At a glance: This article is a compilation of natural Indian remedies to cure constipation in the comfort of your home, and some of them are potent enough to give instant relief when taken as soon as you see the symptoms. Most of them are safe for children; however, we have mentioned the safety and dosage instructions as well. Also, please note that the remedies are not for babies under two years old.
A regular bowel movement is as important as any other bodily process. When your bowel movements are less than three times a week, you are said to suffer from constipation. Constipation can be uncomfortable, and acting on it at the first symptom will stop aggravation.
Several foods possess laxative properties and hence can relieve constipation naturally. Also, you can occasionally depend on some natural remedies to get rid of constipation, though be mindful not to do this often. Instead, finding ways for regular bowel movements is the best way to go.
Signs of constipation
Several clear indicators can help identify constipation.
- Consistent, painful bowel movements
- Spending more time in the loo for bowel movements
- A feeling of discomfort, making you feel your bowels are not empty
- Very dry and hard stool with pain and discomfort
- Abdominal cramps that make it difficult to sit
- Bloating due to non-passage of stool for longer periods
- Straining hard to have a bowel movement
- Reduced frequency of toilet visits
When your bowel movements are less than three times a week, accompanied by two or more symptoms mentioned above, you are constipated, and you better start with home remedies to get quick relief.
Indian home remedies for constipation relief naturally
1. Spiced buttermilk
Buttermilk is made with well-beaten curd (yogurt) mixed with salt and water. It can be spiced with ground amla, curry leaves and cumin seeds. Spiced buttermilk is a popular thirst-quenching drink used in Indian households that is also held high in Ayurveda for its dosha-pacifying and gut-enhancing abilities. It is refreshing, hydrating and can aid digestion and soothe inflamed intestinal muscles. In addition, the probiotics in buttermilk improve gut health, ease bloating, and induce bowel movements.
Safety and dosage: Both adults and children can drink buttermilk five to six times a day, about 100 ml every time. This Indian home remedy, when taken at the onset of constipation symptoms, can provide instant relief.
Also Read:
- Five Amla Remedies For Common Health Problems That Actually Work
- Spiced Buttermilk With Amla – Your Goto Refresher Drink
2. Moong dal with jaggery
This is a delightful Indian home remedy for constipation relief because it is also extremely tasty.
Method to make this: (Serves one person)
- Split moong dal – 50 grams
- Jaggery – 50 grams
- Grated coconut – 2 tablespoons (optional)
Pressure cook moong dal until super soft. Dissolve pounded jaggery in water, and heat it on low flame until it dissolves completely. Strain this liquid to filter any impurities that may be present in jaggery.
Add cooked dal to jaggery liquid and mix it very well. Heat it on low flame for a few minutes. If you are adding coconut, add it at this stage. Add a teaspoon of ghee and have it warm.
Moong dal enhances digestion, and because it is rich in fibre, it helps ease bowel movement. Jaggery is a laxative that helps soften the stools. It also stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, thus helping in good digestion. Coconut is rich in fibre and is generally revered for its ability to improve digestive health.
Safety and dosage: Adults can have this mid-morning and post-lunch. The bowel movements are most likely to start by evening or before bed. Children may take this remedy in small quantities every few hours until relief.
3. Jeera water
This is a very simple Indian home remedy used for centuries that may not provide instant relief but will eventually relieve constipation.
You can prepare it by boiling two tablespoonsful jeera seeds (cumin) in about one litre of water for 20 minutes on low flame. Then, cool this water and drink it several times a day. In fact, you may replace plain water with jeera water for good results.
Cumin seeds are rich in fibre, so they enable the body to absorb more water, resulting in soft stools and enhanced bowel movements. They also stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving digestion.
Safety and dosage: Jeera water is safe for both adults and children to drink all day. Replace plain water with jeera water. Also, making this a habit is great for your digestive health, improves immune function, and has absolutely no harm. Some South Indian households drink jeera water instead of plain water.
4. Ginger Tea for Constipation Relief
Ginger root is a trusted Indian home remedy for relieving constipation naturally.
Firstly, ginger is a digestive aid, so it helps when indigestion is the cause of constipation. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties soothe the muscles in the intestinal walls that might have inflamed due to straining for bowel movements. Ginger can also help reduce gas and bloating, relieving uncomfortable symptoms of constipation.
You can make ginger kashayam using the method below:
- Peel 1-inch long fresh ginger
- Grate or chop into thin strands
- Boil in a bowl of water for 10 minutes on low flame
- Strain and sip the warm liquid
Safety and dosage: Having 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls several times a day is safe until you find relief. For children, three teaspoonfuls, two times a day.
5. Triphala Powder for Constipation Relief
Triphala is a simple and effective Ayurvedic solution for easing constipation. The trusted and readily available remedy of Ayurveda combines three powerful ingredients:
- Amla, which primarily targets the pitta dosha
- Baheda focuses on the Kapha dosha
- Harad, which addresses the Vata dosha
By incorporating all three ingredients, Triphala Powder provides a comprehensive approach to balancing the Doshas and promoting overall digestive health.
Triphala Powder stimulates and regulates the digestive system. Its natural properties help improve bowel movement and ease discomfort associated with constipation.
Triphala Powder not only provides relief from immediate symptoms but also aids in regular bowel movements in the long term. Furthermore, Triphala Powder is easily accessible and can be conveniently incorporated into your daily routine. Whether consumed as a powder or in capsule form, it offers a user-friendly and practical solution for those seeking relief from constipation and related digestive issues.
Safety and dosage: Triphala is generally safe in adults. Follow the instructions overleaf for dosage. Do not use Triphala for kids.
6. Ghee and Milk
The combination of ghee and milk has been valued for its remarkable ability to alleviate bowel issues. Warm milk and a tablespoon of ghee before bedtime provide good results. This soothing mixture is a gentle yet effective aid in promoting regular bowel movements. The warm milk comforts the digestive system, while the ghee, known for its lubricating properties, helps ease the passage of stool.
This traditional practice was rooted in the belief that this blend possesses unique healing properties for the gut, facilitating smooth bowel movements and relieving stomach discomfort. Additionally, this age-old remedy offers a rich source of essential nutrients, further enhancing its appeal.
Safety and dosage: The ghee and milk combination is safe for adults. For young children, 2 to 3 spoonful is advised.
7. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds have excellent laxative effects and are highly recognised in both Ayurveda and TCM for their digestive health benefits, making them an effective Indian home remedy for instant constipation relief.
When consumed with hot water, they offer notable benefits for improving digestion and promoting regular bowel movements. In addition, the active compounds in fennel seeds help relax the digestive muscles, which can reduce bloating and ease constipation. By soothing the intestinal muscles, fennel seeds aid in relieving the discomfort caused by sluggish bowel movements. This relaxation of the muscles also helps decrease the swelling and irritation of the intestinal walls, which can contribute to constipation.
Consuming approximately one teaspoon of fennel seeds with lukewarm water before bed helps relieve constipation. This allows the seeds to interact with the digestive system overnight, aiding in the stimulation of bowel movements by morning.
Another effective way to incorporate fennel seeds into your routine is by preparing fennel tea. Simply boil one teaspoon of fennel seeds in water for about five minutes, then strain and enjoy the resulting aromatic and soothing tea. Sipping on fennel tea can provide similar benefits in relieving constipation and promoting digestive comfort.
Safety and dosage: Fennel water and tea are generally safe. Adults can have half a cup of tea three times a day. Children can take 1 to 2 tablespoons three times a day.
8. Castor Oil
Castor oil is a natural laxative commonly used to relieve constipation due to its unique properties and mechanisms of action.
Oral consumption of castor oil helps soften stool by increasing the amount of water absorbed into the intestines. Further, the compound ricinoleic acid in castor oil promotes muscle contractions in the intestines, activating the smooth muscle cells in the intestines and enhancing their peristaltic movement. This increased muscular activity helps to propel stool forward and facilitates its elimination from the body.
Castor oil has a relatively fast onset of action compared to other laxatives. When taken on an empty stomach, it typically produces a bowel movement within a few hours. This quick response makes it a popular Indian home remedy for individuals seeking instant relief from constipation.
Safety and dosage: Add 8-10 drops of castor oil to warm milk and drink it. Do not drink it before bed, as it usually induces bowel movements between 2 and 6 hours. Use this remedy occasionally. Do not use castor oil to relieve constipation often, as you may start depending on it, resulting in frequent constipation episodes. Also, do not use this for Children younger than ten years.
5 Tips to prevent constipation
Prevention is always better than cure. So remember the following tips to minimise constipation episodes.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Include fibrous fruits and vegetables in your diet.
- Opt for fibre-rich, complex carbohydrates, such as quinoa and brown rice.
- Yoga helps improve the body’s internal organs’ health, including intestinal health. Make it a habit to practise yoga three times a week.
- Remedies such as buttermilk, jeera water, and moong dal-jaggery can be had several times a week to improve digestion and enable regular bowel movements.
Also Read: Yoga For Constipation: Seven Easy Yoga Poses For Constipation Relief
The bottom line
At the slightest doubt that you may have constipation, start with a natural remedy. Regular bowel movements ensure not only peace and a happy stomach eager for the next meal but also save you from discomfort and keep clear of several other problems in the queue! Be sure to follow the correct dosages when using Triphala and castor oil as constipation remedies. Other Indian remedies with buttermilk, cumin seeds, ginger, fennel, and ghee-milk combination are safer to relieve constipation. Nevertheless, when home remedies do not give relief, visit a doctor and treat your constipation; aggravating it won’t be pleasant!
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