Constipation
Constipation is when bowel movements are infrequent, the bowel does not completely evacuate the contents, or what is passing are hard, dry bowel movements. Constipation is a disturbance in the digestive system that may be the precursor to many other ailments. Since bowel movements are infrequent, toxins do not get removed from the body. Instead, they often find their way back into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body.
Symptoms
Symptoms include stools that are hard and dry, making them painful to pass; a full, bloated feeling and abdominal pain. Constipated people will have three or fewer bowel movements in a week. Bowels may still feel full after you have a bowel movement. Some people also experience heaviness in the stomach, gas, a mucus-coated tongue, pain in the lower legs, hypertension, fever, nausea, vertigo, drowsiness and palpitation.
Causes
Constipation can be caused or exacerbated by a low fiber diet, low fluid intake, weak abdominal muscles, irregular meals, eating lots of refined foods, inadequate chewing of food, holding back stools, and by some diseases like diabetes, colitis, tumors, hyperacidity or sluggish liver. Constipation may also be aggravated by stress, lack of sleep, smoking, ingesting too much coffee or tea, and by certain medications.
Cautions
See your physician if you have not been able to pass a stool for a week. If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain or blood in the stool, see your doctor as soon as possible.
The Bristol Stool Chart
The chart below was developed at Bristol University by Heaton and Lewis, it shows the seven different types of stool, with the first two, types 1 and 2, being classified as constipation. As you can see from the chart, there are various types of stool with types 3 and 4 being considered as normal. As you move down through the chart so the stool type gradually becomes more like diarrhea.
 Released under the GNU Free Documentation License. |
Herbal Treatments
Stools can be made softer and bulkier and therefore easier to pass by taking plants that contain mucilage. Plants that contain mucilage include psyllium, slippery elm and flax seeds, all these make for good constipation remedies. Laxative plants can irritate the intestine if used long term and you should seek medical advice or herbalist advice.
Internal Applications
Constipation remedies to bulk stools:
- Psyllium – this is what is called a bulk laxative. It works with the normal muscle contractions of the colon. Psyllium is from the seeds of the plantain herb. Be sure to drink plenty of water with bulk laxatives. Follow the dosing instructions on the label.
- Flax – take a teaspoon of linseed with water before every meal to provide lubrication and bulk. This helps move the bowels easily.
- Slippery elm - 1 teaspoon slippery elm powder mixed with 1/4 cup water and drink 3 times a day before meals. Always drink another glass of water.
As a laxative:
- Yellow dock - Assists in the digestive process by helping the flow of bile to the stomach. Take 2-4 grams 3 times a day.
- Cascara – this herb works through the nervous system and by irritating the intestines. It also helps tone the intestines so they work more efficiently. This herb may take 6 to 12 hours to work. Take ½ teaspoon every day.
- Senna – this herb stimulates the bowels. Herbs like this should not be used for long periods of time because the intestines come to rely on them. This herb is very effective, however. Follow the directions on the label for the best results.
- Rhubarb – this herb contains a natural laxative and it is high in fiber. Take in diet, decoction or liquid extract.
- Tamarind - eat the pulp, or take in capsule or powder form.
To aid the digestive system:
- Fennel – add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to a full glass of boiling water. Strain and drink every night at bedtime. Fennel helps normalize the digestive system.
- Ginger – add the powder of ginger to senna powder in equal portions. Mix both into a cup of lukewarm water. Drink while the water is still warm. This helps the bowels to move easily in the morning.
- Lemon – drink the juice mixed with warm water two or three times per day.
- Rosemary - infuse 2 - 4 grams of dried herb in 1 liter boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 3 cups a day. Do not drink at bedtime.
- Licorice – infuse 1-4 grams of licorice root in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. strain and drink up to 3 cups a day.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils that may be useful in massage, bath or vaporizer include basil, lemon, marjoram and rosemary. A suggested blend might be basil 4 drops, lemon 2 drops and rosemary 4 drops.