Constipation is defined as decrease in frequency, volume and fluidity of stool. A very common Gastro intestinal disorder characterised by restricted bowel movements with infrequent and difficult evacuation of stools. In chronic constipation, two or more symptoms discussed below is seen for at least 3 months.
Decrease in frequency of defecation ( less than 2 bowels/week)
Straining at stools
Passage of hard stools
Incomplete evacuation of stools
Causes
Food Habits
Lack of fiber rich diet, increased intake of animal proteins like meat and eggs, insuffucient water intake are the main dietery causes. Food when not chewed properly or increased consumption of too much oily and fatty food may also lead to constipation.
Lack of exercise and Physical activities
Intestinal problems like irritable bowel and colon
Medicines or Drugs : Antacids, Antispasmodic, Antibiotics, Diuretics, Iron supplements, Anti-depressants etc may lead to constipation
Worm infestation
Changes in life like Pregnancy and travelling
Overuse of laxatives : It may lead to dependency on such drugs and supress the natural urge and body’s self mechanism.
Delaying the urge to defecate
Certain neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease
Smoking, Alcohol. Too much tea/coffee
Symptoms
Bloated Abdomen
Abdominal discomfort and pain
Nausea
Heaviness in abdomen
Mouth Ulcer
Foul breath
Chronic constipation may lead to Hemorrhoids, Fissures, rectal prolapse, vatha diseases and Skin ailments
Siddha Concept
According to Siddha, dietery and lifestyle reasons may initially lead to derrangement of Vatha or Pitha causing ingigestion, bloated abdomen, gassiness etc. This vitiated Vatham or Pitham may later derrange Kapham leading to failure or difficulty in evacuation of stools. Accumulation of waste in the abdomen may produce toxins which may circulate within the body through blood and fluids upseting the whole digestive system later hindering the functioning of other systems of the body.
Natural Remedies
Intake of fiber rich foods like Pineapple,papaya, guava, veggies like beans, cereals etc. Salad(Roughage) intake regularly prevents constipation.
Add healthy spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander to daily food in abundance. These spices increases digestive fire and helps the food to digest properly.
Chew the food well before swallowing. Make your dinner healthy, light and early for better digestion.
Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
A glass of warm water with juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 spoon of honey just after waking up may help to prevent constipation.
Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, Soda drinks, too much of tea and coffee.
Exercise regularly.
20-30 ml of castor oil with warm milk just before bed.
Aloe vera juice– 20 to 30 ml daily
Fasting at least once a month is good to restore digestive fire.
Maintain a goodnight sleep routine.
Siddha Medicines for treating constipation :
Effective Siddha cure :
To bring back digestive fire and proper digestion, purgation followed by digestives should be administered.
Purgation must be given as first line of treatment. For purgation medicines like Agasthiyar kuzhambu, Lavan gunathi ennai, Sddhathi ennai etc are used in Siddha. Then medicines to improve digestive fire and prevent indigestion is administered. Eladi choornam, Trikadugu choornam, Inji vadagam, Thalisathi choormnam and vadagam, Asta choornam, Inji rasayanam etc are some of the Siddha digestives
Chronic constipation : Some times laxatives are administered according to the condition of the patient and severity of the problem.
Ponnavarai choornam 1gram with milk at bed time or Ponnavarai tablet 1-2 at night time.
Nilavarai chooranam, Kumari ennai, Kadukkai choornam, Karunai leghyam, Triphala choornam etc are other medicines to treat Constipation. Laxatives are admionistered for a recommended period according to the physician’s guidance.
Note : Always consult a Siddha doctor to treat constipation and associated problems. Line of treatment and medicine may vary accordingly. Never go for self mediciation.
Chronic constipation may lead to Piles, fistula, Vatha diseases, Skin disorders, Neurogenic diseases etc. So it must be treated well wihtout any failure. It is advised to administer purgation once in 6 months to maintain a healthy digestive system. Fibre rich diet, Green vegetables, proper quantity of fluid intake can help prevent constipation naturally. A lot of diseases arise due to digestive problems. A healthy digestive system keeps the body system well functioning and prevent various ailments. It maintains a healthy immune system and promotes longevity.