Let’s all agree that good bowel movements can make a good day. But not everyone’s day starts off on a good note. Constipation is one of the worst curses of modern lifestyle. Fuelled by inactivity, bad eating habits, dehydration and caffeine addiction, constipation is also at the root of many diseases. It can make you irritable, and cause migraines and skin breakouts. Squatting on the toilet and straining to pass stools can also cause diseases like haemorrhoids and piles. To cure the problem, you need a good constipation remedy. There are many home remedies for constipation – from probiotics to bananas. But basil seeds, sabja or tulsi seeds is one of the lesser-known ones with a lot of health benefits. Let us find out how to use these wonderful seeds to treat constipation at home naturally. Weight Loss Tip of the Week: How to Use Chia Seeds to Lose Weight (Watch Video).

What is Sabja or Basil Seed?

Sabja looks deceptively similar to black sesame seeds. They come from the basil plant or Ocimum basilicum, which is widely used in Mediterranean cooking. In India, holy basil or tulsi is the source of basil seeds or sabja.

These tiny seeds, when soaked in water, can swell up and look jelly-like. In that respect, they are quite similar to chia seeds. Sabja is often added to cold drinks and faloodas for their texture and taste. The basil seeds are also brimming with nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and iron.

It’s also a good weight loss tool and can help in treating constipation naturally.

How Sabja or Basil Seeds Help in Constipation

Sabja is full of soluble fibre like pectin, which helps gut health. A tablespoon of sabja seeds can supply 25 percent of your daily requirements of fibre in a day. The pectin in the basil seeds has prebiotic properties, which supports the good gut bacteria. When the good bacteria is nourished, everything from digestion to absorption to excretion takes place smoothly.

When it is soaked in water, the outer coating of the seeds become mucous-like. This has a laxative effect in the stomach, forming bulk and helping you relieve constipation, gas and bloating. 7 Best Foods to Regulate Your Bowel Movements.

The seeds absorb a lot of water. So the best thing is to drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or before going to bed at night. The soluble fibre in the seeds will help in the easy movement of stools.

But if you have underlying health conditions like hypertension or diabetes or are already on medication, always consult your doctor or your general physician before you try any home remedy.

(This article is written for an informative purpose and should not be substituted for medical advice. Kindly consult your doctor before trying any tips.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2019 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).