Hinguvachadi Gulika - Ayurvedic medicine for constipation

Hinguvachadi Gulika pills contain a combination of naturally occurring herbs that are known to be used in Ayurvedic medicine for piles and also known to help provide relief for patients having trouble with digestion like flatulence, constipation, bloating, etc

The major ingredient in Hinguvachadi Gulika is Hingu - a popular Ayurvedic herb that is well known for its properties in the treatment of gastric disturbances like indigestion, flatulence, anorexia, abdominal colic and acidity. The carminative and digestive property of hingu, vacha, vijaya, and other key ingredients helps in the digestion of food, distention of the abdomen and also helps to relieve constipation. One of the most popular benefits of Hinguvachadi is that it helps to cure all ailments connected with Vata.

Ingredient List 

Ferula asafoetida (Hing):  In Ayurveda, hing is used to aid digestion, cure colic, and stagnation in the GI tract. It is a primary herb for Vata and it helps in burning ama or toxins.  It also helps in reducing bloat and other stomach problems.
 

Vacha: Sweet flag is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurveda and Siddha mainly for its direct action on the central nervous system. It is called as ‘Vacha’ in Sanskrit due to its effectiveness in improving speech. It is used in nervine tonic and also clarifies the voice.

 Other ingredients include: 

• Vijaya
• Pasugandha 
• Dadima 
• Dipyaka
• Patha
• Pushkaramula
• Sath
• Hapusha
• Agni
• Ksharayuga
• Dvipattu
• Trikatu
• Ajaji
• Chavya
• Tintrika
• Vetasamia

Some of the above ingredients are known to have been used in piles treatment in Ayurveda as mentioned in ancient texts.

Ayurvedic Approach to Constipation

Ayurveda focuses on the importance of proper movement and flows throughout all channels of the body. It advocates that a healthy digestive system and a regular movement of the bowel is essential for a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Healthy bowel movement and elimination involves absorbing water and glucose, stool formation, elimination of solid waste and clearance of heavy metals and toxins from the body.

According to Ayurveda, constipation occurs when vata’s cold and dry qualities disturb the colon, inhibiting its proper functioning. Any Vata disturbance will cause increased dryness in the body which, in turn, can dry out the wastes (including faeces) which results in delayed transit through the bowel and constipation. However, the other doshas can also be involved.

Excess Pitta in the form of heat can also contribute to this drying out effect, especially in combination with a Vata imbalance (hot wind is even more drying than cool wind).

The regular downward movement of Apana Vata (the wind responsible for elimination) can also be obstructed or inhibited by excess Kapha, in the form of mucous, or Ama (undigested food waste) in the bowel. In this case, rather than being dry and pebble-like, stools are more sticky and heavy.

The key principle that Ayurveda advocates in the case of constipation is that all Vata-aggravating diet and lifestyle factors should be avoided as much as possible. These include:

• suppression of the urge to pass gas or stool
• irregular meal times and sleeping routine
• eating on the run
• excessive fasting
• overly sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise
• too much travel
• excessive change, instability or stress

• Consume plenty of hot or warm water and herbal teas
• Consume an abundance of fruits and fruit juices
• Increase organic oil in your daily diet
• Consume soaked flax seeds or milk with ghee

Constipation - An Overview

Constipation is a common symptom where a person has difficulty passing faeces or unusually dry stool. Constipation is determined in the colon (large intestine), which is responsible for packaging and eliminating stool. As food moves through the colon, it absorbs water while forming a stool. Muscle contractions (squeezing motions) in the colon pushes the stool toward the rectum (the lower 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine). By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid, because most of the water has been absorbed.

Common causes of constipation

• Diet: The most common cause of constipation is a diet low in fiber found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains
• Liquids: Liquids like water and juice add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Not consuming enough of these liquids and consuming more of other liquids, like coffee and soft drinks that contain caffeine can have a dehydrating effect.
• Exercise: Lack of exercise can also lead to constipation.
• Medications: Pain medications (especially narcotics), antacids, antispasmodic, antidepressant, iron supplements, diuretics, and anticonvulsant for epilepsy can slow passage of bowel movements.
• Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement: People who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement may eventually stop feeling the urge, which can lead to constipation.

What are the Symptoms of Constipation?

The signs and symptoms of constipation are as mentioned below:

• Bowel movement is less than 3 times in a week or fewer bowel movements as compared to regular weeks’ time period movements.
• During the process of passing stool straining like conditions
• Loss of appetite and cramps in the lower abdomen area
• Facing lumpy, hard and small stool
• Swollen belly or stomach aches
• Nauseous and belly bloating feeling
• Feeling there is a blockage in the rectum.