Constipation (Vibandha) Management with Ayurveda

Constipation refers to the infrequent bowel movements in which it is difficult to pass stools. It makes defecation difficult and painful. It affects not only the frequency but also the consistency of the stools. The constipation is a symptom rather than a disease. It is a very common gastrointestinal problem that basically occurs due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. This problem is more common in children and pregnant women, whereas, in general, it can affect anyone.

As per Ayurveda, Constipation is considered as "Vibandha'. Particularly, it comes under 'Purishvaha srotas vyadhis'.

This condition arises due to the vitiation of Vata dosha and Mandagni (low digestive fire).

WHAT CAUSES CONSTIPATION?

Dietary Factors (Aaharaj Karana)

The foods which are Ruksha (dry), Guru paki (heavy to digest), and Sheeta (Cold) will affect digestion and responsible for constipation.

• Less intake of fibrous diet.
• Excessive fasting.
• Irregular food habits - Not taking the meals at proper time intervals.
• Excessive intake of Kashaya (Astringent), Katu (Pungent) and Tikta (Bitter) foods.
• Less liquid intake.

Lifestyle Factors (Viharaj Karana)

Excessive indulgence in Vyayam (Strenuous exercises) and Vayvaye (Sexual intercourse).

• Vega dharana - Suppressing the natural urges especially Mutra (Micturition) and Purisha (Defecation).
• Mental status (Mansik Karna) - Excessive grief can aggravate Vata dosha.
• Occupational hazard - Usually the sitting jobs affect the intestinal peristalsis.
• Diseases - Any associated diseases like inflammatory bowel disorders, Paralytic ileus, Piles, Structural deformities and even a few systemic diseases can cause constipation.
• Pregnancy – Usually during pregnancy, constipation is quite common due to aggravated intra-abdominal pressure. 
• Medicines - Even certain medicines can cause constipation.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms are as follows:

• Hard stools
• Anorexia (Aruchi)
• Abdominal pains (Udar shoola)
• Bloating (Anah)
• Flatulence (Atop)
• Indigestion (Ajirna)
• Acidity (Amlapita)
• Headache (Shira shola)

PATHOGENESIS AS PER AYURVEDA

1. Excessive indulgence in the activities and food items which affects Vata dosha in the body
2. Aggravates vata dosha in our body (Vata Prakopa)
3. Gets localized in Intestines (Pakwashya)
4. Affects Purishwaha srotas
5. Brings dryness in the colon hence affects the intestinal peristalsis and consistency of stools hence develops difficulty in evacuation.
   

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

The management of low back pain:

• Detoxifies the Colon
• Maintain the Agni
• Subsides the Vata and Kapha dosha

TREATMENT

Vibandha can be easily managed with the medicines.

Initially we can detoxify our body with the help of Shodhana chikitsa (Purification therapies). Therapies like Basti (Medicated Enema), Virechana (Purgative Therapy), Varti (Suppositories) are beneficial in this condition.

Shaman Chikitsa includes the administration of internal medicines so for managing this problem Planet Ayurveda has a perfect solution.

• It is a group of effective herbal remedies that has the potency to treat constipation from its root.
• The herbs used in these formulations are of standard quality and pure.
• These are totally chemicals and steroids free medicines.

Description of Products Presented by Planet Ayurveda to Manage constipation:-

1. Vara Churna
2. Kabaj Mukti
3. Triphala Capsules

Herbal Remedies for Constipation

1. Vara Churna

It is a potent herbal formulation which helps to detoxify the body. It helps to eliminate the accumulated toxins from the body by clearing the Srotas (channels). It is composed of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitiki (Terminalia bellirica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). This is an effective laxative that helps to eliminate the Pakwa as well as Apakwa mala (stools).

DOSAGE: 1 teaspoonful twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Kabaj Mukti

The name of the capsules itself defines its action – Kabaj means constipation, Mukti means relief. So, it’s a perfect blend of herbs in capsules to relieve constipation. It is composed of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Senna (Cassia angustifolia), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) and Saunth (Zingiber officinale).

DOSAGE: 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Triphala Capsules

The pure extract of three herbs is incorporated in these capsules i.e. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and Bibhitiki (Terminalia bellirica). It helps to evacuate the morbid material, waste products hence detoxifies the channels. It also improves appetite and digestion.

DOSAGE: 1 to 2 capsules twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website - www.PlanetAyurveda.com

IMPORTANCE OF DIET IN CONSTIPATION

A balanced and nutritional diet is really very important to prevent this problem. To relieve constipation, a high fiber diet is required as it will increase the weight and bulk of the stool and promote a healthy digestive system.

Cereals

Consume - Wheat, White rice, Brown rice, Sorghum, Amaranth, Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Pearl millet, Buckwheat, and Little millet.

Avoid - Refined flour and its products.

Fruits

Consume - Apple, Banana, Water melon, Muskmelon, Avocado, Peaches, Pear, Coconut, Pomegranate, All types of berries, Figs, Grapes, Custard apple, Orange, Sapodilla, and Grapes.

Avoid - Canned fruits and juices Banana (overuse).

Vegetables

Consume - Zucchini, Sweet potato, Pumpkin, Ginger, Celery, Eggplant, Coriander, Radish, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Mushrooms, Spinach, Carrot, Peas, Fenugreek leaves, Potato, Yam, Okra, Bottle gourd, and Bitter gourd.

Avoid - Canned vegetables and Frozen vegetables.

Pulses

Consume - All pulse and legumes.

Dairy Products

Consume - Low-fat milk, Tofu, Yogurt, Buttermilk.

Avoid - Whole milk and cream, Full-fat yoghurt, Cream cheese, Condensed milk, and unpasteurized cheese.

Oils

Consume - Cow ghee, Sunflower oil, Canola oil, Olive oil, Mustard oil, Rice bran oil.

Avoid - Cream, Palm oil, Butter.

Spices

Consume - Cumin, Coriander, Turmeric, Ginger, Pepper, Fennel, Cinnamon.

Avoid - Red chilies.

Drinks

Consume - Coconut water, Sugarcane juice, Homemade soups, Green juice, Herbal tea, Aloe Vera juice, Buttermilk, Milk, Shakes, Smoothie.

Avoid - Cream based liqueurs, Canned soup and packaged soup, Alcohol, Sweetened drinks, Squashes, Carbonated drinks.

Flesh

Consume - Egg white, Roasted chicken, Grilled Fish (Rohu), Lean meat, Skinless chicken.

Avoid - Processed and fried meat, Red meat- (Beef, Lamb, Pork), Fishes – (Tilefish, Shark, Swordfish, Egg Yolk, Salami, Bacon, Duck, Goose.

Dry Fruits / Seeds

Consume - Almond, Raisin, Walnut, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Sesame Seeds.

Avoid - Pistachio, Cashew, and Peanuts.

HOME REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION

Along with the intake of a balanced diet, some home remedies can help you getting rid of the problem earlier.

• Psyllium husk - It is a natural laxative which is rich in fiber. It creates bulk in stools and gives relief from constipation. Psyllium husk can be added in juice or plain water.
• Flax seeds - It is a rich source of fiber. It helps in digestion and prevents constipation. 1 tsp. of flax seeds with warm water can be consumed in the early morning.

How to relieve constipation using Ayurvedic herbs?

According to Ayurveda, there are numbers of natural ways to treat constipation. Ayurveda is the natural healing process which has no side effects on our body. Constipation is a very common gastric disorder in which there is the inability to pass stool. In some case, it becomes difficult and painful. According to Ayurveda, the herbs such as Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Aloe Vera, Bibhitaki (Terminali bellerica), Psyllium Husk and Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurrao) are the best treatment.

According to Ayurveda, constipation is known as Vibandh. In Ayurveda, there are three doshas (kapha, pitta, and vata). In case of constipation, there is an imbalance in vata dosha. During constipation undigested food get slowly accumulated in the stomach and intestine which leads to an imbalance in vata dosha. When your digestive tract is not properly clean then there is a disturbance in your bowel movement and ultimately there is constipation problem.

AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR CONSTIPATION

1. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
2. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
3. Aloe vera
4. Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurrao)
5. Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica)
6. Psyllium Husk

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Amalaki and Amla is the most used herb in Ayurveda. Amla is the very good antioxidant and protects our body cells from oxidative damages. According to Ayurveda, this is the best herb for constipation problem and medicinal properties of Amalaki are: it is sour, bitter, sweet, astringent, pungent in taste, coolant in qualities, after digestion it undergoes sweet taste, coolant in qualities, and cold in potency. Amalaki facilitates the digestion, to regulate the proper digestion and elimination of waste. It has been used in Ayurveda from centuries. It is the best treatment for constipation patient. This herb has great antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties which provides protection from oxidative damage. Due to its coolant properties, it helps to balance and pacify pitta in the body. Regular and daily consumption of this herb provides you with a good amount of vitamin C to your body. Due to all these properties, you should add this herb to your daily diet because it can also boost your immune system.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

This is one of best herbal treatment for constipation. It is distributed in South East, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India and it belongs to the Combretaceae family. Regular and continuous consumption of this herb during constipation will ultimately improve your disturbed bowel movement and also increase digestion power. According to Ayurveda, this herb is, hot in potency, pungent, bitter, sweet, sour, astringent in taste, light and dry in qualities, and after digestion, it converts into a sweet taste. Haritaki has very good laxative and carminative property which is also good for proper digestion. Like Amalaki, this also contains antioxidant property. Along with constipation, this herb is also good for skin problems, weight loss, heart conditions, diabetes, and also cleanse the urinary tract.

Aloe Vera

The scientific name of the plant is Aloe barbadensis and it belongs to the Liliaceae family. Aloe Vera has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal antibacterial properties, which helps in various body ailments. It keeps your body healthy and protects it from various bacterial and fungal infection. Aloe Vera is the succulent plant mainly grow in dry, tropical areas. According to the Ayurvedic point of view, this herb is cold in potency, bitter in taste, oily, sticky and slimy in qualities. It also balances all the three doshas (kapha, pitta, and vata). This plant grows up to 60 to 100 cm in height and stems are green in color. Aloe vera juice is the best herbal treatment for proper digestion, you should drink it before your meal. This will helps to cure gas, bloating and constipation problem.

Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurrao)

It is the plant which mainly grows in the Himalayan region. In Ayurveda, the roots and rhizome of the plant has been used for various treatments. Katuki is known as a cooling agent, which helps to remove excessive fire energy from the body. Katuki balances the pitta and kapha, which can cause digestion and acidity problems which helps to improve digestion, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. There are some phytochemical in this herb such as pikuroside, phenol glycosides, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy acetophenone, veronicosides, and cucurbitacin glycosides. According to the Ayurvedic point of view, this herb is cold in potency, bitter in taste, light to digest, and undergoes pungent taste after digestion. Laxative in this herb helps to control the bowel movement and helps to ease the constipation. You should add this herb to your diet during constipation.

Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica)

This is one of another herb used for digestion problem. The oil obtained from these seeds of this herb is cold in potency and due to this property, it will help to mitigate pitta and vata dosha. It treats not only constipation problem but it is also good for diarrhea. Due to the laxative action of this herb, it will help to treat constipation and make your stool soft so that it can easily pass through the intestine. In Ayurveda, the medicinal properties of this herb are light to digest, astringent in taste, dry, hot in potency and undergo sweet taste after digestion.

Psyllium

Psyllium herb is rich in fiber so it helps in constipation. During constipation add one tablespoon of psyllium husk to one glass of water and drink it. You can also blend psyllium husk in your smoothies. This herb is cultivated all over India. In Ayurveda along with constipation problem this herb is also used for diarrhea, diabetes, weight loss, lower high cholesterol level, and has a prebiotic effect.

The use of these herb will improve the digestion and increase the digestive fire (Agni). Improvement in the system will make the stool soft, regular and get rid of constipation.