Constipation in Ayurveda is referred to as "Vibandha" or "Malabaddhata." According to Ayurvedic principles, digestion plays a crucial role in overall health, and constipation is seen as a disruption in the normal functioning of the digestive system. Here's a brief explanation of constipation in Ayurveda:
Dosha Imbalance: Ayurveda believes that constipation is often caused by an imbalance of the Vata dosha, one of the three fundamental energies in the body. Vata governs movement and elimination in the body, including the movement of stool through the colon. When Vata is aggravated or imbalanced, it can lead to dryness, hardness, and slow movement of stool, resulting in constipation.
Symptoms of Constipation:
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Difficulty Passing Stools: Individuals with constipation often find it hard to have a bowel movement. Stools may be dry, hard, and require straining to pass.
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Infrequent Bowel Movements: Constipation typically involves having fewer than three bowel movements per week.
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Incomplete Evacuation: Even after a bowel movement, individuals may feel as though they haven't completely emptied their bowels.
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Abdominal Discomfort: Constipation can cause abdominal pain, cramps, or a feeling of bloating due to the accumulation of stool in the colon.
- Rectal Discomfort: Some individuals may experience rectal pain or a sense of fullness in the rectum.
Common Causes of Constipation:
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Low Dietary Fiber: A diet lacking in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can slow down digestion and lead to constipation.
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Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can result in dry stools, making them difficult to pass.
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Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can slow down bowel movements. Regular exercise helps stimulate the digestive system.
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Medications: Some medications, such as opioids, antacids containing calcium or aluminum and certain antidepressants, can cause constipation as a side effect.
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Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can lead to constipation, as can hormonal imbalances in conditions like hypothyroidism.
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Neurological Conditions: Neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson's disease can affect the functioning of the muscles in the digestive tract, leading to constipation.
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Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can influence bowel habits, causing or exacerbating constipation in some individuals.
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Aging: The aging process can lead to a less efficient digestive system, making older adults more susceptible to constipation.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhoea, with constipation being a predominant symptom in some cases (IBS-C).
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Bowel Obstruction: Mechanical blockages in the colon or rectum, such as tumors or strictures, can cause chronic constipation.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can lead to chronic constipation along with other gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Changes in Routine: Travel, changes in daily routine, and ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement can also lead to constipation.
How can you treat Constipation with Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is defined as an ancient system of medicine dedicated to health and wellness of an individual’s mind, body, and spirit. It is practiced in India for thousands of years and providing relief from various health issues like Constipation, piles, diabetes etc. without causing any side effects.
Shri Chyawan Ayurveda an ayurvedic medicine online store has formulated an instant constipation relief medicine – Constipation Care. The care pack consists of Kabj Hari Churn & Liver Care Syrup. It helps in curing a lot of stomach related issues like gas, constipation, acidity, stomach bloating and abdominal pain.
- Kabj Hari Churn: It is by far the best ayurvedic churn available in the market for curing various stomach related issues. Consumption of this churn will ease down the pain during constipation and ultimately will help you get rid of the regular and chronic constipation issues, and its symptoms. It will not only help you by treating Constipation, but also help with Acidity, Stomach Bloating, Gases and other stomach related issues.
Ingredients:
It is made using all herbal and natural ayurvedic ingredients like Harde, Sonth, Mulethi, Baheda, Hing, Variyali, Amaltas, Black Salt, Black pepper, Amla.
How to Use:
Kabj Hari Churn can be used by mixing 1-2gm of this churn with half cup of water, consume every day before going to bed.
Some benefits of Kabj Hari Churn include:
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Improves Digestion: Shri Chyawan Ayurveda’s Kabj Hari Churn effectively helps to cure your problems related to digestive system and facilitates smooth digestion process.
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Relieves Constipation: It effectively helps to give you relief from stomach issues and constipation.
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Bloating and Gases: Kabj Hari Churn reduces stomach bloating, digestion issues and gases and reduces indigestion.
- Pure and Natural Product: Kabj Hari Churn is made using all natural and herbal ingredients and ensures smooth digestion process.
- Liver Care Syrup:Shri Chyawan Ayurveda's Liver Care Syrup is formulated to cleanse your liver and support digestion process. It also helps to strengthen the overall functioning of the liver.
Ingredients:
It consists of Chitrakmul, Amla, Harde, Baheda, Bel Patra, Dhana, Aloe vera, Ajwain, Punarnava, Giloy Satva, Neem Chal, Tulsi.
How to use:
Consume 1-2 teaspoonful of Liver Care Syrup, thrice a day or as suggested by your physician.
Benefits of Liver Care Syrup:
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Reduces Acidity: Shri Chyawan Ayurveda's Liver Care Syrup helps in reducing acidity and also reduces acid reflex issues as well.
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Detoxifier: Liver Care Syrup acts as a detoxifying agent and flushes out toxins from your body.
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Aids in Digestion: It also helps in digestion of food and boosts metabolism and solves constipation problem as well.
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Maintains Liver Health: Regular intake of Liver Care Plus Syrup helps to maintain Gut and Liver health.
- Safe & Natural: It is made from all herbal, ayurvedic ingredients and is safe and natural to use.
Other home remedies for Constipation
There are several home remedies and lifestyle changes you can try to alleviate constipation. These remedies can often be effective for mild to moderate cases of constipation. However, if your constipation is severe, long-lasting, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. Here are some additional remedies for constipation:
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Increase Fiber Intake: Eating more fiber-rich foods can soften stools and promote regular bowel movements. High-fiber foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the stool soft and easier to pass. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
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Prunes or Prune Juice: Prunes are a natural laxative and can help relieve constipation. You can eat them as whole fruits or drink prune juice.
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Warm Liquids: Sip on warm liquids, such as herbal tea or warm water with lemon, in the morning to stimulate bowel movements.
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Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help stimulate the muscles in your intestines and promote regular bowel movements. Even a daily 15–30-minute walk can be beneficial.
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Castor Oil: Taking a small amount of castor oil (usually 1-2 teaspoons) can help lubricate the intestines and relieve constipation. Be cautious with the dosage, as excessive castor oil can lead to diarrhoea.
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Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed is a good source of fiber and can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal to help with constipation.
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Psyllium Husk: Psyllium husk is a natural fiber supplement that can be mixed with water and consumed to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.
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Molasses: Blackstrap molasses is rich in minerals and can act as a natural laxative. Mixing a tablespoon with warm water can help relieve constipation.
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Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice, in small amounts, can have a mild laxative effect and promote regular bowel movements.
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Yogurt with Probiotics: Some probiotic-rich yogurts can help regulate the gut microbiota and improve digestive health, potentially reducing constipation.
- Epsom Salt Bath: Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salt can relax the body and potentially help relieve constipation.
In conclusion, constipation is a common digestive issue that can often be managed and alleviated through a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes, home remedies, and natural approaches. Ayurveda has constipation medicine for adults and elderly providing instant relief from major symptoms. However, it's essential to pay attention to your body's signals and seek medical advice if constipation becomes chronic, severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, as it could be indicative of an underlying medical condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment.