Constipation can be generally termed as the passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool or bowel movements usually fewer than three times a week. Other symptoms of constipation include feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish. Common causes of are not enough fibre in the diet, not enough liquids, lack of exercise, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, old age, and travel, abuse of laxatives and specific diseases that interfere with intestinal and bowel function.
Natural remedies
Acidophilus may be of use in the treatment of constipation as it can help increase the peristaltic action of the lower bowel. Combine this with the prebiotic FOS, a type of short chain polysaccharide normally found in vegetable foods such as artichokes, onions, asparagus, and garlic for best results. FOS is not digested, instead it feeds the friendly flora whilst simultaneously reducing the colonies of detrimental bacteria.
Another useful support is the fibre PSYLLIUM HUSK. This gel forming fibre is in the category of mucilages and can be a great aid in detoxifying.
Golden Flax Seeds and the oil are a rich source of mucilage and omega 3 EFAs
that also provide lubrication for the intestinal tract. Hemp Seed Oil will also have
similar lubricating effects.
Homeopathic Remedies
Bryonia: This remedy is indicated for constipation with a feeling of dryness in the rectum and large dry stools that are hard to push out, with sticking or tearing pains. The person feels grouchy or out of sorts, and may be tense from business-related worries.
Calcarea carbonica: People who need this remedy often feel more stable when constipated, and experience discomfort and fatigue when the bowels have moved. Large stools are hard at first, then sticky, then liquid. The person may feel chilly and sluggish, have clammy hands and feet, crave sweets, and feel weak and anxious when ill or overworked.
Lycopodium: A person who needs this remedy has frequent indigestion with gas and bloating, and many problems involving the bowels. Rubbing the abdomen or drinking something warm may help to relieve the symptoms. A craving for sweets and an energy slump in late afternoon and early evening are strong indications for Lycopodium.
Nux vomica: “Wants to but can’t” is a phrase that brings Nux vomica to mind. This remedy is often helpful to people who are impatient, tense, and ambitious—who work too hard and exercise too little, indulge in stimulants or alcohol, and are partial to sweets and spicy food. Headaches, chilliness, and constricting pains in the bowels or rectal area often accompany constipation when Nux vomica is needed.
Silicea (also called Silica): When this remedy is indicated, the person strains for long periods without success. A “bashful” stool begins to come out, but eventually retreats. People who need this remedy are nervous and mentally acute, but also chilly, physically frail, and easily fatigued.
Sulphur: Dry, hard stools with reddish inflammation of the anus and offensive flatulence suggest a need for this remedy. Constipation may also alternate with diarrhea. People who need this remedy are often “characters” with interesting mental notions, slouching posture, and very little interest in tidiness.
