What are the effective Ayurvedic remedies for gas and constipation? This post explains Ayurveda for gas problem and instant Indian home remedy for constipation and gas.
Gas and Constipation
As per Ayurveda, gas and constipation occurs when Vata’s cold and dry qualities disturb the colon and digestive functions of the human body. Some of the most common factors leading gas and bloating are excess traveling, stress, overthinking, late night activity, irregular sleep schedules, suppression of natural urges, excessive physical exercise, junk food consumption, alcohol drinking, smoking and over-eating.
Vata Imbalance – Cause of Gas and Constipation
Vata is the most important aspect of a human body in Ayurveda. Vata Dosha is associated with air and space and it governs all kinds of movement in the human mind and body. Be it blood flow, excretion of waste products of the human body, breathing, respiratory movements, cellular movements and motor movement of the brain.
The Vata Dosha is further divided into 5 kinds and two of them (Samana Vata and Apana Vata) are directly responsible for food and waste and digestive movements in the body.
- Samana Vata governs the movement of food throughout the human digestive system. An imbalance of Samana Vata can cause problems in digestion, gas and intestinal cramps.
- Apana Vata governs elimination of all kinds of waste from the human body. An imbalance in Apana Vata can cause diarrhea, constipation, and gas.
Home Remedies for Gas and Constipation
Here are the five best home remedies for gas and constipation that work:
1. Triphala
Triphala is regarded as the best ayurvedic remedy for constipation. Triphala is a powerful laxative made of three Ayurvedic herbs which are known to cure constipation. Triphala is made of Amalaki (Amla), Haritaki (Harad) and Bibhitaki (Baheda) and all of these herbs are known to cure constipation – Amalaki cures Pitta Dosha, Bibhitaki cures Kapha Dosha and Haritaki cures Vata Dosha.
- Harad is known to be a potent laxative, an astringent and lubricant which helps in loosening the stools.
- Amla is a wonderful laxative with cooling properties. It helps cool the inner stomach and intestine linings and reduces inflammation and burning sensation.
- Bibhitaki is another great natural laxative with a high amount of dietary fibres.
Triphala is best consumed as powder or churna. The best time to take Triphala is just before bed. About 30-40 mins before bed, take Triphala churna with a glass of warm water. If you don’t like the taste of Triphala, you can add a few drops of honey.
2. Psyllium
Psyllium (commonly known as Psyllium Husk or Isabgol) is a powerful laxative which is used to cure constipation or diarrhea. It is an effective binding agent which absorbs water and becomes a viscous compound.It has an excellent water solubility feature which resists digestion in the small intestine in the human body. As a laxative, Psyllium is very effective in constipation. It increases stool size and moisture of stool.
It is advised to take 2 teaspoons of Psyllium Husk in a glass of warm water daily for 3-5 days. The Psyllium Husk can also be soaked in warm milk. It must be taken 15-20 mnts before one goes to sleep.
3. Flaxseed
Flaxseed or Linseed is another herb which can be effective in constipation. It is a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids.
When a person suffering from constipation consumes Flaxseed (before sleep), it mixes with water and becomes a gel which lubricates and soothes the large intestine and induces comfortable bowel movement.
Usually 1 tablespoon of Flaxseed is consumed two to three times a day, followed by 2 cups of water.
4. Drinking Cumin (Jeera) Water
Drinking jeera water is one of the best home remedies for gas problem. Cumin prevents the formation of excess gas.
Cumin seeds is abundant in a phytochemical compound called Cumin Aldehyde and contains naturally occurring antioxidants (Apigenin and Luteolin). Cumin seeds also contain Thymol and several essential oils that stimulate the salivary gland and intestinal tracts easing digestion. Needless to say, cumin is Carminative and relieves from flatulence.
The best way to consume cumin is take a tablespoon of cumin seeds and boil it in two cups of water for 10-15 minutes. Cool it down, strain and drink this cumin water after having your meals.
5. Other Effective Remedies
- Consume a drink made with ghee, salt, and hot water. Ghee lubricates the the intestines, salt removes bacteria. Ghee is very effective because it contains butyrate acid, a fatty acid which helps digestion.
- Drink a cup of hot water first thing in the morning. As per Ayurveda, hot water gives this agni a jumpstart and is one of the most effective remedy when you’re feeling gassy.
- Add natural spice to your food. Spices such as fennel, cumin, coriander, ginger, ajwain, and hing (asafoetida) helps in gas condition.
- Chew and swallow 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals. Fennel is very effective in relieve bloating and abdominal pains.
- Consuming milk and ghee (one or two teaspoons of ghee in a cup of hot milk) at bedtime is an effective and gentle means of relieving constipation.
Apart from these home remedies, one must follow Vata Dosha pacifying diet. Stay away from cold foods and drinks, dried fruit, salads and most beans. Instead, go for the warm foods and drinks, and well-cooked vegetables.
Ayurvedic medicines for constipation are Avipattikara Choorna, Abhayarishta, Trivrit Lehyam, Dantyarishta, Gandharvahastadi Kashaya, Anthrakutharam Gulika, Pancha Sakara Churna, Kayam Churna and Phala Varti.
If you are undergoing Ayurvedic treatment for constipation, you must follow a regular routine and don’t skip meals. Also avoid stressful work and practice yoga and pranayam.