Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of health that stresses harmony among the body, mind, and spirit. It ranks among the world’s oldest and most esteemed healing traditions and continues to be widely practiced both in its homeland of India and internationally.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 240,000 people in the United States use Ayurvedic medicine.
Because Ayurveda emphasizes disease prevention, its method for addressing constipation extends beyond immediate laxatives to include a variety of healthful choices rather than focusing solely on quick fixes.
Alongside herbal laxatives, an Ayurvedic regimen of tailored diet, movement, and therapeutic massage plays a central role in supporting healthy digestion. Read on to explore Ayurvedic strategies for managing constipation.
An Ayurvedic perspective on constipation
Ayurveda identifies three principal doshas — distinct energies that operate within the body. Although every individual carries all three doshas, one typically predominates and shapes body type, traits, and susceptibility to certain ailments.
Here’s a short summary of the three doshas:
- Vata: energy linked to movement, space, and air
- Pitta: energy associated with metabolism, fire, and water
- Kapha: energy tied to bodily structure, earth, and water
These doshas collectively govern bodily processes. When they fall out of balance, it can lead to dysfunction or illness.
Ayurvedic texts consider constipation to stem from a disturbance in the vata dosha, which has a focal point in the colon.
Herbal laxatives in Ayurveda
Some Ayurvedic practitioners view constipation as the result of an overabundance of cold, dry qualities in the system — conditions that are corrected by introducing warmth, moisture, and soothing oils.
The Ayurvedic laxatives noted below are commonly taken as warm, comforting infusions, in tablet form, or as liquid extracts.
Triphala
Triphala is one of the most recognized Ayurvedic laxatives. It’s a blend of dried fruits from Emblica officinalis (Amalaki or Indian gooseberry), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Terminalia chebula (Haritaki).
A small 2011 study reported that Triphala eased constipation symptoms for 79% of participants after two weeks, with roughly 65% noticing improvement within the first week. No adverse effects were reported by study subjects.
Subsequent animal and human research indicates Triphala may lower blood glucose, support weight loss, and encourage beneficial gut microbes such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. A 2021 review concluded Triphala can be useful for diabetes, constipation, and obesity.
Triphala is available as a powder for brewing a herbal laxative tea. Some find the tea bitter; adding a teaspoon of honey after steeping can help, while lemon is not advised.
It’s also sold in tablet and liquid extract formats if you prefer those forms.
Senna
Senna is an herb long used in Ayurvedic practice and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter laxative. Active compounds (sennosides) stimulate the bowel lining, typically producing relief within 6 to 12 hours.
When used at recommended doses, senna is generally safe for adults and children for under one week. Prolonged use is not advised.
Some users may experience abdominal cramps or diarrhea. Infants in diapers can develop skin blisters if diapers aren’t changed frequently while taking senna products.
Senna is not recommended for children under 2 or for people with these conditions:
- heart disease
- electrolyte imbalance
- dehydration
- Crohn’s disease
- an intestinal obstruction
- ulcerative colitis
- stomach inflammation
- appendicitis
- hemorrhoids
- anal prolapse
Combining senna with other herbal laxatives such as horsetail, licorice, aloe, or buckthorn may significantly lower potassium levels.
Low potassium can cause symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeats.
Himalaya Herbolax
Himalaya Herbolax is an Ayurvedic product that includes haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan), one of the Triphala constituents, and trivruth (Ipomoea turpethum/Operculina turpethum), an herb with reported laxative, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory actions.
While no direct studies of the Himalaya Herbolax formula are available, evidence supports the laxative properties of both haritaki and trivruth.
Caution: Do not give Himalaya Herbolax to children
Discuss with a pediatrician before administering Himalaya Herbolax to a child. One component, Cassia occidentalis, is used in Ayurveda for constipation and other conditions, but its seeds are toxic in sufficient quantities.
Research indicates seed-derived anthraquinones can cause a dangerous syndrome called hepatomyoencephalopathy (HME) in children.
Ayurvedic enemas
Ayurveda features a cleansing protocol called Panchakarma, a set of five purification therapies meant to remove accumulated toxins.
One component, Panchakarma basti, entails cleansing the colon using medicated enemas (basti).
Basti preparations often suspend herbal blends in oil or ghee. The liquid is administered via a tube into the rectum, held briefly (usually minutes), and then expelled into a toilet.
Precautions for using enemas
Although some enemas can be performed at home, Ayurvedic practitioners usually advise that Panchakarma basti be prepared and administered in a clinical setting. A trained practitioner can select herbs and oils tailored to your constitution and needs.
Research indicates enemas for constipation are typically safe, but not without risks. Improper insertion can damage the rectum, and certain commercial enemas may cause water intoxication or electrolyte disturbances.
The National Institute on Aging cautions against frequent enema use because it can impair the body’s natural waste-elimination mechanisms.
In Ayurveda, Panchakarma basti is usually a short-term or seasonal intervention, though in some cases it may be used intermittently over a longer duration.
For instance, a 2018 case study described basti relieving chronic constipation in a child with Hirschsprung disease when administered intermittently over about 14 months.
Ayurvedic massage
Therapeutic full-body massage with medicated oils is a routine Ayurvedic practice and often part of preparation for Panchakarma cleanses.
Evidence suggests abdominal massage and deeper colon-targeted techniques can ease constipation. A small 2016 study of 60 postoperative patients found that abdominal massage reduced constipation and improved quality of life after surgery.
Abdominal massage has been helpful for people with:
Ayurvedic yoga
Ayurvedic clinicians often suggest specific yoga poses that encourage bowel movement and may relieve constipation. Commonly recommended postures include:
- bhujanghasana (Cobra)
- trikonasana (Triangle Stretch)
- ardha matsyendrasana (Half Spine Twist)
- supta vajrasana (Sleeping Pelvis)
- vajrasana (Diamond)
- dhanurasana (Bow)
- sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
- mayurasana (Peacock)
- pavan muktasana (Wind Release)
- naukasana (Boat)
- halasana (Plow)
- shalabhasana (Locust)
- mandukasana (Frog)
- paschimottanasana (Head to Knee)
- katichakrasana (Standing Spine Twist)
While further research is needed to fully understand yoga’s impact on digestion, evidence suggests yoga can help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that commonly involves constipation and diarrhea.
A 2014 study found young women with IBS who practiced Iyengar yoga for an hour several times weekly experienced reduced constipation. Researchers also observed that yoga can alleviate anxiety that often accompanies IBS (study).
Preventing constipation holistically
Ayurveda promotes a whole-person approach to health. Integrating the following lifestyle recommendations with the constipation remedies above can help prevent infrequent bowel movements and support long-term digestive health.
Tailor your diet to your constitution
What, when, and how you eat influences bowel habits and overall wellbeing. From an Ayurvedic angle, your diet is most beneficial when it aligns with your unique constitution.
Ayurnutrigenomics offers personalized nutrition guidance based on genetics, health concerns, and constitution, and has attracted growing interest and research.
Combining conventional medical assessments with Ayurvedic principles, Ayurnutrigenomics recommends specific foods, therapies, and meal timing that proponents believe help avoid problems like constipation. More study is needed to clarify its full benefits.
Eat more fruits and vegetables
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises consuming plentiful fruits and vegetables, along with legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
A diet rich in fiber-packed whole foods supports regular bowel movements, whereas processed foods, red meat, and fast food are associated with constipation.
Stay hydrated
Both Ayurvedic and Western medicine agree that dehydration contributes to constipation.
Research shows even mild dehydration can precipitate constipation, so drinking adequate water is crucial for healthy digestion and smooth elimination.
Maintain regular physical activity
Ayurveda’s holistic view includes consistent physical movement. Sedentary habits are seen as unhealthy because they promote sluggish digestion and an accumulation of earth and water qualities. Therefore, addressing constipation usually involves activity, often through yoga.
A small 2019 study tracking 17 participants who practiced yoga as part of an Ayurvedic weight-loss program found reductions in body mass index (BMI) and increased daily bowel frequency.
Similarly, a 2017 study of 125 women aged 20 to 40 with chronic constipation showed regular physical activity eased constipation, lowered BMI, and improved quality of life.
Explore alternative medications that don’t cause constipation
Certain drugs are known to cause constipation, including:
- opioids
- antidepressants
- antacids with calcium or aluminum
- iron supplements
- diuretics and some antihypertensive drugs
- antihistamines
If a medication you’re taking contributes to constipation, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider that may avoid this side effect.
Takeaway
Ayurveda offers a holistic framework for addressing conditions like constipation.
Short-term relief may come from Ayurvedic herbal laxatives such as Triphala, senna, and Himalaya Herbolax, which are plant-derived and generally regarded as effective when used properly.
Other options include medicated enemas and oil-based therapeutic massage.
Longer-term digestive health in Ayurveda also emphasizes adequate hydration, increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and regular physical activity, particularly yoga.
Beyond easing constipation, yoga can enhance general wellbeing and reduce anxiety linked to digestive disorders.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.