in one cup of warm milk and consume it before going to bed to have a smooth bowel movement the next day!
The pulp of Bael Fruit
Bael fruit helps in creating another effective home remedy for constipation. Eat half-cup of bael fruit pulp with jaggery before going to bed every day to get rid of constipation. Alternatively, you can also drink a glass of bael juice mixed with jaggery and a hint of lemon in it.
Saunf (Fennel) Water
Another kitchen spice packed with several health benefits, roasted fennel seeds can do wonders for your condition of chronic constipation. Add roasted fennel seeds to a cup of warm water and consume it after dinner every night and see it magic in the morning!
Read Also: 5 Effective Home Remedies to get rid of Bad Breath
Anjeer
High in fibre, anjeer is an excellent fruit that is used to treat constipation, especially in kids. Include figs on an everyday basis in your diet to keep your digestive tract free of constipation.
Mulethi (Licorice)
Licorice, or Mulethi, roots are miraculous in curing constipation. Consume mulethi in powdered form with a glass of warm water before going to bed every night.
Other Tips to Cure Constipation
Apart from including these ayurvedic home remedies for constipation in your daily regime, you must combat other causes and risk factors that cause constipation as well. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind to fight constipation:
- Drink lots of water: Keep your body hydrated and drink at least 2-3 litres of water every day to clean your bowels properly. You can start your day with digestion boosting teas or drinks like chamomile or green tea.
- Maintain an active lifestyle: Include 30 minutes of exercise every day or at least three times a week.
- Include vegetables and fruits that are rich in fibre: Green leafy vegetables like spinach, methi etc. are easy to go for to find high sources of fibre. Include seasonal vegetables and fruits in the diet.