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.

Home remedies for constipation

Jane — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:56:02 +0000

Constipation can be an extremely frustrating condition to deal with. This frustration is compounded because most people do not bother to learn how to prevent or remedy constipation until they are actually constipated. By then, it will take a few days in order to fix the problem although there are few quick remedies for constipation that you can achieve at home without medication. If you are constipated, it is recommended that you incorporate a few important changes to lifestyle and diet to act as a preventative as well as a cure.

Significantly increase your fiber intake.

Whether you do it by eating oats or by taking a fiber supplement, this is probably the best constipation home remedy. Fiber works to hydrate stool that has become hardened or blocked up and adds to the solidity and consistency of stool that is loose or excessively watery. Additionally, it contributes to your colon’s overall level of health. While you are actually constipated, you should take many times your daily recommended level of fiber. When the constipation passes, it is important that you get your daily recommended intake of fiber to ensure that the constipation never returns. It is possible to get the extra fiber through psyllium husks or metamucil as opposed to eating the extra required.

Significantly increase your water intake.

One of the primary causes of constipation is dehydration. It is recommended that you drink eight glasses of water a day. When you are constipated, you should up that to sixteen or twenty glasses spread over the course of the day. Water, along with fiber, is a very effective home remedy for constipation. Unfortunately, you may not entirely feel the effects until two or three days has passed. Do not be alarmed. It can be difficult to have patience while you are constipated, but rest assured that these two remedies are working.

Get some exercise.

The idea of exercising while constipated may make you ill, but this remedy has been shown to work. By exercising, you are physically displacing the stool that is blocked up in your colon. You do not necessarily have to do exercise that is particularly intense or strenuous. A few walks around the block can be enough. However, if you feel up to it, weight lifting and jogging are even more effective.

Use two glasses of prune juice as a last resort.

Prune juice is an effective laxative. However, most physicians agree that you should avoid the use of laxatives unless your constipation is extremely troublesome or has lasted for a long time. You should only resort to a laxative if the combination of significantly increased fiber, water, and exercise has not worked for three or more days. If your constipation is not going away, then you should give the prune juice a try. Although it is possible to become addicted to laxatives as a remedy for constipation and damage your colon, prune juice does very little damage compared to pharmaceutical laxatives.

Make sure to keep up the regular intake of fiber and water to prevent your constipation from returning.

Constipation in Diabetes

Up to one in four diabetics can experience constipation linked to their condition. If you look at a typical diabetic menu, you will find that the recommended diet is very similar to the diet that is described above to help promote regular bowel function. If you are diabetic, adhering to this diet, but still experiencing constipation, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options for your condition.

Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » natural home remedies for constipation

Herbal & Natural Remedies for Constipation

Home remedies for constipation