The Story That Reflects Many Meera, a schoolteacher in a bustling Indian city, often skipped breakfast and lived on several cups of chai daily. Over time, she began suffering from constipation, feeling bloated, fatigued, and out of sync. A visit to her grandmotherâs village changed everything. Her Dadi suggested an old Ayurvedic remedy: warm water with ghee on an empty stomach. Meera also added moong dal, leafy vegetables, bananas, and guavas to her meals. She drank jeera water throughout the day. Within a few days, she felt lighter and more energetic. This simple switch to Indian home remedies and mindful eating gave her a new lease on digestive health. How Common Is Constipation in India? Constipation is a growing concern in urban India. It affects nearly 22% of the adult population, especially in cities like Kolkata (28%) and Chennai (26%). Contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, junk food consumption, and insufficient hydration. Nearly 33% of people never seek help due to stigma, and 48% rely on home remedies rather than proper treatment. What Is Constipation, Really? Medically, constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week, often accompanied by hard, dry stools, abdominal discomfort, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation. In simpler words: Constipation happens when it becomes difficult to poop or when you donât go often. Your poop may be hard, dry, and painful to pass. You may also feel like youâre not completely done. Constipation in Ayurveda: VIBANDHA In Ayurvedic terms, constipation is called Vibandha, which means âbindingâ or âobstruction.â Itâs often linked to an aggravated Vata dosha, leading to dryness and impaired digestive movements. Ayurveda treats this condition by correcting digestion, hydration, and promoting elimination through gentle herbal support. What Causes Constipation? Dietary Causes: Low fibre diet (lack of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) Dehydration Overeating processed/junk food Lifestyle Factors: Lack of exercise Skipping meals or irregular eating times Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism Diabetes IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Pregnancy Old age Medications: Painkillers (especially opioids) Antidepressants Iron and calcium supplements Mental Health: Anxiety Depression Chronic stress How Does Constipation Happen in the Body? Imagine your intestines as a water slide. If thereâs not enough water, the slide gets sticky. Without fibre, the brush that moves waste forward is missing. If youâre inactive, the slide doesnât move. And when your brain doesnât send the right âgo now!â signal, the traffic piles up. This leads to dry, hard poop that feels impossible to push out. Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation Triphala Churna A time-tested blend of Amla, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki that balances Vata and gently cleanses the digestive tract. đ To Buy Balance Ayurveda Triphala Churna â [Click Here] Abhayarishta A liquid herbal remedy that helps in chronic constipation and regulates bowel movements. Castor Oil (Eranda Taila) A potent natural laxative, best taken with warm milk at night. Haritaki Powder Strengthens digestion and relieves hard stools. Simple Ayurvedic Diet Tips for Smooth Digestion Start your day with warm water and a teaspoon of ghee. Eat fibre-rich Indian foods: moong dal, spinach, guava, banana, papaya. Drink jeera water or fennel seed water to aid digestion. Avoid cold, dry, and stale foods. Practice mindful eatingâavoid screens and stress during meals. Yoga & Lifestyle Practices That Keep You Regular Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) Malasana (Garland Pose) Kapalbhati Pranayama to stimulate the digestive system Get 7â8 hours of sleep Avoid eating after 9 PM Go to bed and wake up at regular times Conclusion Let food be your medicine and lifestyle your healer. Constipation is common, but you donât need harsh laxatives or discomfort to deal with it. With the right mix of Ayurvedic remedies, hydration, fibre, and a little movement, your gut can stay happy and active. So, next time you feel a little âstuck,â remember Meeraâs storyâand that Grandmaâs ghee and warm water might just be your gutâs new best friend.
