Constipation - The Top 6 Herbs You Need To Know About

Constipation has been treated successfully with herbs for centuries.

In fact, all the great treatments for constipation are herbal. Some are strong herbs; some are mild. And the mildest is actually the best... as you will see below.

There are several ways in which herbs can assist when there is constipation:

1. Some herbs provide bulk which help the stools pass more easily
2. Other herbs contain 'anthroquinone glycosides' which help the muscles of the bowel to move the waste matter along - stimulate bowel muscle,stimulate the peristalsis - earthworm-like movements of the bowel, help the muscles of the bowel to move the waste matter along. They are generally for short-term use only.
3. Happily there is one 'miracle' herb which can have a fantastic effect on constipation - it will usually banish it forever. This herb is called CASCARA SAGRADA. However there are certain conditions to its use which must be followed to get this result; firstly it must be used at a low dose; secondly it must be combined with certain other herbs; and thirdly the resulting formula must be taken with every meal and for every day until the cure is effected. See below for more detail on this great herb and the well-proven formula containing it.

1. Herbs For Bulk

These herbs provide a large amount of fibre or mucilage. This bulks up the waste matter in the colon helping to make the stools pass more easily. This happens because of a reflex action in the bowel.

Herbs in this category include PSYLLIUM HUSKS, LINSEEDS AND FENUGREEK. These herbs should be taken with a good amount of water - say several glasses more than usual per day - as they will absorb water.

2. Herbs Containing Anthroquinone Glycosides

The best known herb containing anthroquinone glycosides is SENNA. This has a long history of use in the UK. It is not recommended for longer than ten days.

Buckthorn is another herb which was used historically. It was replaced with the herb CASCARA SAGRADA, from the same family, which was more gentle but still reliable. Used at the usual dosage, these herbs are not recommended to be taken for longer than ten consecutive days or so.

Much stronger, and only to be used if nothing else will do the job is a herb extracted from the outer skin of the Aloe Vera plant. This is the same plant whose gel is used to promote healing. The Aloe from the outer skin - often called CAPE ALOE - moves the bowels strongly. It is also very, very bitter and unpleasant if you happen to taste it. Aloe is generally used only occasionally.

3. The Best Choice For Constipation

One of the herbs mentioned above is by far the best herb to use to treat long-term, or short-term, constipation. However, to achieve this it is used at a relatively low dosage for long period of time.

The herb is Cascara Sagrada, or sacred bark.

If Cascara is used in small amounts - say 50 mg with each meal; and if it is combined with other appropriate herbs, it will often deal permanently with constipation in about six months. It needs to be taken every day, however.

To be most effective, Cascara is combined with the herbs barberry, cayenne, Turkey rhubarb, and a number of other herbs. This unique formula has got a fantastic track record of success which has given long-term relief from constipation to thousands.

A 90-Day Programme Brings Fastest Results

Additionally this Cascara remedy can be used with other herbal and nutritional products over 90 days - in a '90-Day Programme' - to make a great start in treating constipation. The extra products used are A. extra fiber in the form of 'Psyllium Husks' which bulk up the stools and make them easier to pass; and B. use of a supplement containing healthy bacteria - 'bowel flora' as they are sometimes called - similar to those found in yoghurt but more concentrated.

A program like this, with 3 main products, can be very effective for constipation when combined with an increase in dietary fiber - for example by eating extra vegetables and salads - and a long term remedy for constipation will often, thankfully, be the result.