Herbal Remedies for Constipation

Introduction

Bowel movements differ from person to person. It depends on the diet, physical activity, fiber and water intake, and other factors. It can also be due to some medicines taken or a symptom of some medical condition. Bowel movements might be slow and sluggish in some people. This results in constipation. Constipation can make a person uncomfortable and bloated. Some changes in the diet and lifestyle usually bring about changes in the bowel movements. This article deals with some herbal remedies for constipation.

What Is Constipation?

A condition where one has fewer than three bowel movements in a week or has dry and hard stools is called constipation. However, bowel movements can differ from person to person. Some people may have bowel movements twice a week as a norm. They can not be considered constipated, as it is their normal bowel frequency. However, a person who has bowel movements regularly can be regarded as constipated if the frequency is reduced to two times a week. Changes in diet or routine, lack of fiber in the diet, low fluid intake, etc., are some causes of constipation.

How Can Constipation Be Managed at Home?

There are many home remedies that can be tried to manage constipation. Some of them include:

• Increased Fluid Intake: One of the most common causes of constipation is dehydration. Proper hydration enables smooth bowel movements. Some people might feel drinking sparkling water to relieve discomfort due to constipation. Sparkling water is also called carbonated water. Water infused with carbon dioxide under high pressure is called sparkling water. Studies have shown that sparkling water is more effective than normal water in relieving constipation. It can also ease the symptoms of dyspepsia (another term for indigestion) and chronic constipation.

• Consume More Fiber: The bulk of stool is made up of fiber. It enables a smooth passage through the intestine. Hence, reduced consumption of fiber can lead to constipation. Studies show that about seventy-seven percent of people who were constipated benefitted by increasing their fiber intake. However, the increase in fiber intake can make things worse for some people. This is because different types of fibers are digested in different ways by the body. Fibers are of two types: soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers add to the bulk and aid in digestion. It helps ease the passage of stool within the digestive system. It is found in wheat bran, vegetables, and whole grains. Soluble fibers absorb water, improve the consistency, and soften the stool. It is found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and peas. Non-fermentable fibers are the best to treat constipation.

• Regular Exercise: Studies show that regular exercise can help improve constipation. It stimulates the muscles in the lower part of the digestive system. It is these muscles that help to remove stool from the body.

What Are Herbal Remedies?

Herbal remedies are medicinal extracts that are derived from plants. They have been used in traditional medicines for many centuries. They are usually claimed to improve gastrointestinal disorders. They are found to have many pharmacological properties, such as laxative effects, anti-inflammatory actions, antispasmodic activities, and modulation of gut motility. However, despite their beneficial effects, there can always be some risks associated with their use. This could probably be due to their unregulated nature, quality control that might not reach the standards, pharmacological complexities, and their potential for adverse interactions. Hence, it must be used cautiously and after consulting a healthcare professional.

What Are Herbal Remedies Used in Constipation?

Some herbal remedies commonly used for constipation include:

1. Prune: The dried form of this fruit is known to relieve constipation. It is high in fiber and helps the food to move smoothly through the digestive tract, thereby aiding in digestion. Prune juice is lesser in fiber than the fruit. However, it contains a type of sugar called sorbitol, which provides bulk and stimulates bowel movements.

2. Kiwi: It is high in fiber and aids digestion. This makes it a natural laxative to try. More research is required to know its effectiveness.

3. Coffee: Research shows that hot beverages like coffee help to ease constipation. Some chemicals in coffee help to improve the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and provide relief from constipation.

4. Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are seeds rich in fiber and are derived from flax plants. It contains a fiber called mucilage fiber, which forms a gel-like substance when combined with water. This helps ease the passage of stool in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Buckthorn: The scientific name of buckthorn is Cascara sagrada. It is a popular herbal laxative extracted from the bark of a tree called buckthorn. It works by irritating the colon, resulting in bowel movements. It is well-tolerated when used for a short term. It can cause abdominal pain or electrolyte imbalance in some people. However, it can cause liver injury, resulting in mild to acute liver failure.

6. Psyllium: It is a member of plantain species. It is a natural laxative and increases the bulk of the stool. It is often used in treating constipation in combination with other laxatives, which may be synthetic or natural. The potential side effects of psyllium include allergic reactions, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting.

7. Rhubarb: It is known for its laxative effects and belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is known for making pies using its leafstalks. However, the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has also reported the plant to have antidiarrheal effects. This could be due to the presence of tannin in the plant. Hence, it should be considered only for short-term use.

8. Senna: Senna is known to be used to clear the bowel before some surgical procedures. Its fruit and leaves are used. However, its fruit is more gentle than its leaves. It takes about eight hours to show results. Hence, it is recommended to be taken at night before sleeping. It must be used only in the recommended doses for a short period of time. Pills containing this herb are available in many chemist shops. Using it at a high dose or for a long period of time can result in liver injury and a high chance of dependence.

9. Slippery Elm: This herb has been known to be used to ease constipation for ages. It stimulates the nerves, controlling the gastrointestinal system. This causes the production of mucous, which eases constipation. In addition, the herb contains a sticky substance that sticks to the walls of the intestine and eases constipation. This can reduce the absorption of some medicines taken concurrently. More research is needed to know about its effect in the long run.

Conclusion

Constipation is a common condition that can be easily managed at home. If left untreated, it can cause complications like piles or hemorrhoids. A slight modification in diet and lifestyle can help to relieve constipation. Some herbal remedies can be used to relieve constipation. However, it must be used with caution in the short term to prevent complications.