Nature's Remedy: Herbal Approaches to Relieving Constipation Discomfort"

If you find that your bowel movements have decreased significantly from normal, constipation could be to blame. While the number of daily bowel movements varies from person to person, if less than three bowel movements per week occur it's time to visit a physician for evaluation.

Your physician can identify whether your constipation is caused by medical conditions like IBS, pelvic floor dysfunction or systemic sclerosis.

Psyllium Husks                        

Psyllium husk is an easy way to soothe constipation discomfort by adding bulk to the stool. As a bulk laxative, psyllium works by increasing fecal matter size without stimulating intestinal contractions like other stimulant laxatives like caffeine or senna alexandrina do.

Psyllium husk can be taken in powder form to mix into liquid or pill form. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this supplement to keep your digestive tract hydrated; otherwise, the psyllium may absorb too much of your body's fluids and cause discomfort.

Psyllium husks can also help treat hemorrhoids caused by chronic constipation, according to one study. When taken regularly, one study demonstrated that regular intake reduced symptoms by 40%! For best results take five grams per day with water for optimal results or add other ingredients such as flax seed for its balance of soluble and insoluble fiber content, rice bran as it has been shown to regulate glycemic levels, or apple pectin for its softening effects.

Flaxseed

Linum usitatissimum) seeds contain soluble fibre which helps facilitate easier bowel movements and it is great herbal treatment for constipation. They're also packed with omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as phytochemicals known as lignans that may help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels while simultaneously balancing hormones and decreasing inflammation.

Recent trials demonstrated the significant benefits of adding just one tablespoon of milled flaxseed per day for one week to diet as an aid in relieving constipation symptoms and improving quality of life.3

Make time each day to incorporate flaxseed, along with other whole grains, legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds, into your daily diet. Be sure to use ground flaxseed rather than whole seeds as the body cannot digest whole seeds properly and will pass them through undigested. A simple way of including flaxseed in your daily regimen is stirring it into oatmeal, smoothies, soup or yogurt while whole seeds can also be ground with a blender or coffee grinder - pre-soaking will further increase their digestibility!

Stewed Apricots

Dried apricots contain natural sugars, soluble fiber and phenolic compounds which have a mild laxative effect on the digestive tract; however, this natural remedy may cause gas and bloating for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.

To avoid these side effects, it's best to eat dried apricots in moderation with other high fiber and water foods, and soak the fruit first in water to help ease digestive discomfort.

Stewing apricots is simple and can be accomplished in just a few steps. Simply place the pieces of fruit into a saucepan with enough water to cover, add an orange juice concentrate, and simmer. Allow this mixture to cook down to your preferred soft consistency until done - add in some toasted, flaked almonds for additional crunchiness and serve warm as an indulgent dessert or chilled as an appetizing snack; even add one or two spoonfuls into your morning oatmeal as an unexpected burst of sweetness!

Ginger

Ginger herbal medicine has powerful anti-nauseant properties and can help relieve constipation symptoms by relieving pressure in the lower intestines and stimulating regular bowel movements. Ginger tea may also promote positive results in this regard.

Senna leaves contain compounds that can stimulate digestive activity to encourage bowel movement and alleviate constipation, so taking them either in tea bag form or purchasing powder to use at home is usually effective in doing this. Unfortunately, however, pregnant women should avoid using this herb.

Whole leaf aloe vera juice contains anthraquinones that have laxative effects. A glass of aloe vera juice per day should help relieve constipation symptoms. Molasses (specifically blackstrap), when added to water or tea, contains magnesium that stimulates bowel movements and relieves constipation symptoms. Molasses may be added for additional constipation relief; blackstrap contains high amounts which stimulate bowel movements as well. Molasses has long been recommended as a remedy for IBS patients suffering from constipation as this disorder causes constipation as well as gas, bloating and abdominal pain; using natural remedies such as senna tea leaves or ginger can alleviate symptoms associated with IBS.