Can I use castor oil for my 19-month-old toddler's constipation? - #53421

You can apply castor oil for gentle abdoman massage(clockwise). Move both legs like bicycle movement. Encourage post meal light physical activity. Keep hydrated. Give veg and fruits rich in fiber. Avoid curd,potato,banana, raw apple, packed or processed food items, ice-cream, breads, cold water. In milk add 1/2 tsp of cow Ghee. Drink lukewarm water.

This kind of constipation in toddlers usually happens due to vata imbalance and fear association with passing stool, once they experience pain they start holding stool which makes it harder and more painful next time in such small children, castor oil is not recommended as a routine laxative because it is strong and can irritate their system instead we should use gentle and safe methods to soften stools and make the process comfortable medicines you can give ghee 1/2 to 1 tsp daily mixed in warm food or milk draksha (black raisins) water 2–3 tsp daily (soaked and mashed) make sure she gets enough warm fluids, if she doesn’t like water you can give warm soups, diluted fruit juices or coconut water avoid dry foods like biscuits, excess packaged snacks and give soft foods like khichdi, dal, mashed vegetables daily gentle tummy massage with warm oil and making her sit on potty at same time every day helps build habit and reduce fear do not force or scare her during potty time, keep it relaxed so she slowly becomes comfortable with gentle care and routine, stool will become soft and fear will reduce gradually Heartful pranams Dr Raghuveer SN (Ayurvedacharya)