Constipation is difficulty passing stools or the occasional passing of dry, hard stools. Constipation is usually caused by the slow transit time of food moving through your large intestine. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse notes that the foods you consume, your level of exercise and other factors help govern your bowel function. Consider natural treatments to relieve your constipation, such as herbal remedies. Discuss this approach with your doctor before using herbs for treating your constipation.
Constipation Information
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you are constipated when there is a change in your normal bowel habits, such that you defecate less frequently than you normally would. Other indications of constipation include straining during a bowel movement or the passing of abnormally hard stool. Other common signs and symptoms of chronic constipation -- constipation that lasts for a prolonged period -- include the sensation of a full bowel even after you have defecated and feeling bloated.
Herbal Alternatives
Herbal alternatives for constipation exist and are frequently prescribed by naturopathic doctors, herbalists and other health care providers. Among the most commonly prescribed herbal alternatives for constipation are herbs with laxative action, notes Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopath and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." Examples of herbal laxatives that may help relieve your constipation include aloe gel, fenugreek, flax, marshmallow root, oat seed, psyllium seed and slippery elm bark.
Featured Herb
Flax is one of the most popular herbs in treating chronic constipation. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," the seeds and seed oil from the flax plant are helpful in treating many ailments, including colon problems, female disorders and inflammation. Flax has been used to build strong bones, nails, teeth and healthy skin. The seeds, notes Balch, are a helpful addition to a diet that is lacking in fiber.
Disclaimer
Consider visiting a health care provider to discuss factors that could be contributing to your chronic constipation. In some cases, an underlying condition may be causing your symptoms and must be dealt with using conventional medicine techniques. In most cases, however, natural treatments for chronic constipation are safe and effective. Ask your health care provider about the risks and disadvantages of herbal remedies in treating this condition. The more information you have to work with, the lower your chances of experiencing negative health side effects.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What is Constipation?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Constipation
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
