[toc]Chronic Constipation is described as the condition in which a person experiences infrequent bowel movement, that is less than 3 times a week and this condition is persistent for several months. Person experiencing chronic constipation is unable to empty the bowels completely and passes small hard stools.
The problem of chronic constipation is mainly due to narrowing of colon, colon cancer, diabetes, thyroid, medications for low blood pressure etc. This problem is more often seen in women than in men.
People suffering from chronic constipation are often treated with the help of diet change, life style change and laxatives. Below mentioned are some naturally found herbs which are very effective in treating chronic constipation.
9 Herbal Remedies For Chronic Constipation
Senna
Senna is one of the most popularly used herbal remedy for treating Chronic Constipation. Senna is renowned for its laxative properties and used safely to overcome the problem of chronic constipation.
The main component of Senna is anthraquinone glycoside, which help in stimulating the colon to eliminate stool speedily from the body. Senna also has large amounts of mucilage and tartrates, which add bulk to the stool and assists in getting rid of the problem of chronic constipation.
Both the leaves and pods of Senna have strong laxative properties and are used to make herbal formulas for chronic constipation relief. Senna leaves are used for making herbal tea, which is very effective in cases of chronic constipation. It can also be taken in form of tincture, senna pod syrup etc.
Jalap
Jalap has been used since medieval times by the people to get rid of chronic constipation problem. Jalap has strong laxative and cathartic properties, which makes it a very good herbal remedy for relieving chronic constipation by stimulating the peristaltic movement of the colon. It is safe even for the children and is an active ingredient of many children syrups and formulas for constipation and colic pain.
The resins obtained from the roots of Jalap, are rich in medicinal properties and used for providing relief from chronic constipation. It can be taken in form of tincture, tonics, herbal tea etc.
Psyllium
Psyllium or flea seed as it is also called, has been used since centuries to treat the people suffering from the problem of chronic constipation. Psyllium husk has very high concentration of fiber, which helps in providing bulk to the stool and helps in its fast movement from the colon. The mucilage present in the Psyllium, soaks up the water and is thus, very helpful in cases of diarrhea and chronic constipation.
The seeds of Psyllium have no side effect and can be used safely by people of all age groups. Psyllium husk is easily available in the market and is a very popularly used laxative. It can be consumed easily by mixing with water and drinking.
Cascara Bark
Cascara also known as buckthorn, is a very powerful and potent laxative, especially very useful in providing relief from the problem of chronic constipation. Anthraquinones is the main chemical present in cascara, which acts on the colon and stimulates the removal of stool from it. The bark of cascara is rich in medicinal properties and is used effectively in many herbal formulas for chronic constipation.
This herb is very bitter in taste and can be consumed in form of herbal tea, capsules, tonics etc. This herbal remedy works best when allowed to age for at least one year before consuming.
Turkey Rhubarb
Turkey Rhubarb is another very effective herbal remedy used for treating chronic constipation. Turkey Rhubarb is famous for its purgative properties, which help in cleansing the colon speedily of stools.
This herb is effective in treating chronic constipation, especially that which is associated with high antibiotic doses. Turkey Rhubarb contains bitter principles and hence, is also very effective in solving problems related to liver and gall bladder when used in small quantities.
High doses of Turkey Rhubarb are specially helpful in dealing with chronic constipation. Turkey Rhubarb has been used in Chinese medicine traditionally to overcome the problem of chronic constipation. This herbal remedy is available in form of capsules, tablets, tonics, herbal tea etc. However, it should not be used for prolonged period of time.
Castor Oil
Castor oil has been used traditionally since ancient times to treat the problem of chronic constipation, especially that associated with children. Castor oil contains chemicals which stops the absorption of water from the small and large intestines, thus preventing the stools from becoming dry and causing chronic constipation.
Castor oil should not be used for long period of time and is mainly a temporary solution to the problem of chronic constipation. Castor oil is bitter in taste and can be consumed by itself or by addition to juice.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is yet another very easily available herbal remedy to prevent chronic constipation. One of the important ingredients of Aloe Vera is anthraquinones, which help in stimulating the easy passage of stool from the colon. Aloe vera juice helps in cleansing the colon of all the other waste materials and maintains a healthy balance of useful bacteria in the colon.
Aloe Vera is a very famous laxative and can be used safely to help with the problem of chronic constipation. It is easily available in the market in form of juice under several brand names. Aloe Vera juice helps in permanently solving the problem of constipation when used for a long duration of time.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed or linseed, as it is popularly known is another very effective herbal remedy for chronic constipation. Flaxseed in itself does not have laxative properties, but is effective in adding fiber and bulk to the stool.
Flaxseed is a very good source of dietary fiber and helps in lubricating the colon, thus speeding the removal of stools from the body. Flaxseed can be taken in combination with water for maximum benefit in case of chronic constipation. It can be taken whole or in grounded form.
Yellow Dock
Yellow dock has been used since centuries to cure the problem of chronic constipation. This herb helps in stimulating the better digestion in the body by promoting the secretion of stomach acid.
This in turn is useful in speedy digestion of food and its subsequent removal from the body. Yellow dock can be taken in form of tincture for a couple of times daily in small doses, to get relief from the problem of chronic constipation.
