Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, resulting in about 2 million doctor visits annually. The most common cause of constipation is an incorrect diet, Constipation can lead to a build up of toxins, which can cause numerous health problems. Constipation and digestive distress are common side effects of iron supplements. A spoonful of molasses with 10-15 drops of yellow dock root tincture in a glass of warm water is a better way to increase iron and improve elimination.
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus and lower rectum that stretch under pressure, similar to varicose veins in the legs, caused due to the pressure exerted when one is constipated and can cause tremendous discomfort. Herbs can help strengthen and tone blood vessels, decrease inflammation and stop bleeding. They can also help the constipation that often accompanies hemorrhoids.
Strong herbal laxatives : Aloes or drug aloe, made from the juice of the dried inner leaves, is a very strong laxative, and is not as widely used as it once was because of the herbs extreme purgative action. Dried, aged cascara sagrada bark is often prescribed for chronic constipation. The bark contains compounds called anthraquinones that are used in commmercial laxative preparations.
Mild herbal laxatives Chicory, dandelion and chickweed all have a gentle laxative properties that are more suited to long term use. Chicory and dandelion are good coffee substitutes that can be drunk in the morning to help prevent irregularity.
Herbal Fiber : Flax seed lubricates the digestive tract, a safe but efficient intestinal cleanser that provides fiber. Flax seed should not be used for extended periods of time and adequate water must be taken with it. Psyllium is traditionally used to treat constipation, the seed husks of P. psyllium provide fiber for a laxative effect. Psyllium is a common ingredient in commercial fiber supplements
Monday, May 26, 2008
Constipation/Herbal Laxatives
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
For Laxatives in the Form of Tea Herbs
Person takes three meals a day. Going by that calculation he takes 22 meals in a week. And the kind of food we are used to these days, toxic substances regularly which would include caffeine, sugar, white flour, microwave-cooked food, hydrogenated fats and deep fried foods, there is bound to be a considerable accumulation of the waste matters in our colon.
Ideally the colon should be able to eliminate all the fecal matter in a period of 24 hours. But for many of us it is quite regular to have bowel movements only once in two or even in three days. This would mean that a lot of wastes are staying back in the colon than they are supposed to. This would mean that this wastes produce toxins which are subsequently being absorbed by the bloodstreams near the colon and are transmitted throughout the body.
To regularize the bowel movements and have our colon clean the first thing we need to do is to change our eating habits. The normal diet we have is full of processed foods. So what we miss out on is fiber. Fiber actually helps to clean our system. Without enough of it, our bowels never quite become clear. So we must increase our fiber intake. It should be anything between 27-33 grams everyday. It is better to have insoluble fiber as that would help you more in eliminating the wastes from the colon.
Water is another critical element in getting your colon clean. For an adult human three liters of water is the minimum that should be consumed everyday. Not only will it clear the system but will also ensure that there is no calculus deposit in the kidneys.
There are also colon cleansing herbs which can facilitate bowel movements. Some of them come in the form of tea. All you got to do is add them to simmering hot water and drink just like you drink tea. These herbs are generally very strong and action would be evident in less than half a day. Within 6 to 12 hours you would need to visit the toilet and then repeatedly over the next couple of days. So if you plan to take these tea based herbs as laxatives first get your schedule planned accordingly as you will not be able to leave home for a couple of days. But do take them in moderate amounts and continue them at the most for a week as they can have some serious side effects.
