Ayurveda alert: A ‘soothing laxative’ to keep constipation at bay

Talking about one such remedy, Dr Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya, an Ayurveda expert, informed, “Constipation is a nightmare, and every person who has experienced it would agree with me. It’s all things miserable and annoying. From your mood to your strength, it disturbs everything. Headaches, bloating, nausea and vomiting, body pain, mood swings, foul breath, indigestion, are all gifts of constipation it brings along.”

 

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A post shared by Dr Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya (@drdixa_healingsouls) 

So, if you struggle to clear your bowels, she recommended trying aragwadha pulp which, she wrote on Instagram, is a harmless soothing laxative.

For constipation, one can consume aragwadha with water. “You just have to open the pod of the plant, remove its pulp in a bowl and discard the seeds. Its pulp is used for constipation. Soak it in half a glass of water overnight. Next morning, macerate it, strain it and its ready to drink,” said Dr Savaliya.

Explaining the benefits of the same, Jasleen Kaur, a nutritionist, told indianexpress.com, “Also known as Cassia fistula, aragwadha pacifies the tridoshas i.e., Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is a moderate laxative that is not only beneficial for adults but is safe even for children. Aragwadha exhibits anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, making it the drug of choice for various conditions such as constipation, vomiting, skin diseases with itching, ring worm infection, fever and diabetes.”

Stressing that while there are no known side effects of this herb, Kaur noted that a very high dose may cause gastritis. “Since the plant is not readily available, one can buy aragwadha capsules or powders from pharmacies,” she added.

Constipation — a condition characterised by infrequent bowel movement or difficulty in passing stool — has become an increasingly common problem today. (Source: Freepik)

According to celebrity nutritionist Shweta Shah, founder of Eatfit24/7, when it comes to constipation, aragwadha can offer several benefits. Below, she shares some of its effects on improving bowel movements and relieving constipation:

*Laxative properties: Aragwadha has natural laxative properties that help stimulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation. It contains compounds called anthraquinones, which promote intestinal contractions and facilitate the passage of stool.

*Softens stool: The herb has a softening effect on the stool, making it easier to pass. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience hard and dry stools, which can contribute to constipation.

*Mild purgative action: Aragwadha has a gentle purgative action, which helps in clearing the bowel. It aids in removing accumulated waste material and toxins from the intestines, promoting overall digestive health.

Further sharing the dosage, timing, and preparation, she said that the recommended dosage of aragwadha can vary based on factors such as age, overall health, and severity of constipation. It is best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or nutritionist for an appropriate dosage tailored to your specific needs. “Aragwadha is commonly consumed before bedtime. This allows the herb to work overnight and facilitate bowel movements in the morning. Aragwadha can be consumed in various forms, including powder, decoction, or as a part of herbal formulations. The most common way to consume aragwadha is by preparing a decoction. To make a decoction, boil 5-10 grams of aragwadha bark or powder in water, strain it, and drink it warm before bedtime,” she shared, further stressing that aragwadha should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as its effects on these conditions are not well-studied.

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