Constipation

According to Ayurveda there are several causes behind constipation like

•  habit of suppressing the urge over long periods,
• absence or non availability of articles habitually used before defecation such as drinking coffee or tea.
•  habitual use of laxatives.

Home remedies 

• Tripha powder is very popularly used for this condition. It contains three drugs namely- Haritaki (Haridra), Vibhitaki (Baheda) and Amalaki ( Amla). 5 gm of this powder (1 teaspoon) should be taken with a luke warm water at bedtime.
• The best way to evacuate in chronic condition is castor oil. The castor oil should be purified and diluted. The 4-6 teaspoon (20 to 30 ml ) of this oil is to be taken with warm milk.

Diet consideration

• Drink a glass of water early in the morning after washing the face and mouth.
• It is a better idea, if you can take a glass of warm water at bed after adding a teaspoon of ghee to it.
• Beans, dry grains, cabbage, mushrooms and other dry food should be avoided.
• Spices which balance digestion - asafoetida (Hing), Ginger (Ardraka) cardamom(Elam) or fennel (saunf) should be taken with food to alleviate and promote the downward movement of gas.
• Try to avoid hot and spicy food and adequate fluids should be taken.
• Eat plenty of fruits and leafy vegetables as papaya and sugarcane are very effective in relieving constipation.
• Use whole wheat flour and not refined flour.