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Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic & Research Center

Member Newsletter, February I, 2001

http://www.chakrapaniayurveda.com

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AyurvedaNews is an optional fortnightly newsletter available to those who has visited our site and had contacted us for free consultation, free constitution analysis or has subscribed this newsletter through our site. Chakrapaniayurveda.com contains only the best and most pertinent material on Ayurveda and Holistic systems of medicine. This newsletter focuses on improving and popularizing Ayurveda and all the holistic systems of medicine.

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2.).. Editor's Note :

The feature article of today's issue is on the 'Vibandha (Constipation): the causes & simple remedies '. The major strength of Ayurveda is not only in its much-touted holistic approach but also in its preventive aspects. In order to succeed, a healthy way of life is prescribed and for this very reason we cannot be restrictive and call Ayurveda only 'a science of diseases '. Rather, it is a science of health and how to promote health.

Unfortunately, we live in a world full of temptations! Our life-styles today are hopelessly different to the times of Charaka and Sushruta. We cannot expect to turn the clock back. The ecological devastation and the environmental pollution, as well as our own flirtation with the 'fast life' can cause the Dosha to react violently and make us fall sick.

Are there any hints we can take from Ayurveda to treat some of the common complaints that dog us through our life? Yes, there are the hints available. Today's feature and all the other sections are devoted to one of such complaint constipation that is called Vibandha in Ayurveda.

Do enjoy reading the holistic and most scientific approach towards bodily functions . We are continuously trying to improve and your feedback will be highly appreciated.

3.).. Vibandha (Constipation): the causes & simple remedies - Feature Article edited by Kavita Hada

If Agnimandya and the associated generation of Ama constantly dogs you then you are in for trouble. Sedentary work, inadequate or excess sleeps increased workload or frequent travelling can cause constipation. Taking the wrong medications, eating more or less than required and taking laxatives frequently can cause constipation.

Constipation may manifest in different ways. One does pass stools once a day but there is a sense of incomplete evacuation. Initially constipation may be irritating and may not appear so problematic, but later, complaints like gas, stomach-ache, headache, loss of appetite, giddiness, pallor & lack-lustre skin and itching will follow soon. Later there may be complications like piles, acidity, colitis and liver problems. Do not forget that constipation can be the forerunner of serious diseases like colon cancer. Hence, chronic constipation may need investigation.

As in all other gut problems, fasting is an important initial remedy. One should fast at least once in a month so that the gut is clean and digestion is complete. This facilitates smooth passage of stools and a sense of complete evacuation. Along with oil, Ghee (butter oil) and milk, some roughage (green leafy vegetables) should be included in the diet.

Though, if the staple diet consists of bread, boiled vegetables, proteins of vegetarian origin like lentils or non-vegetarian origin like meat, salad or dry foodstuffs, the content of Ghee in the diet should be increased. However paradoxical this may sound, Ghee in measured quantities does not increase the damaging cholesterol. Ayurveda has instead attributed to Ghee many useful effects including lubrication of blood vessels, which delays aging!

The habit of drinking milk before sleeping should be pursued by adding one teaspoon of Ghee to it, or else Ghee with hot water before bedtime is ideal. Among the medicines available for treatment of constipation, the more common ones are Triphala powder or Gandharva Haritaki taken with Ghee. Else, the intestinal lining would become dry, leading to constipation, which in turn would set into motion a vicious cycle. Incidentally, in keeping with the stress laid on individualization of treatment by Ayurveda, the doses of these medicines vary in different individuals.

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4.).. Medicinal Plants for Vibandha : 

Ayurveda has described several medicinal herbs with a purgative effect. The choice of an herb will depend upon the person's constitution and ailment. Naturally the cause of the constipation has to be elicited. Let us briefly familiarize ourselves with the plants used in treatment of constipation

Aragvadha (Cassia fistula)

This is a famous tree that has contributed to the name of Byculla, a famous part of downtown Bombay, India. The yellow canopy of its flowers is exquisite. The seeds and dried pulp in the pod of this flower act as a purgative. Just as the flowers soothe the eyes, the pods suppress acidity. Thus it is very useful in treating constipation associated with burning pain in the stomach (Pitta type). If 20 grams of the dried pulp of fruit is soaked in one cup of lukewarm water, a brown colored (color of Burgundy wine); mildly aromatic drink is obtained. This should be consumed when constipation occurs during fever or due to other medicines. This remedy is also used for treating constipation in pregnant women, children and aged persons.

Kampillaka (Mallotus philippinensis)

This plant is excellent in treating constipation associated with worm infestation as it first kills the worms and then because of the purging effect, gets rid of them. It is also useful in the Kapha type of constipation, i.e. in patients who pass hard, sticky stools. A powder made of Kampillaka is especially useful. Sometimes due to worm infestation, the skin starts itching. At such times taking Kamipllaka powder at night in the dose of only 500 miligram to 1 gram is useful.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)

The third type of constipation is the Vata type, when the best drug is the Haritaki. We have published all the details on Haritaki in our Ist fortnightly issue of December'2000. You can ask for the copy of this newsletter at newsletter@chakrapaniayurveda.com. This is found in the most purgative formulations, like Triphala powder, Gandharva Haritaki, Sukhasarak powder or Swadishta Virechan.

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5.).. Home remedy of the issue : Constipation -

Try this recipe for making a harmless remedy for constipation at home. Fry Haritaki (small fruit variety) in castor oil. It swells to four times its original size and becomes crisp. Powder this and add 1/8th Saindhav (rock salt) to it. Take half a teaspoon with hot water as a fairly effective therapy for occasional constipation.

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6.).. Recipe of the issue: Easy Hummus

Ingredients:

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CHAKRAPANI AYURVEDA CLINIC & RESEARCH CENTER

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