Herbal Remedies For Irregularity

Irregularity refers to irregular bowel movements or bouts of recurring constipation. You may experience irregularity if you are stressed, change your diet, travel or neglect to drink enough liquids. Irregularity is not a serious problem, but consult your doctor if it is accompanied by bloody stools, gastrointestinal pain or unexplained weight loss. Laxatives are one conventional treatment for this disorder, but they can be harsh and have unpleasant side effects. Herbs have a long history of use treating irregularity and may be gentler on your system. Check with your health care provider before starting herbal therapy.

Psyllium

Psyllium, or Plantago psyllium, is a small Meditarranean herb with dark seeds covered by a fibrous husk. Traditional healers use the seeds and husks to soften stools and treat chronic constipation. Psyllium also regulates your system by stopping diarrhea, and it is useful for irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal problems. The active ingredients are the mucilages, which add fiber and promote peristalsis, or bowel contractions. Botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink recommend soaking the seeds for several hours and taking them orally with plenty of water. Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster advise dissolving powdered seed husks in water or juice. Psyllium drinks thicken quickly and must be drunk immediately, or you can keep adding water until you can swallow easily. You may experience some bloating with psyllium, but check with your health care provider if symptoms persist.

Papaya

Papaya, or Papaya carica, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that helps to regulate your system by naturally aiding digestion, and it's rich in fiber to prevent constipation and irregularity. You can use papaya in many different ways. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend making a tea from the leaves or using papaya enzyme capsules. You can also eat fresh papaya fruit, blend it with milk or juice, or slice it up and add it to salads. Do not eat unripe papaya, or use papaya if you have gastrointestinal or heart problems without checking with your doctor.

Flax

Flax, or Linum usitatissimum, is a tall annual herb with tiny blue flowers that grows throughout the Mediterranean. Herbalists use the ripe or dried seeds to treat constipation, gastritis, irritable bowels, colitis and diverticulitis. Flax seeds contain mucilage, volatile oil and fiber, and have laxative action. The mucilage increases bulk in the colon and, together with the volatile oil, softens stools, according to van Wyk and Wink. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster state that the seeds help prevent constipation and can be ground into food and beverages. Flax seeds should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent the oil from becoming rancid. Check with your doctor if you experience nausea or diarrhea after using flax seeds.