Bye-Bye Constipation: Home Remedies and Diet Recommendations

Read on to check out some amazing home remedies for constipation shared by an Ayurvedic Doctor!

Let’s be honest for a moment here and talk about the unspoken issues. Who among us has not experienced a hard time in the loo? For many, this is a regular problem. Yet, we shy away from mentioning the word, ‘constipation’ in our conversations!

One in five people experiences constipation at some point in their life.

Yet we don’t talk about it! 

Because of this, we don’t know that there are some simple Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Constipation. Most people wait until it gets worse. Then they pop the pill that just soothes the symptoms leaving the main issues unresolved.

Do you know surgeons in China removed 30 inches of a man’s bowel after chronic constipated for years?

Yeah! Constipation can be that serious!

About 22 % of Indians suffer from chronic constipation and the numbers are just rising! Be it pregnancy, old age, or a stressful week combined with unhealthy eating; constipation can occur anytime. 

So, it is very important to pay attention to everyday elimination! 

Decreased bowel frequency and hard stools are common symptoms of constipation. Sometimes, a sense of incomplete evacuation, bloating and discomfort are the red flags. So, if you spot any of these, run straight to the kitchen!

Also Read: Mood and Constipation

Constipation in Ayurveda

Though we shy away from stool talks, ancient Ayurveda has a lot to say!

In Ayurveda, elimination is an important indicator of good health. Ayurveda says that our stool offers the early warning signs of many bodily disorders. Ranging from minor issues to major diseases, the stool can tell a lot about your health.

How to check your stool at home?

• It should be well-formed having the consistency of a ripe banana.
• The stool must maintain the shape after elimination.
• Its colour should be light brownish-yellow.
• The stool must float in the pot.
• It should be slightly oily but non-sticky. 
• The anal orifice is easily cleaned. The stool does not stick to the toilet.
• The odour should be mild and not strong or pungent. 

If your daily elimination ticks these points, then you are living in a healthy body. In case any of these are missed then there is something to take care!

Ayurveda also states that healthy elimination occurs one to two times a day. Ideally, the first bowel movement should happen within a few minutes of waking up. A second bowel can happen after a meal, in the afternoon or evening. But it should happen at least once daily!

Also Read: Health Benefits of Kunjala Kriya

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Constipation

Here are the remedies that Ayurveda suggests for constipation:

Hike your Hydration game

Dehydration of the colon is the most common cause of constipation. So, if your water intake is low then that is the first place to work on. Hydration makes digestion easy and supports muscle function. It also aids in processing nutrients and facilitating regular bowel movement.

Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily is the first step to cure constipation. Always prefer hot or warm water rather than a cold or icy glass. You can also add lots of hydrating juices and fruits to the plate. 

Sip some Lemon water

It’s one of the easiest and effective Ayurvedic home remedies for constipation. Lemon contains citric acid which is a natural laxative. It also promotes digestion, absorption and smooth elimination. 

Lemon juice acts as a stimulant that helps flush out the toxins from the body. Loaded with Vitamin C, it further aids in treating indigestion. Starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water softens the stool and ensures easy passage.

Get some Ginger tea

Ginger is one powerful remedy for many health issues. Along with being an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, it has mild laxative effects. In ancient times, ginger was a popular remedy to promote bowel activity. 

Sip some hot ginger tea to speed up your sluggish digestion. Ginger tea can ease the process of digestion after a heavy meal. Drinking 1 or 2 cups every day ensure smooth bowel movements.

Chew some Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a good old home remedy for constipation. The oily composition of sesame seeds moistures the intestine and help pass dry stools. They are also rich in fibre which makes them an effective remedy for constipation.

You can munch on the sesame jaggery laddoos. If that’s not handy then sprinkle some sesame seeds over your salads, omelettes, curries or dal. You can also grind sesame to make a chutney. 

Raise your hand for some Raisins 

Raisins soaked in water has the ability to loosen up your stool and soothe your bowel movements. They are high in fibre and acts as a great laxative. Raisins further alleviate the bad bacteria and maintain a healthy balance in the gut. 

Munching on soaked raisins promotes digestion and eases constipation.  People with digestive issues must stick to a handful of raisins every day. It works very well for kids, adults, pregnant and feeding mother, old people. Raisins cure constipation without any side effects.

Bring on some Bananas

Banana is the best and simplest Ayurvedic home remedy for constipation. It loosens up the stool and makes it slide smoothly. Banana further eases up digestion and stimulates the growth of good bacteria. 

This happy fruit is rich in soluble fibre. It helps to push the waste through the bowel. Mashed banana is a great remedy for constipation in children. However, make sure to pick the ripe ones, as unripe banana can cause constipation.

Feel free with Flaxseed

Flaxseed is another great Ayurvedic home remedy for constipation. It is a great source of dietary fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and essential antioxidants. Flaxseeds allow the stool to pass easily through the digestive tract. 

Take 1 tsp of these seeds and boil it in a cup of water for 2-3 minutes. Allow it to cool, strain and drink the water. You can also eat the seeds directly. Do this two to three times every day!

Cure constipation with Castor oil

The best Ayurvedic home remedy for constipation, Castor oil has worked for generations. It is a great laxative and helps in stimulating the large and small intestines. Castor oil promotes regular bowel movements. 

Castor oil is a great stimulant. It cleanses the intestine and facilitates motion. Just take 1-2 tablespoons of castor oil on an empty stomach until you get relief. You can have it with milk, juice or water. But don’t give it to children without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.  

Trust the power of Triphala

Triphala is an age-old remedy for digestive issues. Made of Amla, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, it has great laxative properties. This Ayurvedic formulation also aids in treating flatulence, constipation and indigestion.

Triphala is very effective in internal cleansing and detoxification. Take 1 tsp in a cup of hot water, let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes and drink it every night.

Roasted fennel

Fennel seeds are often used as a mouth freshener. But it also works great as a digestive as well as a laxative. The oils in fennel seeds promote digestion and ease elimination.

Also Read: Constipation in children and infants

Other tips for instant relief

• Drink a glass of milk and ghee before bedtime. This is an age-old remedy for clear bowel every morning.
• Engage in 30 minutes of exercise every day.
• Do not sit in one place for long.
• Manage your stress with yoga, meditation, massage and Pranayama
• Eat balanced nutritious food and avoid unhealthy choices.

Also Read: How much food should you eat?

Ayurvedic take on Home Remedies for Constipation

The unhealthy lifestyle of modern-day has contributed a lot in making constipation a common story! Junk food, alcohol drinking, smoking, over-eating combined with stress and sedentary lifestyle are at the root. So, if you want a cure for constipation, you must take care of these things.

These simple home remedies and tips work to eradicate your problem from the root. It aims to cleanse the digestive tract naturally and restore the balance of the body. So, give it some time and practice these simple healthy habits on a regular basis.