Constipation affects many individuals who lack sufficient fiber, water, and exercise. Herbal medicine for constipation includes diet changes, herbs, and other digestive supportive practices, as dietary changes may not always suffice.
Consume psyllium seeds or husks mixed with water to encourage regular bowel movements. This mucilaginous herb swells up and adds bulk to stool. A traditional Chinese blend, Sinisan, also helps lubricate your colon for more effortless movements.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara Sagrada, also known as Frangula purshiana bark or bitter bark, has long been used as an herbal medicine to stimulate bowel movements. Native American tribes have relied on this plant's dried bark containing chemicals called anthraquinone glycosides for natural laxation; modern medicine introduced it as part of its treatment arsenal only after being first introduced to it during the 19th century, and today, many over-the-counter constipation medications contain this ingredient.
Natural Stimulant Laxative
Cascara Sagrada can serve both as a natural stimulant laxative and also contain antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an excellent inclusion in detox and cleanse herbal formulas to eliminate harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, and certain strains of Candida.
Cascara sagrada may cause side effects, including abdominal pain, jaundice, and clay-colored stool. As it should only be taken short-term and in conjunction with a low-fat diet plan, cascara sagrada should only be used short-term and cautiously. Some individuals have even developed liver complications after using cascara sagrada, including increased transaminase levels and even hepatocellular necrosis.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may provide relief for constipation by acting as a gentle laxative. The gel in the middle layer of an aloe leaf's latex contains laxative compounds. Aloe vera juice may help relieve constipation by stimulating colonic activity to move waste along its digestive tract more rapidly and act as a natural pain reliever for digestive discomfort.
Aloe vera contains magnesium, which can help regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure, break down, and absorb other essential vitamins like B12. According to a tiny study, individuals suffering from IBS who drank aloe vera juice found relief from their symptoms.
A Common Gastroesophageal
Aloe vera may help reduce heartburn, a common gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom. According to a 2010 review, taking 1-3 ounces of aloe vera juice before meals helped alleviate some GERD symptoms; more research must be completed before this benefit can be confirmed. However, diuretics or digoxin may lower potassium levels in your body, so avoid drinking aloe vera juice at meal times while on these medications.
Ginger
Ginger can provide an effective digestive aid and is used by some to relieve constipation. Furthermore, ginger acts as a prebiotic that enhances gut health over time. It has also proven helpful as an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatment; 40% of IBS sufferers use herbal medication to relieve their symptoms1.
Consuming small doses of raw ginger root or sipping ginger tea twice daily may help promote better digestion and stimulate bowel movements, providing natural relief from symptoms associated with constipation, such as bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Ginger can help stimulate digestion and facilitate bowel movement without the risk of stimulant laxatives that could prove harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if the best herbal medicine for constipation persists beyond a couple of days, you must speak to your doctor to rule out any medical issues that need attention. Increasing water and fiber consumption and regular physical exercise may help combat constipation, but seeing your physician is especially recommended if symptoms become severe or painful.
Peppermint
Though not strictly considered a laxative, peppermint can help promote regular bowel movements by stimulating nerves in the digestive tract. Its soothing menthol content also relaxes digestive muscle spasms to relieve pain, bloat, nausea, and gas.
Fennel seeds can help stimulate bowel movements when eaten as an appetizer or taken in tea form since their seeds contain sorbitol, which acts as a natural laxative by decreasing water accumulation in your colon. Furthermore, drinking plenty of fluids is recommended while taking any herbal remedies that promote regularity in bowel movements.
Relief for Constipation
Ayurvedic herbs can also provide relief for constipation. Slippery elm may help, stimulating nerves in the GI tract to produce mucus production; this could decrease absorption of certain medications; it's best to consult your doctor first if considering taking slippery elm as part of an herbal remedy regimen.
Another practical approach is taking a dietary supplement that contains psyllium husks or guar gum, such as those available from pharmacies. These products have successfully alleviated constipation symptoms when used occasionally and at the recommended dose. Other herbal treatments for constipation may include fennel seeds, rhubarb root extract, and digestive bitters; all can be found either in pill form or liquid formulation and taken either short-term or with advice from healthcare practitioners.
Ginger Root
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) is an effective natural solution that supports digestion, promotes bowel movement, and eases constipation symptoms such as cramping and bloating. Ginger can be consumed in fresh, in tea, or supplement form; cutting it up into pieces and chewing or adding it into boiling water are just two methods for consumption at home - or you could drink several glasses of ginger tea daily as an effective treatment for constipation at home.
Rhubarb can also relieve constipation; its fiber and a gum-like substance known as mucilage help add bulk to stool. A 2022 study discovered that taking rhubarb extract supplements could improve stool consistency, alleviate constipation, and potentially change bacteria in your digestive tract.
Conclusion
Diet can play an essential role in preventing constipation, too. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will increase your fiber intake - necessary for regular bowel movements. Try eating high-fiber foods such as berries, prunes, apples, bananas, peaches, apricots, figs, blackberries, and raspberries, as they may contain water as well. Avoid fatty and processed foods, which could increase the risk of constipation.
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