By: Richard Bleuze
Herbal Remedies for Constipation
Constipation can be the reduction of the normal volume of feces voided, the complete absence of discharge or sticky discharge that the person has difficulty in passing out.
A person must void the wastes of the digestive tract one or two times a day. But in people suffering from constipation, this elimination of wastes becomes highly reduced, or may even be absent for several days together.
Constipation is not a very dangerous ailment if treated properly in time. But if let be, then constipation can become chronic. Especially in elderly people, constipation for a prolonged period can be fatal.
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Constipation:
Always be sure to eat plenty of high fiber foods, first of all -- all the vegetables and fruits from your garden plus whole grains. Avoid refined flour products, processed foods, and all animal products, as they tend to be low in fiber. Fibrous root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips are bursting with this undigestible substance, especially the insoluble kind that sweeps the colon clean. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day and walking for 30 minutes may be all your sluggish colon needs to get back on track.
In addition, you might try using that lawn pest known to everyone as dandelions. Dandelion roots make wonderful colon cleansing and detoxifying medications because any time digestion is improved, the absorption of nutrients and the removal of wastes from the body improve as well.
Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos): The fruit of the bael is an effective laxative. It has to be used for two to three months. It can be taken in the form of a sherbet. This will dissolve the wastes of the intestines and flush them out of the body.
Belleric Myroblan (Terminalia belerica): The half ripe fruit of the belleric myroblan is a purgative. It is used in treatment of chronic constipation.
Cassia (Cassia fistula): The pulp of the ripe fruit of the cassia tree is an effective laxative in the treatment of constipation. This remedy is popular because it has no side effects even when taken by children and pregnant women.
Castor (Ricinus communis): Castor oil is effective as a purgative. This treatment also has no side effects. It can be taken safely, especially by children.
Chebulic Myroblan (Terminalia chebula): Chebulic myroblan is a mild laxative. Its pulp is taken with rock salt, or flavored with cloves and cinnamon. Regular use of this decoction relieves the person of constipation.
Chicory (Chichorium intybus): Chicory has natural laxative powers.
Isphagula (Plantago ovata): This is the traditionally used remedy in the treatment of constipation. The seeds of this plant have a soothing effect on the mucus lining of the alimentary canal. The seeds must be soaked in water and then taken. Isphagula seeds act by binding the wastes in the alimentary canal and bringing them to a consistency in which they can be eliminated from the body.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Licorice is a laxative. In order to get better benefits, use licorice powder in water and jaggery.
Rhubarb (Rheum emodi): Rhubarb is also commonly used in allopathic medicine for its purgative properties.
How about making your own herbal laxatives? There are two main categories of laxatives: Those that add bulk and those that stimulate contractions in the bowels.
The bulking laxatives are rich in fiber and mucilage that expands when combined with water. The increased volume in the colon creates natural contractions that push food residue through. Be sure to consume large quantities of water with these high fiber laxatives. These are the preferred types of laxative, as they are not habit forming and do not generally make the colon dependent. Typical bulk-forming laxatives include psyllium seeds and husks, flaxseed, and fenugreek -- not common in a garden but widely available.
However, you can grow the other type of laxatives. Take only small amounts and only use them occasionally. Regular use can make you dependent on them and cause dehydration and potassium depletion. Stimulant laxatives contain substances called anthraquinones that irritate the colon muscles, making them contract. Examples of this type of laxative include senna, cascara bark, and aloe. Some of these are very potent and cause painful cramping.
Aloe should be used with caution, however, since it can cause diarrhea if not used properly. Only commercially prepared aloe has this potent compound removed; its mucilaginous gel may serve as a lubricant. Senna is another popular laxative that is commonly used too frequently. In large amounts, senna can cause cramping. Cascara bark is a milder but still potent stimulating herb. All these potent irritant laxatives should not be used regularly as their strong effects easily make the colon less responsive to milder stimulation, thus compounding the problem.
Colon health is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Why not clean your colon naturally?
