The state of constipation!! Such an uncomfortable, painful condition, that needs no to be explained. In fact, I think most of us must have gone through an experience of the state of constipation. Keeping the body well fed with a balanced diet with fiber and good water intake assures to some extent that mild or chronic constipation stay at a distance but some things are just not in our total control.
Factors like muscular dysfunction, lack of fiber and more can cause an embarrassing and bad state. Let us equip ourselves with some basic tips or herbs that can soothe or cure constipation. Herbal remedies for constipation are there which gets the bowels moving and gets you out of the bogging state with a bloated stomach and an inactive demeanor. This is also termed as irritable bowel syndrome and can be treated with the following treatments.
Herbal Remedies for Constipation
Prunes
Prunes are tested and established remedial measure and herbal cure for the state of constipation. They are natural and preferred over artificial laxatives as according to the side effects. They clear bowel completely, flush it and also are a good source of fiber to the body. Have it before sleep for great early morning effects.
Dandelion Roots
Dandelion roots are very efficient, having acids and chemicals that act on the stool and help them soften and pass easily though your colon. The chemical called bile in the roots act on the food to help you in as soon as two days. Two tablespoons dandelion roots taken as tea or the same amount of extract gives much relief.
Aloe Juice
Aloe Vera is a boon herb in the universe, so very effective for the body, be it skincare, immunity or the chronic constipation situations. Aloe juice has a long time, proven laxative effect, when taken in adequate amounts, says the Mayo Clinic. Do ensure you use an edible food-grade form of aloe juice. Drink twice in a day, half a cup preferably in the morning and at night. It can be mixed with apple juice or can be used in capsulated forms.
Flax Seed
Flax seeds are medicinal herbal products that can soothe constipation. Flax fiber is known to provide the essential roughage for the movement of the stool in the stomach. Ground flax seeds or the herbs oil in extracted form can provide the same effects. Liberate your discomfort with 3-4 tablespoons of this extract. Flax oil or tincture can also be added in smoothies and milk shakes or even yoghurt. Flax seeds, one of the herbal remedies for constipation, are advised to be used when the bowel is in the stuck situation, accordingly.
It has estrogen- type effects and thus should be consulted about with the doctor especially as they can cause uterine and breast problems or increased bleeding in some cases. Be cautious.
Psyllium
Psyllium seeds help to soften the stiff stool, have a mild laxative action leading to relief from irritable bowel syndrome. Mix one – two teaspoons of this herbal psyllium powder mixed with a glass of water; continue use till you get relief, ranging from three days to two weeks. Experts say that this remedy when being followed should be complimented with good, large amounts of water otherwise there are slight chances of your colon being blocked. SO keep this in mind.
Have Say, one- two teaspoons of the herb ground psyllium seeds should be mixed with around eight ounces of water, one – three times per day. As most of the other herbal relief elements, psyllium is also usually taken in the evenings so that the trigger to the bowel movements to help you pass stool easily in the morning, to much relief.
This herb also has some side effects as the above herb. It may trigger, sometimes though, asthma attacks in those who have this critical disease. Secondly, some allergic reactions might be seen when psyllium is used for constipation, as have been reported.
People suffering from diverticular disease can use psyllium only under a good doctor’s supervision. And also avoid taking this herb at least till two hours from the time you take any medication.
Senna
Senna is a wonderful herbal laxative containing special compounds called anthraquinones. It is important to use monitored or calculated amounts of the herb used for relief not to exceed recommended amounts. Senna removes constipation and brings your bowel acts to peace because of the chemicals called sennosides it encapsulates. These irritate the inner lining of the stomach colon and consequently force contractions inside the bowel, leading to easy stool release.
Mostly used forms are commercial capsules. Purchase and use according to the directions. Senna is not be used by expecting mothers or new moms, not to mention new babies and young children too. Senna is prone to have negative effects on the liver so avoid using it for long durations and if required, you might consult the doctor.
You might notice many a number of herbal teas and herbal capsules over the shelf in a chemist shop or general store. Good products are available and are commonly used. But research before use and also be sure about the process to use them. Though it is described as a nonprescription laxative by the Food and Drug Administration, suggesting its safe usage, rest, to be, cautious is your part.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada, means “sacred bark” is a Spanish word, used successfully since ages. Just as senna, cascara sagrada too has anthraquinones. This herb has emodin and aloe-emodin too. Al these products are those which have natural laxative effects. All the compounds trigger the bowel muscles and cause a movement within 12hrs from the time of consumption. When the stomach muscles contract the effect promotes easy passing of stool and evacuates the stomach and thus is helpful in cases where the condition is due to muscular dysfunction. This is also a safe drug in limits but remember to avoid overdose.
Take one limited dose; say just a 300 milligram capsule before bed for. Do not take more than this and not to be taken for more than seven days consecutively, in a row too. As in the case of certain other herbal remedies for constipation this herb too is to be avoided by women in the pregnancy or nursing stage.
Over use may lead to discoloration of the urine, which may turn to colors like yellow, brown, pink, red or black. More side effects over use are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramping. These are harmless effects but do not use this herb in inflammatory bowel disease or other types of intestinal obstructions, or if you are using diuretics.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
