Constipation, a condition involving reduced bowel movement frequency or the passing of small and hard stools, affects many Americans. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, approximately 80 percent of people in the United States experience constipation at some point throughout their life span. Brief bouts of constipation are common and usually do not signal serious underlying health problems. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of using herbs, such as basil, in treating constipation.
Constipation Information
Numerous factors and underlying health problems cause constipation. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that stress, travel, dehydration, lack of exercise, decreased fiber in your diet and consciously delaying bowel evacuation all contribute to this common health problem. Certain medications, bowel diseases and metabolic disorders also contribute. Because a greater number of women seek treatment for constipation than men, perhaps hormone imbalance contributes to this condition as well.
About Basil
Basil -- one of the principle ingredients in pesto, a sauce -- is a culinary herb indigenous to India. It has long been used in various Asian cuisines, including Thai, Taiwanese and Vietnamese. The leaves of the basil plant, which people use for both culinary and medicinal purposes, contain numerous active constituents, including a volatile oil composed of the terpenoids eugenol, thymol and estragole. Basil thrives in outdoor environments, although it also grows well indoors in a pot placed on a south-facing windowsill.
Herb Uses
Basil historically treats many health problems, notes medical doctor Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," including constipation, indigestion, diabetes, diarrhea and cough. Gaby states that the seed of the basil plant -- which contains active constituents such as limonene, camphene and myrcene -- helps relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative. Gaby also notes that basil might be particularly effective in relieving post-surgical constipation in elderly individuals, and that the volatile oil contained within the seeds acts as a carminative, or a substance that helps relieve intestinal gas. Some health benefits come from consuming whole basil leaves, but teas or capsules could offer more due to the increased concentration of active constituents. Further scientific scrutiny is required to determine the true effectiveness of basil leaves or pesto in treating constipation.
Warning
Constipation is a health problem that can significantly reduce your quality of life. If you become constipated, consult your doctor for an individualized treatment plan at your earliest possible convenience. Natural therapies, including the use of herbal remedies, are traditional treatments for constipation, although some herbs might not be appropriate for you. Always use herbal remedies with the same level of caution you afford prescription drugs.
References
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Constipation
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Constipation
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
