What Are Stool Softeners, and When Should They Be Used? - #15472

Graduating with an MD in Ayurvedic Medicine from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 2008, he brings over 15 years of expertise in integrative healthcare. Specializing in complex chronic conditions, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndromes, and digestive health, he uses a patient-centered approach that focuses on root causes. Certified in Panchakarma Therapy and Rasayana (rejuvenation), he is known for combining traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern diagnostics. Actively involved in research, he has contributed to studies on Ayurveda’s role in managing diabetes, stress, and immunity. A sought-after speaker at wellness conferences, he practices at a reputable Ayurvedic wellness center, dedicated to advancing Ayurveda’s role in holistic health and preventive care.

I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.

I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.

I am Dr. Deepali Goswami, BAMS graduate n working mainly around women's health. Right now m running my own clinic where i treat all kind of gyne problems—from irregular periods to PCOD, white discharge, fertility-related issues, menopausal symptoms n lot more that affects everyday life of females. I usually try to keep the language simple while dealing with patients cause honestly half of them come already confused or like really scared of what's happening inside their body... and if I use too much technical terms it just make it worse. I’ve been practicing in this space for couple of years now—don’t remember the exact month, maybe two or three year back? but anyway, what matters is I’ve seen how many of these problems get ignored till they turn serious. That’s something I feel strongly about. My goal is to help women understand their symptoms early and explain how Ayurveda can help gently but properly, whether it’s hormonal stuff or pain or cycle issues. I use classic Ayurvedic concepts like dosha analysis, ritucharya, n yoni vyapad chikitsa wherever it fits, but sometimes modern lifestyle really needs to be factored in too. Like if someone working night shift, no point telling them to wake up at 5am and do abhyanga daily—it won’t work. I’m practical about it. Anyway, I try my best to create a space where women feel heard. Lot of them said nobody actually explained them what’s going on before. And that’s like the saddest part. I feel my biggest strength is really just listening n tailoring the treatment to her routine, diet n stress pattern. Some cases are harder of course... things don’t always go fast, esp when it’s been neglected for yrs. But then Ayurveda’s not magic. It takes a little time—but results feel real n lasting when done right.

I am Dr. Hemanshu—right now a 2nd year MD scholar in Shalya Tantra, which basically means I’m training deep into the surgical side of Ayurveda. Not just cutting and stitching, btw, but the whole spectrum of para-surgical tools like Agnikarma, Viddhakarma, and Kshara Karma... these aren’t just traditional, they’re super precise when done right. I’m not saying I know everything yet (still learning every day honestly), but I do have solid exposure in handling chronic pain issues, muscle-joint disorders, and anorectal conditions like piles, fissures, fistulas—especially where modern treatments fall short or the patient’s tired of going through loops. During clinical rounds, I’ve seen how even simple Kshara application or well-timed Agnikarma can ease stuff like tennis elbow or planter fasciatis, fast. But more than the technique, I feel the key is figuring what matches the patient’s constitution n lifestyle... like one-size-never-fits-all here. I try to go beyond the complaint—looking into their ahar, sleep, stress levels, digestion, and just how they feel in general. That part gets missed often. I honestly believe healing isn’t just a “procedure done” kind of thing. I try not to rush—spend time on pre-procedure prep, post-care advice, what diet might help the tissue rebuild faster, whether they’re mentally up for it too. And no, I don’t ignore pathology reports either—modern diagnostic tools help me stay grounded while applying ancient methods. It’s not this vs that, it’s both, when needed. My aim, tbh, is to become the kind of Ayurvedic surgeon who doesn't just do the work but understands why that karma or technique is needed at that point in time. Every case teaches me something new, and that curiosity keeps me moving.

ChatGPT said: I am Dr. Maitri, currently in my 2nd year of MD in Dravyaguna, and yeah, I run my own Ayurvedic clinic in Ranoli where I’ve been seeing patients for 2 years now. Honestly, what pulled me into this path deeper is how powerful herbs really are—when used right. Not just randomly mixing churnas but actually understanding their rasa, virya, vipaka etc. That’s kinda my zone, where textbook knowledge meets day-to-day case handling. My practice revolves around helping people with PCOD, acne, dandruff, back pain, stiffness in knees or joints that never seem to go away. And I don’t jump to giving a long list of medicines straight away—first I spend time figuring out their prakriti, their habits, food cycle, what triggers what… basically all the small stuff that gets missed. Then comes the plan—herbs (single or compound), some diet reshuffling, and always some lifestyle nudges. Sometimes they’re tiny, like sleep timing. Sometimes big like proper seasonal detox. Being into Dravyaguna helps me get into the depth of herbs more confidently. I don’t just look at the symptom—I think okay what guna will counter this? Should the drug be snigdha, ushna, tikta? Is there a reverse vipaka that’ll hurt the agni? I ask these questions before writing any combo. That’s made a huge diff in outcomes. Like I had this case of chronic urticaria that would flare up every week, and just tweaking the herbs based on sheetala vs ushna nature... helped calm the system in 3 weeks flat. Not magic, just logic. I also work with women who are struggling with hormonal swings, mood, delayed periods or even unexplained breakouts. When hormones go haywire, the skin shows, digestion slows, and mind gets foggy too. I keep my approach full-circle—cleansing, balancing, rejuvenating. No quick fixes, I tell them early on. What I’m hoping to do more of now is make Ayurveda feel practical. Not overwhelming. Just simple tools—ahara, vihara, aushadha—used consistently, with some trust in the body’s own healing. I’m still learning, still refining, but honestly, seeing people feel in control of their health again—that’s what keeps me rooted to this.

I am currently working as an Associate Professor and Ayurvedic Consultant at a pretty well-known Ayurvedic college here in Karnataka. This mix of teaching and clinical practice kinda keeps both sides of me alive—like, one foot always in the Shastra and the other in actual patient care. I guess that’s what I like about it... I get to teach budding Vaidyas from texts like Charaka n all, but also sit with real patients facing chronic issues that don’t come with textbook clarity. In the classroom, I guide both UG and PG students—helping them actually *get* the link between Ayurvedic theory and practical work. Sometimes we’re deep into shloka discussions, other days we’re talking about how to handle a tricky IBS case or PCOD patient during rounds. I’m also pretty involved in research and department stuff—like case presentations, lit reviews, workshops, that sorta thing. It keeps the learning loop going, for me too tbh. On the clinical side, I usually deal with chronic lifestyle disorders, MSK problems, digestive stuff like Grahani and Amlapitta, female health issues, even some skin cases—each one needing its own pace, its own kind of attention. My consults start with a full read of a person’s Prakriti and Vikriti—without that, no use jumping to meds or therapy. I like building long-term plans with people—not just give herbs and send them off. Detox (Panchakarma), Rasayana, Dinacharya tweaks, food habits—it’s all part of it. I do believe education and prevention matter more than ppl think. Like—if someone actually *understands* their imbalance, they’re likelier to stick with care instead of looking for shortcuts. I also team up with fellow docs n students for collabs, paper reviews, sometimes just to debate the classics vs clinical questions. That exchange helps, makes me feel like I'm contributing back to Ayurveda, not just practicing it.

I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with over 28 years of clinical experience dedicated to the principles and practice of authentic Ayurvedic medicine. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of treating more than 100,000 patients through both in-person consultations and online platforms. My approach is deeply rooted in classical Ayurvedic diagnostics—such as Nadi Pariksha (pulse examination), Roga-Rogi Pariksha (patient and disease evaluation), and a personalized assessment of prakriti (body constitution). Over the years, I have successfully managed a wide range of health conditions across all age groups—from acute infections and digestive issues to chronic and lifestyle disorders such as arthritis, diabetes, respiratory ailments, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune conditions. I place strong emphasis on individualized care, combining herbal formulations, Panchakarma detox therapies, and dietary and lifestyle guidance to ensure long-term healing and disease prevention. My extensive experience also includes addressing complex, chronic illnesses that require a deep understanding of both the pathology and the patient’s overall constitution. I have worked with patients who had previously struggled with little success in other systems of medicine, and have guided many toward sustainable recovery and improved quality of life. Whether treating elderly patients with degenerative disorders or young adults facing hormonal or metabolic challenges, I strive to offer care that is compassionate, comprehensive, and evidence-informed. My goal is to empower patients with Ayurvedic wisdom so they can take an active role in their healing journey. I continue to remain updated with the evolving landscape of integrative health and value the importance of patient education, ethical practice, and consistent follow-up. For me, Ayurveda is not just a profession, but a lifelong commitment to restoring balance and promoting well-being, one patient at a time.

I am Dr. Shazia Amreen, an Ayurvedic physcian with a little over 7 years of hands-on experience in clinical practice. I did my MD in Ayurveda from Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore—and honestly, those years helped me go much deeper into the classical texts and the clinical ground. Not just theory... actual healing. Since 2017, I’ve worked closely with a diverse set of patients—from chronic gut problems to skin & hair concerns, musculoskeletal issues, hormonal imbalances, kidney stones, you name it. My core strength really lies in Panchakarma and gastrointestinal healing, where I don’t just jump into detox, but take time to see where the agni is, how deep the ama has gone, and whether the body’s ready to reset. I’m very rooted in classical assessment—looking at dosha imbalance, dhatu state, and prakriti before planning anything. But also, I keep it grounded in modern daily life. What’s the point of a great herbal blend if the person can’t sleep on time or digest their food properly, right? That’s why I focus big on Ahara-Vihara guidance. I don’t just hand over a diet list—I walk people through why those changes matter, and how to make them sustainable. In my practice, I often blend Rasayana chikitsa with basic lifestyle coaching, especially for cases like IBS, PCOS, eczema, migraines, or stress-triggered flareups. Each case is unique, and I don’t believe in repeating the same formula just because it worked for someone else. I also emphasize emotional reset, especially in long-standing chronic cases—sometimes people carry fear, shame, or frustration about their illness. I try to hold space for that too. Whether it’s someone coming in for general detox, a fertility consult, or just confused by their symptoms—I aim to build a plan that makes sense to them. It should feel doable. Balanced. And over time, it should make them feel like they’re coming back home to their own body. That’s the kind of Ayurvedic care I believe in—and try to deliver every single day.

I am Dr. Anjali Sehrawat. Graduated BAMS from National College of Ayurveda & Hospital, Barwala (Hisar) in 2023—and right now I'm doing my residency, learning a lot everyday under senior clinicians who’ve been in the field way longer than me. It’s kind of intense but also really grounding. Like, it makes you pause before assuming anything about a patient. During my UG and clinical rotations, I got good hands-on exposure... not just in diagnosing through Ayurvedic nidan but also understanding where and when Allopathic tools (like lab reports or acute interventions) help fill the gap. I really believe that if you *actually* want to heal someone, you gotta see the whole picture—Ayurveda gives you that depth, but you also need to know when modern input is useful, right? I’m more interested in chronic & lifestyle disorders—stuff like metabolic imbalances, stress-linked issues, digestive problems that linger and slowly pull energy down. I don’t rush into giving churnas or kashayams just bcz the texts say so... I try to see what fits the patient’s prakriti, daily habits, emotional pattern etc. It’s not textbook-perfect every time, but that’s where the real skill grows I guess. I do a lot of thinking abt cause vs symptom—sometimes it's not the problem you see that actually needs solving first. What I care about most is making sure the treatment is safe, ethical, practical, and honest. No overpromising, no pushing meds that don’t fit. And I’m always reading or discussing sth—old Samhitas or recent journals, depends what the case demands. My goal really is to build a practice where people feel seen & understood, not just “managed.” That's where healing actually begins, right?

I am practicing Ayurveda on my own for around 20 years now and honestly, it’s hard to sum up what that feels like in just a line or two. Over these years, I’ve seen health problems change with time — lifestyle disorders becoming more common, stress showing up in ways people don’t even notice until it’s too late, and seasonal illnesses behaving a bit differently than before. My work is all about looking at the root of the problem, not just the part that’s hurting right now. Sometimes that means working with herbal formulations, sometimes with Panchakarma therapies, sometimes just changing how someone eats or sleeps. I’ve treated a mix of acute issues like fever, colds, stomach upsets, and chronic ones like arthritis, diabetes, skin diseases, and digestive troubles. Women’s health has also been a steady part of my practice, whether it’s menstrual irregularities, PCOD, or post-natal care. And I make time for children’s wellness too, especially through immunity-building practices like Suvarnaprashan. I guess what keeps me going is knowing that Ayurveda gives me so many tools to work with — it’s never just one formula for everyone. I like spending time understanding a person’s lifestyle, diet, and emotional state because without that, the treatment feels incomplete. Over two decades, I’ve learned that small, consistent changes can be more powerful than any single “big” remedy, and that’s something I always try to pass on to my patients!!