Constipation can be painful, and some of the ways in which people try to alleviate this problem can only make things worse. Laxatives, one of the more popular treatments, should only be taken when the doctor recommends them. Herbal remedies for constipation are one safe way to help in this uncomfortable situation.
Some herbs that are said to help with constipation include aloe in the juice form, senna, medicinal rhubarb, cascara sagrada, dandelion root and seeds of plantain. Caution is advised when taking herbs, because overuse of them can be harmful just as is the case with chemical laxatives.
Herbal constipationo
When constipation is present there are several ways in which herbs can be helpful:
* Some herbs provide bulk which help the stools pass more easily
* Other herbs contain anthroquinone glycosides which stimulate the peristalsis - earthworm-like movements of the bowel - 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.
* 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 an additional intake of water every day.
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 has been used over many centuries. 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 in extremis 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 - is a strongly laxative herb. It is also very, very bitter and unpleasant if you happen to taste it. Aloe is generally used only occasionally.
