Herbal & Natural Remedies for Constipation

Jane — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:02:04 +0000

Constipation is one of those things that everybody has gone through, but nobody wants to talk about. It is so common, in fact, that almost every world culture’s healers and shamans have come up with some sort of herbal remedy for its cure. Some of these natural remedies for constipation are more effective than others, but in general they all act as laxatives. We will look at the most effective of these herbal laxatives, but you should know that before you use a laxative, you should incorporate exercise and increased fiber and water intake to relieve your constipation. If that does not work for three days, then you should try one of these natural home remedies for constipation. It should be noted that all of the laxatives that you can buy at the drug store are based on these natural remedies, which you can grow right in your own garden.

Try a natural bulking laxative.

Bulking laxatives work by greatly expanding in your colon when combined with water. Because of the large volume of the substance, your colon will naturally begin to contract. A bulking laxative is the preferred form of natural remedy for constipation, as it will not change your colon’s sensitivity or ability to contract on its own. Examples of bulking laxatives include flaxseed and psyllium husks and seeds. If you do not grow these on your own, they can be found at most health food stores and even some farmer’s markets. Flaxseed oil is also available in a bottle or capsule form.

To take a bulking laxative, you simply eat the substance and then drink a few glasses of water. In less than an hour you should feel an urge to move your bowels. It really is as simple as that!

If a bulking laxative is not working, you can try a stimulant laxative.

Although these herbal remedies for constipation are all natural ingredients, they are still potent. It is recommended that you only use this type of laxative as a very last resort. This is because regular use can cause dependency, damage the natural functionality of your colon, dehydrate you, and deplete electrolytes. A stimulant laxative works because of the substances it contains called “anthraquinones.” These substances irritate your colon, which causes it to contract. Very often, a stimulant laxative can also cause diarrhea. Examples of natural stimulant laxatives include cascara bark, senna, and aloe.

You can either grow these herbs on your own or buy them at a health food market. They are extremely effective at relieving your constipation in a surprisingly small amount of time. To use cascara bark or senna, you simply take the powdered herb and boil a small amount in tea. Cascara Sagrada tea is readily available from most health food stores as well as online. Some minutes after drinking the tea, you will feel a very strong urge to go to the bathroom. Stimulant laxatives can also cause strong cramping and bleeding diarrhea, so use them with care. They are so powerful that we have to reiterate that you should only use them after you have exhausted all of your other options in relieving your constipation.

Constipation remedies

Jane — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:25:43 +0000

Constipation is usually defined as having three or less bowel movements in one week. If you are constipated, you may find it painful to pass a stool, and your stool might be hard or unusually dry. For some people, constipation can also make you feel bloated and lethargic. Constipation can be due to several reasons but the most common cause by far is diet and lifestyle. Constipation usually happens when food travels through your intestine too slowly. This means that too much water is absorbed, and your stool becomes hard and dry. The reason that food travels too slowly through your intestine is that you might not have enough roughage in your diet, which helps to form stools that can be pushed through. Fortunately, constipation remedies for this condition are fairly easy to include in your diet.

Diet & exercise
One of the best remedies for constipation that is related to lifestyle is to change your diet. Foods that are high in fibre can help a lot – try to get lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Another good remedy for constipation is to eat foods that include whole grains. Including bran in your breakfast is a great way to increase your fiber intake. You can also try wholemeal and wholegrain breads, and lots of pulses (beans, split peas, chick peas) While eating more fiber is important, make sure that you drink plenty of water too. Authorities recommend that men drink around 3 litres per day, and women a little over 2. If you aren’t drinking this much water or other fluid such as juice every day, this might be the cause of your constipation.

Another cause of constipation can be medication that you are taking. A range of medications can cause constipation, including:

Painkillers
Diuretics
Anti-epileptics
Antidiarrheals
Iron Supplements
Antidepressants
Antacids

If you suffer constipation while taking these medications, talk to your doctor about how to treat the constipation or what alternative medications you might try to avoid the side effect.

Some constipation home remedies beyond simple dietary changes include:

Natural supplements like flax seeds, Psyllium husks
Vitamin C and Magnesium supplements
The ubiquitous prune juice

Medication options that can be prescribed by your doctor include stool softeners which can make a stool easier to pass or a range of laxatives that help your bowel to expel its contents. These treatment options are generally used after natural remedies like changes to diet, and long term use should be avoided.

Constipation can also be caused by:

Disorders of the nervous system
Spinal Cord Injuries
Hypothyroidism
Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diabetes

Constipation remedies for these conditions might include an over the counter or home remedy like prune juice or increased fiber in the form of flax seed tablets or Psyllium husks. Your doctor might also prescribe a laxative or stool softener. It is important to seek medical advice if you suffer from chronic constipation, particularly if it is likely to be related to one of these conditions. If the constiption is a one off as a result of medication you can try a probiotic which helps to restore the natural balance of the good bacteria which help to break down food in the gut.

Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » herbal remedy for constipation

Herbal & Natural Remedies for Constipation

Constipation remedies