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The Ultimate Guide to Castor Oil for Constipation Relief

Published On: May 22, 2024

Last Updated: Dec 21, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Castor Oil for Constipation Relief

Do you experience infrequent bowel movements accompanied by bloating or discomfort? If so, you might be experiencing constipation.

Constipation, also known as "Vibandha" in Ayurveda, is a common digestive complaint affecting millions worldwide. It leaves its impact on daily life, leaving one feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and even a little defeated. Ayurveda has relied on castor oil for centuries as a natural solution for constipation.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of castor oil for constipation relief, as well as understand its safety and how effectively it works. By the end of this post, you'll better understand this natural remedy and whether it might be right for you.

Understanding Constipation Through the Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, constipation isn't just about infrequent bowel movements. It signifies an imbalance in your body's internal environment, specifically in the Vata dosha. In Ayurveda, Vata dosha governs movement, air, and space within the body. When Vata becomes aggravated, its dry and light qualities can disrupt the digestive process, leading to constipation. This can happen due to various factors.

Factors that Disrupt Digestion and Cause Constipation

Some of the typical culprits are as follows:

1. Dietary Imbalances

Dry and Astringent Foods: Excessive consumption of dry, rough, or astringent foods like popcorn, crackers, and unripe fruits can increase Vata's dryness, leading to constipation in the colon.
Cold Foods and Drinks: Regularly consuming cold beverages and foods can disrupt your digestive fire (Agni), hindering proper digestion and elimination.
Low Fiber Intake: Diets lacking in fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can make it difficult for waste to move smoothly through the intestines, causing constipation.
Heavy and Oily Foods: Overindulging in greasy or heavy meals can overwhelm your digestive system, leading to sluggishness and constipation.

2. Lifestyle Disruptions

Sedentary Habits: Lack of physical activity slows your digestive system, making it difficult to eliminate waste efficiently.
Ignoring Natural Urges: Suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement can disrupt Vata dosha and contribute to irregular bowel movements.
Erratic Eating Patterns: Eating at inconsistent times or consuming heavy meals late at night can disrupt your body's natural digestive rhythm.

3. Mental and Emotional Stress

Chronic Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can aggravate Vata dosha, leading to dryness and tension in the digestive tract, ultimately causing constipation.
Poor Sleep: Inadequate sleep disrupts the body's natural rhythms, impacting digestion and potentially leading to constipation.

4. Seasonal Influences

Cold and Dry Weather: Vata dosha naturally becomes more prominent in autumn and winter. This increase in dryness within the body can contribute to constipation.

Common Symptoms of Constipation

Constipation doesn't just manifest as infrequent bowel movements. It can disrupt your entire digestive system and overall well-being. Some of the key symptoms to watch for are as follows:

Hard, Dry Stools: Difficulty passing dry, lumpy, and hard stools is a telltale sign of constipation.
Infrequent Bowel Movements: Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is constipation. However, it's essential to be aware of your natural rhythm.
Straining During Bowel Movements: Needing excessive effort to pass stool is a symptom of constipation.
Bloating and Gas: Feeling excessively bloated and experiencing frequent gas.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping: Constipation can lead to cramping or abdominal discomfort.
Lethargy and Heaviness: Drained of energy and weighed down.
Reduced Appetite: Feeling full or bloated can lead to a decreased desire to eat.
Coated Tongue: Ayurveda recognizes a white or yellow coating on the tongue as "Ama," a sign of toxins in the body that can worsen constipation.

The Benefits of Castor Oil for Digestion and Beyond

Castor oil, also known as "Eranda Taila" in Ayurveda, boasts a rich history of medicinal use dating back centuries. Extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, this versatile oil offers a range of benefits that extend far beyond constipation relief.

1. Laxative Powerhouse: Castor oil is renowned for its potent laxative properties. Ricinoleic acid, its principal fatty acid, stimulates the intestines to move stool through the digestive tract, effectively relieving constipation.

2. Soothing Inflammation: When applied topically, castor oil can help reduce inflammation and swelling, providing comfort for sore muscles and joints.

3. Combating Microbes: Castor oil's antimicrobial properties offer an additional layer of benefit. It can help prevent minor skin infections and promote wound healing.

4. Deep Hydration for Skin: Castor oil is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin. This translates to deep hydration, making it beneficial for dry skin conditions.

5. Pain Relief: Castor oil's analgesic properties can provide welcome relief from pain. Applying it topically to sore muscles and joints can help soothe discomfort.

6. Skin Soother and Conditioner: Castor oil's emollient properties soften and soothe the skin. This quality makes it a valuable ingredient in many skincare products, promoting healthy and elastic skin.

7. Supporting Detoxification: Castor oil is believed to have detoxifying effects in Ayurvedic practices. It's used in traditional Panchakarma therapy, particularly Virechana (purgation therapy), to cleanse the digestive tract of accumulated toxins (Ama). By promoting bowel movements, castor oil helps eliminate waste and toxins from the body, contributing to overall digestive health.

Get insights on What Are the Best Medicines for Constipation

How to Use Castor Oil for Stomach Problems

Castor oil offers a natural solution for various stomach problems, particularly constipation.

1. Oral Consumption for Internal Relief

Dosage: Take 1-2 teaspoons of castor oil mixed with warm water or milk on an empty stomach. The ideal timing is either in the morning or before bedtime.
Onset of Action: Expect the effects to kick in within 2-6 hours.

2. External Application for Soothing Discomfort

Method: Warm castor oil can be massaged onto your abdomen in a circular motion.
Benefits: This topical application can help alleviate bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort.
Enhanced Relief: Cover the massaged area with a cloth and apply a heating pad for additional comfort.

3. Important Precautions and Considerations

Use Moderately: Castor oil is powerful. Use it sparingly to avoid side effects like severe diarrhoea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances.
Pregnancy Caution: Pregnant women should strictly avoid the internal use of castor oil as it can induce labor.
Patch Test for Allergies: Before topical application, perform a patch test to rule out allergic reactions.
Seek Medical Advice: If you have pre-existing medical conditions like gastrointestinal disorders or kidney problems, consult your healthcare provider before using castor oil.

Also, read Ayurvedic Strategies for Improving Digestion Naturally

Conclusion

Castor oil, a time-tested remedy in Ayurveda, can be a powerful tool for occasional constipation relief. However, it's crucial to remember that Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health. While castor oil can address immediate concerns, long-term digestive wellness requires addressing the root cause of your constipation.

Dr. Shivani Nautiyal, an Ayurvedic Consultant and Physician (Panchakarma Specialist), can help you achieve this. With her expertise in male/female health, fertility issues, and lifestyle diseases, Dr Shivani combines the wisdom of Ayurveda with personalized care to promote lasting digestive health. Visit HealthyBazar for high-quality castor oil and other best Ayurvedic medicine for constipation. Here, you can find a wide selection of authentic Ayurvedic products to support your well-being.

This article is written/approved by:

Dr. Shivani (FREE Consultation)

Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

Herbal and Home Remedies For Kidney Stones

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Kidney stones are one of the most common lifestyle diseases people are suffering from these days. However, the good news is that, with the help of some home and herbal remedies, you can treat it naturally!.

In the western world, the annual incidence of Kidney Stone is about 0.5%, where a lifetime risk of developing it is about 10-15%, and it increases by 20-25% in the Middle East. In the Indian population, about 12% are expected to have urinary stones and out of which, 50% may end up with a loss of kidney functions.

Kidney stone is made of hard minerals and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They are also known as Urolithiasis or Nephrolithiasis. It has been a global problem affecting human beings since ancient times. It is a condition in which the crystals of uroliths/stones are present in the urinary tract and form uneven calculi.

Kidney stone is also known as calculi. These calculi can differ in size and shape, found anywhere in the urinary tract from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stone is a significant problem in India and other developing countries. Kidney stones have generally affected 10-12% of the industrialized population.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The Patient does not identify whether he is suffering from kidney stones. After leaving the stone through the kidney, it passes to the bladder with the help of ureters. At the same time, some of the stones remain in the ureters. Further, they block the urine flow out of the kidneys and make it swell; this condition is called Hydronephrosis.

Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones are as follows:

Acute, sudden, and heavy pain in the lower abdominal area.
A feeling of sudden urination.
Burning sensation during urination.
RBCs' blood particles (red blood cells) may change the urine colour to red or dark yellow.
Feeling of nausea and vomiting.
Male patients feel pain at the tip of their penis.

Causes of Kidney Stones

The common causes of kidney stones include:

Crystals of calcium oxalate
High levels of uric acid
Low amounts of citrate in the body

A slight reduction in urinary oxalate is associated with a significant decrease in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Hence, one should avoid oxalate-rich foods like Cucumber, Green Peppers, Beetroot, Spinach, Soya Bean, Chocolate, Popcorn, and Sweet Potato. Mainly kidney stones affect the parts of the body like the kidney ureters and urethra.

More critical, kidney stone is a recurrent disorder with lifetime recurrence risk reported as high as 50%. Therefore, there is a higher chance of developing heart diseases due to kidney stones. In addition, kidney stones reduce the formation of minerals and essential elements for bone formation.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Kidney Stones

In Ayurveda, we can compare this disease with "Ashmari." Ashmari (calculi) comprises two words, i.e., 'Ashma' (stone) and 'Ari' (enemy). Ashman (calculi), called Moothrashmari (Urolithiasis), is a disease of Moothravahasrotas (urinary tract) and involves the formation of a stone. Kidney stone resulting in severe pain as given by an enemy.

Charaka, Sushrut, and Vagbhata describe it in Ashmari Vyadhi. In Asanshodhil (regular not doing Panchkarma) and Adhikari (Unwholesome Diet), person aggravated Kapha dosha mix up with Mutra (urine), enter in Basti (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder), obstruct the urinary tract, and create Ashmari. Sushrut has mentioned that those who do not undergo Panchkarma Treatment regularly, take an unhealthy diet, and follow a faulty lifestyle, are prone to recurrent kidney stones.

Ayurvedic Types of Kidney Stones

Ashmari is one of the diseases under Asthamahagad, i.e., challenging to cure. Ashmari is Vyadhi of Mutravaha Strotas. As Basti comes under Trimarma (three-fold of life).

There are 4 types of Ashmari described in Ayurveda:

1) Vataj Ashmari (Calcium Oxalate Stone): Vataj Ashmari is blackish, hard, irregular, rough structure, and like Kadamb flower, full of a spike. The symptoms of this kind of Ashmari are intense pain in the abdomen and anal region. In addition, they cause burning in the penis, making it difficult to excrete Vata, Mutra, and stool.

2) Pittaj Ashmari (Uric Acid Stone): Pittaj Ashmari looks like Bhallatak. Its symptoms are burning micturition and yellow urine.

3) Kaphaj Ashmari (Oxalate/ Phosphate stone): It is slimy, big, and looks Light green or white in colour. The symptoms are pain in the Urinary bladder and thighs. Acharya Sushruta, the world-first surgeon, described various types of treatment in Ashmari like Ghrut (Ghee/ Clarified butter), Kashaya (Decoction), and Kshara Bhedan (Scratching).

4) Shukra Ashmari (Spermolith) – This stone develops in the seminal vesicle due to the suppression of semen. If semen flow (Shukra Vega) is suppressed, it takes transit movement (Vimargagamana) and lodges in between penis (Medhra) and testis (Vrushana).

Ayurvedic Treatment For Kidney Stone

Ayurvedic treatment of renal stones has various therapies, including plant-based medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Here are the Ayurvedic home remedies and diet recommendations to treat Kidney stones naturally:

Some Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Drink right:

Barley water (morning and evening).
Lemon water.
Buttermilk.
Coconut water (morning).
Pumpkin soup.
Sweet lime juice (not in excess).

Consume sugarcane:

Mix sugarcane juice with green cardamom (twice a day empty stomach).
Sugarcane with Tulsi seeds and milk.
Sugarcane with cumin seeds and honey.
Sugarcane with fennel seeds, coriander, and mishri (unrefined sugar).

Have watermelon.
Include Amla powder in food or have it 1 tsp twice a day with water.

Diet Recommendations

Drink plenty of fluid: 2-3 quarts/day

Include any fluid such as water, coffee, and lemonade in your diet except for grapefruit juice and soda. They are known to have a beneficial effect. This will help produce less concentrated urine and ensure at least 2.5L/day a good urine volume.

Limit foods with high oxalate content

It would be best if you eliminated spinach, berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, and tea from your diet.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Kidney Stone

Along with the diet and lifestyle changes, you should also consider some Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines will not only help you to treat kidney stones but also help to avoid recurrence.

The following are some medicines you may consider to treat kidney stones:

Ashmarihar Kwath (Patanjali)

The active ingredients include Hajrul Yahud Bhasma (silicate of lime), Yavakshar, Shwet Parppati, and Pashanbhed Churna. Anupan of this Kwath is Kulthi Kadha which has Kaphahar and Bhedan properties.

Dosage– 2 tsp. twice a day with water.

Gokshuradi Guggulu

The active ingredients included are Nagarmotha (Root), Sounth (Rhizome), Kali Marich (Seed), Pippali (Fruit), Haritaki (Fruit), Bibhitaki (Fruit), Amla (Fruit), Shudh Guggul, Gokharu (Panchang). In addition, Gokshuradi Guggulu acts as an Antispasmodic and an Antibiotic. It has a Diuretic (Mutral) property.

Dosage – 2 tablets twice a day with water.

Varunadi Kadha (Baidyanath)

Its active ingredients include Varun, Pashanbheda, Sunthi, and Gokshura. Varunadi Kwath is Diuretic in action. In addition, it has a penetration (Bhedan) activity. So, it helps to disintegrate the stone.

Dosage – 2 tsp thrice a day with a half cup of water.

Dos and Don'ts

Drink enough water, and avoid aerated drinks like carbonated water, soft drink, etc.
Eat on time.
Urinate on time. Don't hold the urge to urinate.
Cleanse the bowel by drinking warm water early in the morning.
Avoid Tomatoes, Brinjal, Chikku, too many Bananas, dairy products, and Maida (white flour) foods if you have a history of kidney stones.
Regularly practice Yoga poses, Meditation, Pranayama.
Eat fruits with high water content.

Also Read: Constipation: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment with Ayurveda

Conclusion

According to Ayurveda, lifestyle modification through diet, internal medicines, and Basti therapy is highly effective in managing renal stones. In addition, proper counseling and guidance should be provided to kidney stone patients, including Pathya – Apathya (dietary management) correlation with Ashmari management. Furthermore, home Remedies for Kidney Stones can help prevent further complications and recurrence of the disease. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine, and one can also consult with the best Ayurvedic and Unani doctors.

This article is written/approved by:

Dr. Shivani (FREE Consultation)

Tips For Improving Physical And Mental Health

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Every person who fulfills his or her potential can cope with the everyday stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to his or her community. Mental health is the foundation for an individual’s effective communication, learning, emotions, thinking, and self-esteem. It is integral to all aspects of human life, whether in interpersonal relationships, emotional well-being, or effective contribution to society. There are various Ayurvedic tips for improving physical and mental health that help to keep the mind and body healthy.

The word mental illness is often used as an umbrella term for all diagnostic mental disorders involving significant behavior changes. These changes include thought processes, emotions, behavior, and functional problems.
A study was conducted by the Neuropsychiatry branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders on April 6, 2020, on people who were in lockdown. The study estimated that 40.5% of the participants had either anxiety or depression. About three-fourths (74.1%) of the participants reported a moderate stress level, and 71.7% reported poor well-being.

Concept Of Physical Health In Ayurveda

Mental well-being is defined in Ayurveda as ‘Swasthya’ that includes physical and spiritual well-being. Life, according to Ayurveda, is a conglomeration of the four interdependent components. These components are the body (Shareera), the sensory & motor faculties (Indriya), the mind (Satva), and the soul (Atma). A healthy life needs excellent complementary support for all these factors. Thus, the concept of health encompasses physical, mental, sensory, and spiritual domains.

It also indicates that a person with Swastha Mana (healthy mental state), Prasanna Aatmendriya (delighted soul with the proper functioning of sense organs), Sama Agni (proper metabolism), Sama Dhatu (proportionate body organs and tissues), and Sama Kriya (good physiology) is perfectly healthy.

Attributes Of Physical Health

The desire for timely intake of food followed by proper digestion.
Timely evacuation of evacuant products.
Lightness to the body
Proper and satisfactory sleep
Normal growth and development of body
Nice complexion, texture, and luster of the body
Good immunity

Mind In Ayurveda – Physiological Aspect

Manas is derived from the root ‘man,’ adding the suffix ‘Asuna’ having the meaning, ‘to perceive,’ ‘to lead to knowledge,’ and ‘to analyze by special knowledge’. There are various synonyms of Mana such as Chitta, Chetas, Hrit, Hridd, Manas, and Satva.

“Chittam chetah hrdayam svantam hrnmanasam manah iti”. (Amarakosha 1/4/3)

The meaning of the above shloka is, “Mana is the entity through which knowledge is obtained, which is closely related with Atma. Through Atma, one can perceive. Mana is the superior analyzing faculty, the seat of soul or Atma, and controls the whole body. It accommodates the special senses and is the seat of knowledge.

Ayurveda proves that the existence of the mind is the existence of knowledge (Lakshanam Manaso Jnana). Ayurvedic tips for mental health helps to maintain the brain’s health and improve its functionality.

Attributes Of Mental Health

While explaining the concept of Swasthya, Ayurveda has also included the following attributes of mental health:

A well-balanced and pleasant state of mind.
Being cheerful and gracious.
Proper and satisfactory sleep.
Steady and well-balanced mental faculties.
Pleasant and active state of sensory attributes.

Relationship Between Body And Mind

It is known even from earlier times that body and mind influence each other. Psychological suffering is often expressed through somatic problems. In individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions, physical manifestations are often seen. These manifestations include loss of sleep, decreased/increased appetite, loss of libido, vague aches, pains in the body, etc.

Some physical diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, blood pressure, etc., are thought to worsen by mental factors such as anxiety and stress.

The current mental state of a person can influence how bad a physical disease is at a particular time. Hypochondriasis, Conversion disorder, Somatization disorder, etc., are believed to be rooted in mental problems. Certain chronic conditions and life-threatening conditions, such as Cancers, Renal Diseases, etc., also affect the mind retrospectively.

The mind can also exert a positive or negative impact on the effect of a treatment on the body. The positive effect of a placebo on treatment is due to the impact on the mind. The innate positivity also guides the positive response of a patient to therapy.

The concept of Satvavajaya Chikitsa in Ayurveda is centered on the mind by promoting positive vibes to the individual. Ayurveda believes in the individual as a whole, encompassing body and mind together, and treatment is also aimed for both.

Ayurvedic Tips For Improving Physical And Mental Health

Ayurveda believes that it is essential for an individual to have a healthy mind and body for overall well-being. So, people suffering from a disease can counter that disease with the power of reason and willingness.

Here are some of the Ayurvedic tips that you can follow to keep your mind healthy:

Three Pillars

According to Ayurveda, good health foundations include a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and a balanced lifestyle. In Ayurveda, the management of digestive and metabolic fire is the starting point to achieve dosha balance for mental and physical health.

Follow A Seasonal And Daily Regimen

Align with natural rhythms; spring could be an anxious time with Vata Dosha imbalance and winter with Kapha Dosha imbalance.

Here are some tips on balancing these Doshas:

Practice physical exercise for mental health regularly, such as concentration exercises.
Include warm beverages in your diet.
Don’t consume stale food.
Use liberal amounts of sesame oil, Ghee, butter, olive oil, and coconut oil.
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and chocolate.
Avoid raw or gas-forming vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc.
Have some boiled milk with cardamom and Haldi before bed.

Consume Herbs

Medhya Rasayana or brain tonics inherently boost immunity. Some other herbs also are beneficial for brain health to improve memory, concentration, and other brain functions.

These herbs include:

Brahmi
Amalaki
Ashwagandha
Shankhapushpi
Amruth
Shakti Drops
Kalyanaka Ghrita
Saraswatharishtam
Chyawanprasha

Cleansing Therapies

Try Abhyanga (self-massage), Nasya (oil or herb application in the nostrils), Shirodhara (pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead), and a full Panchakarma (a comprehensive, individualized therapeutic cleanse). These therapies will help to remove mental and physical fatigue. They also cure various psychological and physical diseases like stress, anxiety, joint pain, headache, insomnia, etc.

Nurture Relationships

Ayurvedic scholars attribute the decline in our collective physical and psychological immunity to losing our connection with nature and the ability to withstand stress. Ayurveda also encourages healing relationships with nature and commitment to sustainability.

Detox Regularly

According to Ayurveda, undigested food is the root cause of toxins spread across the body. These toxins are making the body unhealthy and sick. It may cause infections, illnesses and finally weakens the immune system. Hence, detoxification is essential, and you can do it by regularly consuming lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices.

Ayurvedic Tips For Improving Physical And Mental Health

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Conclusion

Ayurveda has many benefits. There is nothing better than going the Ayurveda way of eating healthy and taking care of physical and emotional health. Being the oldest medicinal system globally, Ayurveda helps build internal power and strength. Holistic healing helps to increase immunity for the body to combat many diseases and infections. There are many causes of mental and physical health loss, including genetic factors, poor mental health, pollution, poor diet, lifestyle, and metabolic issues. You can overcome all these problems with the help of the above self-care tips for mental and physical health that are easy to follow.