Constipation herbs
Constipation can be successfully treated with natural remedies. Sometimes all it takes is a cup of coffee or tea to get things moving.
Chickweed, marshmallow, chamomile, fennel, and other gentle, non-astringent herbal teas can help. Many excellent herbal laxative tea blends are sold at health food stores. Laxi-tea and Smooth Move come to mind. They work well and don't cause cramping or pain.
To avoid constipation, drink more water and get some exercise. If you suspect toxic build-up, then a colon cleanse might be required.
Read more about herbs that help protect and heal the colon.
Herbs that fight constipation
Medicinal herbs that gently help constipation without cramping include chickweed leaves and plantain seeds.
Chickweed is one of the ingredients in my herbal tea blend which is available online.
Learn more about the healing properties of chickweed.
Dandelion also relieves constipation by helping the system to digest fats. Dandelion is especially good for anyone that has had their gallbladder removed. This plant also enhances bile output and softens the stool.
Find out more about dandelion's medicinal uses.
Ground flaxseed can also work wonders when fighting constipation. When using any seed, fiber, or bulk laxative, remember to drink plenty of water, or constipation could get worse.
Other herbs for constipation include Aloe Vera , buckthorn, cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna but they may cause cramping so start out with a small dose.
Keep reading to find more remedies for the colon and constipation.
What causes constipation?
Constipation can be caused by not eating enough fiber, lack of exercise, not drinking enough water, stress, pregnancy, and prescription medication.
Some genetic conditions can also cause life-long constipation. One of them is a horseshoe shaped kidney. That's right, some people are born with a large kidney that is shaped like a horseshoe instead of having two kidneys like most people.
There are many things that can cause constipation, but thank God there are herbs and natural remedies that help.
Don't be embarrassed to talk about gut health.
Good digestion is essential for maintaining a healthy body. The digestive system is like your home's plumbing. It needs to run smoothly so that things don't back up and cause problems.
Since digestive problems are often considered an embarrassing subject, many people suffer in silence and hesitate to ask for advice. Speak up when visiting your healthcare professional. Your life may depend upon it.
Bowel movements should be regular and effortless. Transit time should be around 24 hours depending on the individual person. If you are going 3 times a day, that is a problem and not going for a week is dangerous!
If you regularly have painful, bloody or black stools, if you don't feel empty after going, or if you have to strain really hard to go, see a professional healthcare provider as soon as possible. It could be cancer or you could just need a simple stool softener.
Everyone over 50 needs to get a colonoscopy every few years.
Normal stools
The stool should float and be almost odorless. During bouts of constipation, decaying food ferments in the bowels, forms gases, and causes the colon to become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeast, and molds.
When the gut is healthy, constipation is rare. Probiotics in yogurt and fermented foods can help!
Bifidobacterium lactis has been shown to shorten overall gut transit time, increase stool frequency,and improve stool consistency.
If you have been reading my Every Green Herb blog for a while, then you know we grow and sell a variety of herbs, but we also buy a lot, too. Try our favorite herbal suppliers for quality and value.
Don't put off going to the bathroom.
When the urge strikes, go as soon as possible. If you want to avoid constipation, don't wait or put it off to later.
The best remedy for chronic constipation is a lifestyle change.
Exercise more, eat healthy foods with fiber, eat less processed food, drink more water, find ways to get rid of stress.
Stress shuts off communication between your colon and the brain which slows digestion. Find ways to relax and your digestive tract will reward you with good health.
Diet ca make a big difference
Diet can put a stop to constipation. For me, it means eating lots of fruits and avoiding white bread and cheese. When I feel constipated, I eat more plums, prunes, apples, and citrus fruits.
Everyone is different. If you don't know what foods cause your digestion to become sluggish, then start keeping a diary!
Benefits of a foot stool and posture during bowel movement
Most people can benefit from correct posture and raised knees when using the toilet. A wooden block or sturdy, kitchen step stool works perfectly. The objective is to have a more natural squatting position when going to the bathroom. When your knees are higher, straining is reduced and waste matter moves through the colon much easier.
Epsom salts is a natural remedy for constipation.
If you overeat, especially with bread, pasta, or cheese, try taking a teaspoon of Epsom salts with some juice or water. The Epsom salts draw water into the colon bringing moisture to the mass. Be sure to drink extra water when taking Epsom salts so the rest of your body doesn't become dehydrated.
Epsom salts is a time tested home remedy for constipation but don't overdo it.
I don't often recommend a trip to the drug store, but if you suffer from hard stools, try taking over-the-counter stool softeners. Sometimes that is the best solution.
A big glass of orange juice can also help move things along. There is something about a large dose of vitamin C that does wonders.
Treating constipation with massage
Watch this video to see how massage can be used on yourself to perform natural constipation relief by targeting both the descending colon and the transcending colon.
Colon problems cause toxic build up.
Poor colon health results in the re-absorption of toxins into the human body. Symptoms include infrequent bowel movements (constipation), cramps, bloody stool, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, excess mucus, dehydration, fatigue, nausea, depression, irritability, coated tongue, headaches, bad breath, body odor, and a sallow complexion.
Learn out to naturally remove toxins from the digestive system and the body.
*Over-the-counter laxatives can be addictive and dangerous so use with caution. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medicines.
Sources:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/9372563/
https://www.youtube.com/user/mayoclinic/search?query=constipation
Blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much for reading my blog. Jan.
*Note - the information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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