What are the Best Medicines for Constipation?

Constipation (Qabz) is one of the most frequent health problems today. A day without a complete bowel movement can be quite unpleasant, if not painful. Most people feel restless and bloated because of having difficulty passing faeces easily. This issue has arisen as a result of the increased consumption of junk food, smoking, alcohol consumption, and overeating in our modern lifestyle.

According to the Gut Health Survey, 22% of the adult Indian population is suffering from the condition, with 13% complaining of severe constipation and, 6% of the total Indian population suffers from constipation associated with certain comorbidities. 

Continue reading to learn more about constipation, including its causes, symptoms, home remedies, recommended lifestyle and dietary changes, and the best available Unani and Ayurvedic treatments for constipation.

Ayurvedic & Unani view of Constipation (Qabz)

As per Ayurveda, any abnormalities in the body are caused by an imbalance in the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas. Constipation is caused by a Vata imbalance in the body, as Apana Vayu is a form of Vata that controls downward movement. An imbalance in the Apana Vayu might influence colon motility and muscle function. Any abnormalities in the body, according to Ayurveda, are caused by an imbalance in the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Doshas. Constipation is caused by a Vata imbalance in the body, as Apana Vayu is a form of Vata that controls downward movement. An imbalance in the Apana Vayu might influence colon motility and muscle function.

According to Unani Medicine, Constipation (qabz) is generally caused by eating a smaller quantity of food, consumption of constipating diets, decreased repulsive force or increased retentive force of the intestine, weakened intestinal sensitivity and muscles, excessive absorption of chyme by the liver, decreased flow of secretions towards the intestine, and weakened heat of the stomach and intestine (Zof-e-hararat-e-meda wa ama’a).

Causes of Constipation (Qabz)

1. Insufficient dietary fibre intake or lack of roughage in the diet.
2. Decreased physical activity/lack of exercise.
3. Excessive intake of dairy products and eating meats, refined sugar, and eggs.
4. An excessive intake of strong tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
5. Haemorrhoids, Intestinal obstruction, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
6. Stroke, anxiety and stress
7. Certain medications like usage of diuretics, antidepressants, antihistamines, and anticonvulsants, excessive intake of iron, calcium tablets, and overuse of laxatives and suppositories (used to soften stool) etc.
8. Long periods of bed rest, excessive eating, and insufficient chewing.
9. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and menstrual periods.
10. Neglecting the urge to have a bowel movement.

Symptoms of Constipation (Qabz)

Some commonly seen signs and symptoms in constipation patients include:

1. Darkness of tongue
2. Food digestion takes a long time
3. Stools become yellowish in colour
4. Difficulty in passing stool
5. Foetid/ bad breath
6. Bowel movement problems like abdominal bloating
7. Loss of appetite
8. Dry, hard and small faecal formation

Prevention & Lifestyle Changes

Constipation-causing regimens must be avoided. Modifications in lifestyle and nutritional consumption are helpful in overcoming the condition. Increased body mobility and walking or modest exercise in the fresh air in the morning are two preventative measures for constipation. An increase in fluid intake, as well as dietary changes such as more fruit, fibre, and salads; taking apple-pear juice is also highly suggested. 

Other things that need to be taken care of are as follows:

1. Sleep for at least 6-8 hours.
2. Consume properly cooked vegetables to avoid constipation.
3. Consume your food only when you are hungry.
4. Avoid excessive deep-frying, non-vegetarian and junk food, etc.
5. Drink lukewarm milk before going to bed.
6. Consume ripe bel fruit, as it is excellent for avoiding constipation.
7. Consume Guava in sufficient quantities as it provides roughage and relieves constipation.
8. Drinking 3–4 glasses of water in the morning on an empty stomach helps with bowel movement and the easy passage of normal stool.

Best Medicines for Constipation 

Ayurvedic Medicines

1. Avipattikar Churna

It contains carminative, antioxidant, and even anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in the treatment of pitta dosha imbalances. It aids in the treatment of digestive issues such as diarrhoea, constipation, gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, and ulcers.

Dose: Take 1 teaspoon with lukewarm water on an empty stomach.

2. Abhayarishta

It stimulates peristaltic movements in the colon and aids with bowel movements. It is a laxative that works well enough for pil2 es, fistulas, and fissures.

Dose: Take 2 teaspoons twice a day.  

Unani Medicines

1. Itrifal Mulayyan (New Shama, Hamdard, Rex) -  It is an effective medicine for curing chronic constipation. It acts as a laxative and helps with the stimulation of peristalsis, thereby improving the process of digestion.

Dose: For adults, take 10 gms to be taken with lukewarm water or milk at bedtime.

2. Habb-e-Muqil (Hamdard, Shama, Rex) - It is used in the treatment of piles, flatulence, constipation, and weakness of the stomach. It strengthens the stomach and removes impurities from the intestine, which leads to or triggers constipation and piles.

Dose: Take 1 pill with water twice a day after meals.

Note-

Along with medication, patients must adhere to a strict regimen based on the Unani and Ayurvedic medical systems. Patients are strongly recommended to refrain from self-medication.

They are strongly advised to seek advice and treatment from the nearest Unani/Ayurvedic treatment centre or can also consult top Ayurvedic & Unani doctors online at HealthyBazar. 

Conclusion

Constipation is common in today's human population, and it is difficult to link this condition to any conventional disease entity. However, the symptoms and clinical presentations of Unani and Ayurvedic treatments for constipation are associated with disorders such as constipation, piles, IBS, and others. Being holistic in nature, time-tested efficient Unani and Ayurvedic treatments  suggested above in the blog are highly beneficial and will definitely help in better control of this condition. 

Along with this, lots of liquids, physical activity, and many additional laxatives like Anuloman (a carminative substance) and Bhedan (an emollient laxative), etc., should be included in the diet according to the Dosha and Kostha state to improve the condition. Checkout HealthyBazar for more such lifestyle recommendations and top Herbal, Ayurvedic and Unani products and medicines such as Habib-e-Muqil, Avipattikar Churna and more. 

In order to cure all your constipation worries, you take ayurvedic consultation with Dr. Dalip Kumar (Ayurvedic practitioner and De-addiction Specialist with 35 years of experience) and Unani consultation from Dr. Shah Faisal (Unani Practitioner (MD) General medicine).