Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a symptom with many causes. These causes are of two types: obstructed defecation and colonic slow transit (or hypomobility). About 50% of patients evaluated for constipation at tertiary referral hospitals have obstructed defecation. This type of constipation has mechanical and functional causes. Causes of colonic slow transit constipation include diet, hormones, side effects of medications, and heavy metal toxicity. Constipation is a  common gastrointestinal disorder caused mainly due to wrong bowel habits. Ayurveda focuses on 'Pachan Shakti' or digestive capability of a person for holistic health. However, when digestion is not proper, it indicates towards improper food habits that are not compatible to the body type of a person.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation:

1. Take plenty of leafy vegetables and salads.
2. Drinking one glass of warm milk at the time of going to bed helps in evacuation, the next morning. In case of severe constipation mixing two tea spoon of castor oil in the milk is very helpful.
3. Taking one teaspoon lemon juice mixed with warm water two or three times a day also cleans the bowels.
4. Triphala Churna powder is better. 3 to 6 gms. of this powder - OR - 2- 3 Triphala tablets taken at the time going to bed with warm water or milk helps in having a clean bowel motion the next morning.
5. A glass lukewarm milk with 10 gram ghee at bed time will also help 'Gandharva Haritaki Churna (tablets) at bed time with lukewarm water an another helpful remedy.