Constipation

Constipation is known as Vibandha in Ayurveda. Causes leading to constipation are irregular food habits and irregular bowel habits besides psychological reasons.

Vata is the dosha that is predominantly involved with Vibandha. It is characterised by pain in the lower abdomen, scanty feces or painful defecation, dry feces, headache and lower back ache.

Ingredients:

• Beleric myrobalan
• Black Pepper
• Castor oil
• Chebulic myrobalan
• Indian gooseberry
• Indian Senna
• Isapgula husk
• Purging cassia
• Rose petals

Common Recipes:

1. A natural and simple diet is a significant factor in preventing constipation. Eat plenty of green vegetables, whole grains, cereals, bran, fresh and dry fruits, milk and milk products etc. One should carefully avoid faulty diets, intake of refined and rich foods lacking minerals and vitamins, overeating, excessive consumption of meat, regular use of purgatives and excess of strong tea or coffee. If you are prone to habitual constipation, taking warm water frequently during the day-time will help you. Food should be properly chewed and should be taken as per schedule, avoiding odd meal timings.
2. Mix the three myrobalans (Indian gooseberry, Chebulic myrobalan and Beleric myrobalan) in equal ratio and grind them in a mixer and sieve it. Consuming this powder with a glass of warm water twice or thrice a day helps relieve constipation.
3. In a glass of cold water mix a teaspoonful of Isapgula husk. Take this solution followed by another glass of water. This remedy is highly useful for constipation.
4. Drink water from a copper vessel and leave it overnight. Drinking this water in the morning helps regulating the bowel movement.
5. Mix one part of Indian Senna, 2 parts of Chebulic myrobalan, and one part of Indian gooseberry. Grind the mixture into a fine powder. Taking a teaspoonful of this powder is effective in chronic constipation.