How much ever embarrassing it may be, but constipation is an important health issue and something that you must certainly not ignore. It is a condition which can affect anyone at anytime and it is generally caused due to improper dietary habits, faulty lifestyle, inadequate water intake, lack of physical activity and most importantly irregular habit of defecation.
If you find yourselves facing much difficulty in passing of stools, and if you are passing dry stools less than three times a week then you might probably be constipated. Due to constipation the bowels are not fully emptied from your body, and hence it may cause building up of toxins which again may seriously affect your immune system leading to numerous kinds of health ailments.
There are many kinds of cures available for treating constipation. However, treating this condition with the help of certain special herbs can give you great results without any side effects. The following are some of the herbal remedies which can help you in treating constipation and save you from the health related issues arising out of it.
Some Effective Herbs For Treating Constipation
Yellow Dock Root
Also known as Rumex Crispus, yellow dock root is an effective herb generally prescribed in form of capsules or tea to improve general health. It is actually the root of the yellow dock plant which is rich of nutrients like oxalates, tannins, anthraquinone and glycosides. These nutrients greatly help in inducing water secretion into the intestines hence acting as laxatives they help in relieving constipation.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a wonder herb and it is most sought for its excellent health benefits. All the parts of the plants such as leaves, flowers and roots are said to be enriched with the properties to prevent all kinds of diseases and it promotes general health.The latex from this plant is a good laxative and a powerful remedy to relieve digestion related problems. Hence, having a tea made of dandelion can be best cure if you are suffering from constipation.
Chicory
Being a medicinal plant with a lot of health benefits chicory is also used as a substitute for coffee. This herb is usually used to treat problems like gall bladder disorders, cancer, stomach upsets, constipation and loss of appetite.The roots of the chicory plant are a mild laxative and hence the intake of this herb in any form can provide relief in constipation.
Chickweed
It is another medicinal herb which is less known but packed with many health benefits. Apart from providing relief for other kinds of ailments, chickweed also provides great relief for stomach related problems. Having a cup of chickweed tea regularly promotes digestion and cures stomach upsets and constipation.
Flax Seeds
The seeds of the flax plant are an excellent source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Ground flax seeds are said to lubricate the digestive tract and they act as intestinal cleansers.Hence, the intake of flax seeds can be a best remedy for problems related to indigestion and constipation.
Psyllium
Just like flax seeds psyllium seeds also help in relieving constipation. As the husk of these seeds is a soluble fiber, it can be used as a gentle bulk forming laxative.Psyllium has the property of becoming a mass of gel when it is mixed with water. This gel like mass helps in freeing the bowel movements and therefore it can cure constipation and other gastro intestinal disorders.
Aloe Juice
Aloe Vera is a magical herb which has been helping people by providing cures for both internal and external problems. Drinking aloe juice by mixing 1 tablespoon of it with water before meals or during bedtime can helps in reducing chronic constipation. It also acts as a cleansing tonic as it helps to clear up the intestinal tract from toxins and built up fecal matter.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb also known as ‘Turkey Rhubarb’ or ‘Chinese Rhubarb’ is traditionally used in Chinese medicines. The root of this herb is used for curing all kinds of stomach ailments and it proves much helpful in treating severe constipation.As it is a harsh purgative, the excessive usage of this herb is not recommended and it should be taken only when other milder herbs and changes in diet does not prove to be effective.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara Sagrada is an effective laxative with digestive properties and it is also known as a ‘colon cleansing herb’. The anthraquinone element present in this herb is a cathartic which helps in contracting the colon walls initiating an urge to pass bowels. This herb is available in the form of dried bark, liquid extracts or capsules. The dried bark of cascara Sagrada can be used for preparing herbal tea. A dosage of 300 mg capsule taken during bedtime helps in the easy passage of bowels in the next morning.
Senna
Senna is a fast acting powerful herb which is said to relieve constipation within 10 hours of its consumption. Due to the presence of anthraquinones and other important compounds it acts as a purgative agent. This herb smoothen the muscles of the intestinal tract and facilitates the transportation of the digested food, thereby enhancing the peristaltic contractions and an urge to pass bowels.Senna pods are less powerful than the leaves. Hence, people who are very sensitive can make use of the pods instead of the leaves. These leaves are available in the form of tablets or capsules and the dried leaves of senna can be used for herbal tea preparations.
Gravel Root
This is also a medicinal herb and a tea prepared of this herb is said to provide good relief for constipation.Usually, the aerial parts of the plant are more potent and hence an infusion prepared out of them could be a good laxative in treating constipation.
Ginger
Similar to other herbal teas, a tea prepared of ginger is also an effective cure for constipation. As ginger aids in improving digestion, it is recommended to take a cup of ginger tea after the meals for people suffering from constipation.Drinking this tea on a regular basis is said to soothe the intestinal walls and the nutrients absorbing ability of the system.
