Herbal Remedies for Constipation
Get Relief for Constipation with a Natural Stool Softener
Taking herbal remedies for constipation is much safer than using commercial laxitives on which you can become dependant. There are three types of herbs for constipation. There are herbs which provide bulk, those that are mild but do not provide bulk, and those which are purgative.
Of the bulk herbs, Flaxseed is the safest in that it has no side effects. When the Flaxseed is in your bowel, it attracts water and breaks up the hard stool so it can more easily pass through - a natural stool softener. For this reason it is important to drink plenty of water or other fluids while taking Flaxseed.
Another bulk herb is Psyllium seeds. This is the main ingredient of the commercial laxative called Metamucil. It works the same as Flaxseed in that it attracts water and speeds the movement of the stool through the bowel. Again, it is important to drink plenty of fluid along with the Psyllium seeds. Psyllium seeds can be purchased at health food stores and are usually much cheaper than buying the commercial products which are promoted for relief for constipation.
Don't expect immediate results with bulk herbs. It can take 12 to 24 hours before you experience relief. Take rounded tablespoon mixed in water once a day and no more. Continue to drink water and other liquids throughout the day. Some people, usually health care workers, become allergic to Psyllium.
Mild Herbal Remedies for ConstipationDandelion Both the leaves and the root can be used. Add tender, young dandelion leaves to salads. Simmer the root in water to make a tea which can be sipped two or three times a day. Read more about the health benefits of dandelion. Licorice is a mild laxative but it should not be used for more than a week. It may cause high blood pressure, edema, weakness, or shortness of breath. It should not be used by pregnant women. Do not use licorice if you have glaucoma, kidney disease, or a history of stroke.
Purgative Herbs for ConstipationThink "Purge". Purgative herbs force the evacuation of the bowels by irritating the lining of the intestines. They should not be used on a day to day basis.
I remember a day when I was a small child. My father had gone across the street to visit a neighbor. Looking out the window I saw him with a contorted face running towards our house. He flung open the front door and streaked to the bathroom. I didn't know what was going on and it kind of scared me. There were some strange noises coming out of the bathroom. I now understand that he had taken a purgative laxative the night before.
These evacuative herbs should not be used by anyone who has any kind of problem with the digestive tract nor by mothers who are nursing. They also should not be used frequently because they can reduce the normal functioning of the bowel and make the problem much worse than it already is.
Of all the purgative herbs rhubarb root is probably the mildest and the safest. You can purchase it at health food stores.
Most over-the-counter laxative contain sacred bark or cascara sagrada. It is a native American remedy. You can make a tea with the bark but it is bitter tasting.
Senna is the main ingredient in the over-the-counter laxative, Ex-Lax. It is quite strong and very effective. It should not be used very often and only in the most extreme cases.
I do not recommend Aloe Vera as a laxative because it is too strong.
While these herbal remedies for constipation can be very effective, there are other ways of solving this problem. A change in diet can be very helpful. Eliminating or reducing foods that cause constipation from the diet and at the same time adding foods for constipation is in many cases all that needs to be done with the addition of drinking more water. Also, read about magnesium and constipation and add magnesium rich foods to your daily diet for easy, permanent relief.
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