Constipation is one issue we’d all prefer to avoid. Just imagine how a single episode can throw your entire day off balance.

While some people naturally have a bowel movement every other day, for others, missing even a single day may signal constipation.

This article explores constipation from an Ayurvedic perspective and offers practical tools to help support regular and healthy bowel movements.

We’ve compiled some of the most effective Ayurvedic remedies that may bring relief from constipation.

It’s also important to identify whether your constipation is out of the ordinary for you—either in severity or duration. Constipation occurs when stool becomes difficult to pass or stops moving through the intestines for a period of time.

Common symptoms include straining during bowel movements, a sense of incomplete evacuation, feeling blocked, or passing dry, hard, or pellet-like stools.

In the sections below, we’ll show you how Ayurveda approaches constipation and how you can benefit from age-old remedies passed down through generations.

When modern solutions fall short, the time-tested Ayurvedic approach might just be what you need.

Let’s take a look at some powerful Ayurvedic ingredients known to ease constipation and promote better digestion.

# Stay Hydrated with Warm or Hot Water

Aim to drink at least 80 ounces of water daily. Warm or hot water is especially beneficial, as it helps counterbalance vata’s naturally cold quality. For best results, avoid drinking water with meals—consume it 20 minutes before or at least an hour after eating.

# Add Organic Oils to Your Diet

Incorporating organic oils helps lubricate internal tissues, making bowel movements smoother. Oils like sesame oil, ghee, and olive oil are particularly effective for balancing vata and are excellent Ayurvedic remedies for constipation.

# Eat Plenty of Fruits

Fruits are rich in fiber, hydrating, and help soothe vata. Include ripe bananas, peeled apples, soaked raisins, prunes, and peaches in your diet. Make sure to eat fruits at least one hour before or after other foods to aid digestion.

# Drink Natural Fruit Juices

Juices like pineapple and prune juice are particularly good for clearing excess vata from the colon. You can dilute them with water for easier digestion. These juices are a great source of dietary fiber, providing 20–35 grams per day and offering quick relief from constipation.

# Try Milk with Ghee or Flax Seeds

Before bedtime, drink a cup of boiled milk with 1–2 teaspoons of ghee. Alternatively, boil 1 teaspoon of flax seeds in a cup of water for 2–3 minutes, let it cool, and then drink it. Make sure there’s at least a one-hour gap between your last meal and this drink.

# Use Vata-Pacifying Herbs

Psyllium husk is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. It acts as a gentle bulking agent and demulcent, helping support smooth and regular bowel movements.

# Don’t Suppress Natural Urges

According to Ayurveda, responding to natural bodily urges promptly is essential for health. Ignoring the urge to defecate can disturb your system and lead to constipation.

# Limit Certain Foods

Avoid overconsumption of spicy dishes, heavy meats, and deep-fried foods, particularly when dealing with constipation.

# Stay Active

Regular physical activity—even something as simple as a daily walk—can significantly improve digestion and relieve constipation.