Constipation
Constipation is when the bowel movements are irregular. Sometimes the bowel movements are hard and dry then regular passing. Constipation is the symptom of irritable bowel syndrome, this can cause due to various reason. People have constipation who have irregular living habits, no proper food intake, inadequate intake for fluids, lack of exercise are some of the point.
Abdominal pain, bloating, depression, weight loss and weight gain are some of the other symptoms observed while people suffering from constipation.
Aromatherapy is used to treat constipation, the person having constipation problem is given an abdominal massage with any one of the mentioned oils. Black pepper, fennel, ginger, lemon grass, orange, rosemary etc. Remember that this massage is to be given by an expert. This massage is given in a clockwise direction. The above mentioned oils are to be mixed in proportion with the carrier oils.
Teas are the best herbal medicine. Take 1-2 tsp of herb and mix it with 1 cup of water and let it boil for 10-15 minutes. Fennel, ginger, liquorices, psyllium seeds, senna leaves are used in this tea.
Silica, nux vomica, natrum muriaticum, ignatia, graphites and calcarea carbonica are the general medicines used in homeopathic treatment for constipation.
There are different types of laxatives available to get reed off constipation problem. But the selection of the appropriate laxatives is very important and one should always concern a doctor before consuming it. The reason to getting checked by the doctor is because the problem might have been caused due to under-active thyroid problem. While consuming such laxatives one should follow proper directions of use otherwise a reverse effect may occur. These laxatives are not to be used for more than 3 days.
Just to give you a brief understanding on the laxatives, here they follow
- Bulk forming laxatives: These laxatives increase the bulk of the stool and make them soft so that the stool can easily passed on. These types of laxatives are to be taken with lot of fluids. The results are not seen instantly but it takes time. These laxatives are still better then stimulant type of laxatives for long term use. Name of such laxatives are isphaghula husk, methylcellulose, steculia.
- Osmotic laxatives: Such laxatives work similar to bulk forming laxatives. They are also good as compared to stimulant type of laxatives for long term use. Names of such laxatives are lactulose, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium sulphate, sodium sulphate.
- Stimulant laxatives make the bowel muscle contract and accelerate the speed of the faeces moving through intestine. But there are drawbacks of using such laxatives like person using it may experience stomach cramps. Regular usage of laxatives may make your body dependent on them which is not good. To name some stimulant laxatives: senna, biascodyl.
- Lubricating agents: the use of such laxatives lines the bowel with lubricant and makes the pass way easy. These agents give the fastest results but it is not advisable to use it frequently otherwise the body may become dependent on such external agents.
Some of the home remedies and habits to be followed to avoid or prevent or get instant relief from constipation.
- Drink lot of fluids. Drink orange or prune juice in particular. Drink lot of water. Fennel tea, chamomile tea, ginger tea, peppermint tea and lemon balm tea helps in naturally generating laxative effect in the body.
- Hot drinks also stimulate bowel movements.
- Since ancient times castor oil is used as remedy for constipation. Castor oil releases ricinoteic acid which is an irritant and stimulates the intestine and soften the stools, this makes stool pass it easily.
- Fruits with lot of fiber helps to eliminate the food waste from our body. As the fiber absorbs more water it makes the stool more soft and passing of stool is easy during constipation.
