How to treat Constipation

Constipation is caused by wrong bowel habits, According to Ayurveda it is mainly caused by aggravation of Vata (air) Dosha. Improper eating habits including eating a lot of food, eating food which is difficult to digest (such as meat) and not eating enough vegetables and salads also lead to constipation. Irregular sleeping habits or emotional disturbances (stress, grief, fear or worry) are other common causes for the constipation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Eating freshly cooked food is helpful. Spices like cumin seeds, coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida is good as it makes the food easily digestive.

2. Drinking a 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 spoonful of castor oil in the milk is very helpful.

3. Very common Ayurvedic medicine for constipation used by many Ayurvedic physicians is Triphala Churna/ Triphala tablets It is a powder made by grinding three kinds of fruits or herbs. This powder is now available in many western countries. 3 to 6 gms. of this powder taken at the time going to bed with warm water or milk helps in having a clean bowel motion the next morning.

Tips & Warnings

• Take ample fruits, fruit juices, salads, leafy and green vegetables. Whole grain bread can be taken. Unpolished rice can be taken moderately.
• Fried foods and beans should be avoided. Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli are not good. Nuts and dry fruits should also be avoided.
• It is very much necessary to form a habit of evacuating early morning. Regular physical exercise is also important for having clear bowels. One should try to have relaxed mind, free from anxiety, stress etc.
• Absolute No-nos! : --Pasteurized milk --Cooked eggs --Overcooked Meats --Refined starch.