CAUSES OF CONSTIPATION AND ITS REMEDY ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

 CONSTIPATION: A SERIOUS ISSUE OF THE HUMAN BODY, ITS CAUSES, AND ITS REMEDY IN AYURVEDA

Causes of Constipation (as per Charaka Samhita)

Dietary Factors

Overconsumption of dry, rough, cold, and heavy foods (such as oil-free pulses, too much meat, and foods without ghee or oil)

Foods with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes are considered dry in nature.

They stimulate the digestive fire (Agni) and help pacify Kapha and Pitta doshas.

On the other hand, foods with salty, sour, and sweet tastes are considered moist/unctuous.

Moist foods nourish the body and keep it smooth.

Pungent Food

The five spicy vegetables—onions, garlic, chives, green onions, and leeks—are avoided by some Buddhists who adhere to a strict diet. According to the Buddha, these hurt people who are just beginning their cultivation.

Rough Food

Rūkṣa = Dry, rough, non-unctuous.
Such foods lack oiliness, smoothness, and moisture.
They increase Vata dosha (since Vata itself is dry and rough) and decrease Kapha and sometimes Pitta

According to Ayurveda, all foods possess certain qualities (gunas) that exert different physiological and therapeutic effects on the body and mind.

Examples of Rough (Dry) Foods in Ayurveda

1. Based on Taste (Rasa)

   • Pungent (Katu)—chili, ginger (in excess), mustard.

   • Bitter (Tikta) – neem, bitter gourd.

   • Astringent (Kashaya)—raw banana, pomegranate rind, legumes.

Inadequate consumption of water

Dehydration Causes and Effects

• Persistent headaches: Dehydration can cause persistent headaches, which can subside after drinking a large glass of water.

• Slow bowel function: Lack of water can lead to hard stools, constipation, abdominal pain, and cramps.

• Dull skin: Dehydration can result in dry, ashy skin that appears less radiant and elastic.

• Fatigue: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to energy levels plummeting and brain fog.

• Weight gain: Drinking water can help alleviate hunger cues.

• Dry mouth: Lack of water can lead to dry mucous membranes, making it difficult to talk, swallow, and breathe.

• Insufficient dietary fiber.

Dietary Fibre Types [1]

Insoluble Fiber:
• Cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses are insoluble fibers that increase stool bulk.
• Best sources include wholegrain cereals, nuts, wheat bran, rice bran, beans, potatoes, cauliflower, and skins of certain vegetables and fruits.

Soluble Fiber:
• Water-soluble fibers like pectin, mucilage, and gums lower blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels.
• High amounts are found in flaxseed, barley, lentils, psyllium husk, dry beans, peas, oat bran, soybeans, and some fruits and vegetables.

Common Fiber-rich Foods:
• Beans, legumes, lentils
• Broccoli, carrot, beets
• Whole grains like brown rice, millet, wheat bran, oats
• Apples, bananas, avocados, guavas, berries
• Dried fruits, seeds, nuts

Lifestyle Causes of Constipation 

• Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise. 

  
  
  

• Inadequate or irregular sleep.

• Mental stress, worry, and anger.

• Suppression of natural urges like defecation or urination.

Dosha-related Causes of Constipation

• Mainly due to the aggravation of Vata Dosha, as Vata is dry and governs movement, it hardens the stool and causes difficulty in elimination.

• Sometimes imbalance of Pitta and Kapha also contributes.

Remedy 

Remedies for Constipation (as per Charaka Samhita)

Charaka recommends two main approaches:
(1) Shamana Chikitsa 
(2) Shodhana Chikitsa 

(1) Shamana Chikitsa

Triphala: Triphala is a highly successful treatment for constipation. Take a quarter teaspoon of cardamom seeds, a half teaspoon of coriander seeds, and a quarter teaspoon of triphala. Grind them and consume them twice daily. Cardamom and coriander seeds assist in easing indigestion and gas, and triphala has laxative qualities.

Triphala is a unique blend of three fruits: Amalaki (Amla), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. These fruits are known in Ayurveda for their own health benefits, but when combined, they create a powerful formula that benefits overall health
Milk and ghee: A healthy and gentle method of relieving constipation is to take one or two teaspoons of ghee in a cup of heated milk before bed.


Anjeer: dry and fresh. Because of their high fiber content, figs soaked in warm water are highly suggested for constipation. Consume figs every day to maintain your digestive system.

Fennel Seeds: A laxative effect can be obtained by taking a spoonful of roasted fennel with a glass of warm water before bed. By encouraging the synthesis of stomach enzymes, fennel oil can aid in accelerating digestion.

 Lifestyle Remedies

• Passing stool at a regular fixed time.

• Light morning exercise and yoga postures (e.g., Pawanmuktasana, Bhujangasana).

• Proper and sufficient sleep with mental relaxation.

• Avoiding suppression of natural urges.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Remedies

• Snehana—lubrication of the body and intestines using oil/ghee.

One of the most crucial treatments that gets the body ready for specialist Panchakarma treatment is Snehana, also known as Oleation Therapy. For three to seven days, therapeutic oils, ghee, and herbs are applied both internally and externally to the body. Snehana is essential because it facilitates the body's elimination of toxins and doshas during the Pradhanakarma stage by releasing amam, or toxins.

The two main forms of Snehana are Abhyantara Snehana (internal oleation) and Bahya Snehana (external oleation). The patient receives unique herbal formulations to consume regularly during Abhyantara Snehana. For Bahya Snehana, the diseased and surrounding parts of the body receive massages with medicated oil. The goal of both is to collect and channel the poisons inside the body. [3]

• Swedana (sudation therapy)—mild fomentation/steam to pacify aggravated Vata.

A form of Swedana called sudation treatment makes the body perspire, which lessens coldness, heaviness, and stiffness. It is a daily Ayurvedic practice and is frequently connected to a steam bath. Ushna and Tikshna guna developed the Swedana drugs, which penetrate microcirculatory channels and cause sweat glands to release more heat. By transferring morbidities to the extracellular fluid and improving capillary permeability, Swedana Karma speeds up this process. Maintaining equilibrium between the core and shell temperatures, it also controls body temperature. Understanding the forms, indications, contraindications, and actions of physiotherapy in relation to Swedana (sudation) operations is the goal of this study. [4]

• Basti Karma (medicated enema)—especially oil enema, described as the best therapy for constipation by Charaka.

Herbal medicines—Triphala, Haritaki, Isabgol husk, grapes, and castor oil.

Treatment of Constipation according to Susruta Samhita

Mridu Virechana (Mild Purgation)

• Mild laxatives (herbal):

  • Triphala churna with warm water at night.

• Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan) with ghee or jaggery.

The fruit-bearing Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) tree is primarily found in Southeast Asia and India. It turns into the fine, earthy powder known as haritaki powder after being dried and pulverized. Along with amla and bibhitaki, haritaki is a part of the Triphala trio, a well-known combination in Ayurveda that is used to balance the three doshas of vata, pitta, and kapha.

The fascinating part is that there are several uses for haritaki powder. It is regarded as a rejuvenator, or rasayana. In other words, it aids in longevity, energy restoration, and toxin removal. It's like nature's reset button, to be honest. And for thousands of years, humans have used it to help with everything from mental clarity to digestion. [5]

Haritaki Powder Benefits
• Improves digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and regulating bowel movements.
• Supports weight loss by promoting metabolism and acting as a mild laxative.
• Boosts immunity by flushing out toxins and building the body's defenses.
• Reduces acne, dullness, and inflammation in skin.
• Strengthens roots, prevents dandruff, and promotes shiny, healthy hair.
• Sharpens focus and reduces "mental fog," promoting Ayurvedic mind-body balance.

How to take 

When taking haritaki powder internally, it is generally preferable to start slowly (e.g., ¼ teaspoon once daily) and gradually increase the dosage. It can be combined with ghee, honey, or warm water. Some people, particularly in the evening, even drink it with milk or jaggery. It simply depends on what you need.

Haritaki Powder Consumption and Consumption Guide

• Mix ½ tsp of powder in warm water or tea.
• Add honey if a bitter taste is a concern.
• Drink in the evening for overnight digestion and detox support.
• For immune support, try it in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Consistency over quantity is key; regular use can lead to noticeable benefits in weeks.
• Best taken on an empty stomach for detoxification and better absorption.
• Boil half a teaspoon in water, let cool slightly, and sip slowly. Squeeze in lemon if desired. [5]

Castor oil mixed with milk.

The FDA has approved castor oil as a stimulant laxative to relieve constipation temporarily. Intestinal muscle receptors are activated when it decomposes into ricinoleic acid. Nevertheless, compared to other laxatives, it might have greater adverse effects.
Constipation can appear in a variety of ways and is rather frequent. Castor oil has hydrating qualities; it traps moisture inside the skin and functions as an occlusive moisturizer. It is frequently used with sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil.
Although it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities as well, its efficacy has not been examined in clinical trials. [6]

Castor Oil Usage and Side Effects

• Castor oil is a common remedy for constipation, with a single daily dose of 1 to 4 tablespoons for adults and children over 12 years.
• Some individuals mix castor oil with other liquids or flavored drinks to counteract its strong odor.
• Castor oil is not suitable for pregnant or nursing individuals, or children under 2 years.

Side effects 
• Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Castor oil should be used as a short-term treatment, not a long-term solution.
• Long-term use can lead to dehydration, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, and pH balance issues.
• If any side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Basti Karma (Medicated Enema) – Main Therapy

• Anuvasana Basti (Oil enema): to lubricate the colon.

Snehapana is the name for the oral administration of medicinal fats (oil or ghee). It is a prerequisite for both Virechana (therapeutic purgation) and Vamana (therapeutic emesis). Ten to fifteen percent of patients do not comply with oral administration of medicated fats, especially when the dosage is increased, according to Ayurvedic doctors. Incomplete Snehapana might occasionally make it difficult for a doctor to get a patient ready for these procedures. These annoyances prompted us to consider practical ways to mitigate the negative effects and increase Snehapana's acceptance. [7]

• Niruha Basti (Decoction enema): to expel doshas and clear bowels.

1. Herbal decoction (Kadha) is used to prepare the medicated enema.
2. A rubber catheter is used to provide a warm enema to the patient via the rectal channel.
3. Request that the patient inhale deeply through their mouth during this operation.

4. After this treatment, rest is required. The kadha must emerge in forty-five minutes. Otherwise, get in touch with the physician.

• Suśruta specifically praises Basti therapy as the best treatment for Vata-related disorders like constipation.

Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations) by Susurta 

• Pathya (Favorable):

  • Warm water, soups, green gram (Moong), vegetables with ghee, ripe fruits (papaya, figs, grapes).

  • Regular meal timings, gentle yoga (Pawanmuktasana).

• Apathya (To Avoid):

  • Excessively dry food, junk food, irregular meals, fasting, and mental stress.

Modern Medicine Approach

• Constipation = <3 bowel movements/week or hard stools.

• Causes: low fiber, dehydration, inactivity, medications, metabolic disorders.

• Treatment:

  • High-fiber diet (20–30 g/day) & hydration.

  • Regular exercise and bowel habit training.

  • Laxatives: bulk-forming, osmotic, stimulant, stool softeners.

  • Enemas or suppositories for severe cases.

• Focus: quick relief, stool clearance, symptom control. [8]

Charaka & Suśruta (Ayurveda) Approach [9]

• Constipation = Vibandha due to aggravated Vata.

• Causes: dry foods, irregular meals, urge suppression, stress.

• Treatment:

  • Snigdha diet – ghee, warm water, soups, fruits.

  • Snehana (oil therapy), Swedana (steam), Mridu Virechana (mild purgation).

  • Basti (oil/decoction enema) – best therapy for Vata disorders.

  • Yoga, Abhyanga (oil massage), and a regular routine.

• Focus: restore digestion (Agni), balance doshas, prevent recurrence.

Exercises Most Effective for Constipation

Getting up and moving around can help relieve constipation. Walking regularly, even for just 10 to 15 minutes at a time, can improve the health of the digestive system and the body. Running, jogging, swimming, or swing dancing are examples of aerobic exercises you could do if you're already in good shape. [10]

Accupressure points

Through the promotion of peristalsis, a wavelike movement of intestinal muscles that aids in breaking up the stagnation of stool in your digestive tract, acupressure improves constipation. In addition to relieving stress, which is already known to be a prevalent cause of constipation, applying pressure to particular body regions can also relax the neurological system.

• For one to two minutes, apply consistent, firm pressure to each location.
• Apply circular motions or lightly push and release.
• Take deep breaths and remain calm.
• Apply pressure to strategic locations one to three times a day.

Unani Medicine: Treating Constipation

• Foods that are indigestible produce constipation, which results in gas, putrefaction, and discomfort in the abdomen.
• Changing eating habits, such as consuming a lot of milk, cooked fruits, vegetables, and juices, is part of the treatment.
• For use at night, boil senna and aniseed in water with jaggery and drain.
• For relief at night, combine 50g of brown sugar with half a litre of milk.
• Eating 4 grams of Gulkand per day with milk.
• If these treatments don't work, mix lukewarm water with ground harad rind and salt. [11]

ISRAEL method

Vibrant Ltd., an Israeli startup, is hiring for clinical trials in the United States.

• An Israeli business called Vibrant Ltd. is creating a vibrating tablet to encourage bowel movements.
• An external device controls the vibrations of the pill, which then travel to the large intestine.
• The startup is privately held by its founders and investors, and it is aggressively looking for collaborations. • The pill causes spontaneous bowel motions by inducing natural peristaltic activity.
• Concerns over implanted chip technology, possible law enforcement abuse of data, and the erosion of civil liberties are among the ethical issues surrounding the use of smart pills. 

Reference:

1. Apollo Hospital: https://www.apollohospitals.com/diseases-and-conditions/disorders-associated-with-low-dietary-fiber-intake

2. https://miayurveda.org/category/our-treatments/. 

3. https://www.keralatourism.org/ayurveda/panchakarma-procedure/

4. https://ijbpas.com/. 

5. https://ask-ayurveda.com/

6.https://www.health.com/ 

7. Kadus PA, Vedpathak SM. Anuvasan Basti in escalating dose is an alternative for Snehapana before Vamana and Virechana: Trends from a pilot study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec;5(4):246-50.

8. Bharucha AE et al., Gastroenterology. 2013;144(1):211–217

9. Suśruta Saṁhitā, Chikitsa Sthana 35; Charaka Saṁhitā, Chikitsa Sthana 14. 
10. webmd.com

11. https://www.clinicwala.com/cure_unanimedicine-unani-constipationunani.html. 

12. https://medcitynews.com/