What is constipation?
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. It is a condition in which, the stools of a person becomes hard and dry. The passage of stools is generally in small amounts and less than 3 times in a week. Also, the bowel movement is painful.
What causes constipation?
Some of the common causes of constipation are listed below: Low fiber content in the diet Low liquid content in the diet Lack of exercise Change in the normal routine (Example: traveling, pregnancy) Ignoring the natural call Problems related to colon and rectum Irregular timings Medications
Alternative remedies
Ayurvedic remedies: - Tamarind: For treating constipation, it is beneficial to consume the pulp of ripe fruit of tamarind.
- Liquorice: It is used as a laxative in ayurvedic medicines. Powdered liquorice is mixed with jaggery and water and consumed for proper bowel movement.
Home remedies:
- A glass of warm water, mixed with 1-teaspoon honey and ½ teaspoon lemon juice is an effective remedy. It should be consumed early in the morning before eating anything.
- A mixture of ½ teaspoon castor oil and ½ teaspoon of honey is considered as a good remedy.
- Drinking 1 Liter water, early in the morning can cure constipation.
- Chew few liquorice (herb) sticks daily.
Homeopathic remedies: - Bryonia: When there is a feeling of dryness in the rectum and when hard dry stools (which are difficult to pass out) are formed, this remedy is recommended.
- Lycopodium: When a person undergoes many problems related to the bowels, including indigestion with gas, this remedy is recommended.
- Causticum: This remedy is recommended when stools are difficult to pass out and the person feels a terrible pain.
Aromatherapy:
Essential oils that help relieve constipation are as follows: - Chamomile
- Coriander
- Ginger
- Rosemary
- Rose
- Orange
- Lemon
These essential oils can be massaged on the abdomen along with suitable carrier oil. After the massage, bath with lukewarm water in which few drops of essential oil is added, 15 minutes prior to the bath. Diet therapy: - Food containing fiber can cure this condition. From the food, the insoluble fiber pulls water into the stool and makes it easier to pass.
- Items containing fiber includes beans, vegetables, brown rice, whole wheat…. etc.
- Whole wheat bread can show a good improvement.
- Eating Fenugreek can help as it acts as a laxative and helps in bowel movement.
Nutritional supplements: - Glucamannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber, which acts as a laxative. 3 to 4 grams of glucamannan can help this condition.
- Chlorophyll proves to be helpful, especially for elderly people in chronic constipation.
Massage:
Constipation, which occurs due to nervous tension, can be cured by therapeutic massage. This is because therapeutic massage can help tremendously in reducing stress.
Yoga:
The following yoga postures can help relieve constipation: - Vajrasana
- Tadasana
- Padahastasana
- Dhanurasana
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