Constipation Health Dictionary

  1. Health Encyclopedia
  2. Constipation

Constipation: From 5 Different Sources

Failure of contents of the large bowel to be evacuated due to inactivity, chemical laxatives, ignoring body signals that the body is full, obsession with bowel movements, piles, diverticulosis with small pockets from the colon, lack of exercise, spastic condition, low-fibre foods, poor eating habits, nervous stress. Waste products stagnate, changing behaviour of intestinal flora friendly to the body and necessary for breakdown of food. Toxins formed from reabsorption may be the cause of chronic disease.

Constipation is usually due to an underlying condition which requires primary treatment: i.e. anaemia.

The habit of taking purgatives lessens ability of the bowel to do its work. Gentler-acting remedies are advised: Isphagula (Psyllium seeds, light). In prescriptions, it is good practice to include a remedy for the liver (Barberry, Wahoo) and the digestive system (Dandelion, Liquorice). For constipation of pregnancy – see PREGNANCY.

Alternatives. Senna. 1-2 teaspoons leaves or 5-7 pods to cup cold water left to stand overnight. Combined tea. Equal parts: Senna leaves, Chamomile flowers, Fennel seeds. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup, evening.

Psyllium seeds (Ispaghula, pale) 1, 2, 3 or more teaspoons aided down with sips of water, morning or evening.

Decoctions. Any of the following: Black root, Blue Flag, Buckthorn, Cascara sag, Dandelion root, Turkey Rhubarb, Wahoo, Yellow Dock.

Tablets/capsules. Dandelion. Calamus. Blue Flag. Seaweed and Sarsaparilla. Turkey Rhubarb. Damiana. Senokot.

“Natural Herb Tablet”: Holy Thistle 60mg; Aloes BP 50mg; Fennel powder BPC 15mg; Myrrh powder BPC 15mg; Extract Skullcap 10mg; Powdered Valerian BPC 30mg; Powdered Lime flowers BPC 1949 30mg. Two or more tablets as necessary. Variations of this formula are on sale throughout Europe and the UK.

Powders. Combinations. Alternatives. (1) Turkey Rhubarb, with trace Cayenne. Use powder, or rubbed Rhubarb root with aid of kitchen grater.

(2) Equal parts: Barberry, Liquorice, Senna pods.

(3) Turkey Rhubarb 6; Slippery Elm 1; Liquorice 1. (4) Senna 70; Buckthorn 5; Fennel 10; Mate 5; Elder 5; Psyllium (pale) 5. Dose: 500-750mg (2-3 00 capsules or one-third-half a teaspoon) once or twice daily, as necessary.

Tinctures. Formulae: (1) Turkey Rhubarb, with trace of Capsicum. (2) Dandelion 2; Cascara sag, 2; Barberry 2; Liquorice 1; Tincture Ginger half. Half-2 teaspoons in hot water, evening.

Standard sales. A large number of preparations are on sale including Potter’s “Lion Cleansing Herbs”, Monastery herbs, Priory herbs. Fybogel Orange to increase bulk in colon. Regulan, for high fibre regimen. Enema or gravity douche: half an ounce Chamomile flowers to 2 pints boiling water allowed to cool. Inject warm; repeat twice weekly until normal function is established.

Diet. Milk-free diet often curative. Teaspoon powdered Agar Agar with meals once or twice daily. Prunes soaked overnight. Yoghurt. Crude black molasses. Increase fibre-foods. Dandelion coffee.

Hay Diet. Impressive results reported.

Supplementation. Cod Liver oil.

Vitamins: A. B-complex, Thiamine, Niacin, C. P (bioflavonoids). Minerals: Calcium. Potassium. Zinc. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
The infrequent or difficult passing of hard, dry faeces. Constipation is usually harmless. The most common cause is insufficient fibre in the diet (see fibre, dietary), because fibre assists the

propulsion of waste matter through the colon. Other common causes include lack of regular bowel movements due to poor toilet-training in childhood or repeatedly ignoring the urge to move the bowels. Constipation in the elderly may be due to immobility or to weakness of the muscles of the abdomen and the pelvic floor. Self-help measures such as establishing a regular bowel routine, increasing the amount of fibre in the diet, and drinking more fluids are usually beneficial. Prolonged use of laxative drugs can impair the normal functioning of the colon.

Constipation is occasionally a symptom of an underlying disorder, especially if it is part of a persistent change in bowel habits after the age of 40, or if it is accompanied by blood in the faeces, pain on moving the bowels, or weight loss.

Conditions that may result in constipation include haemorrhoids, anal fissure, irritable bowel syndrome, and narrowing of the colon in, for example, diverticular disease or cancer (see colon, cancer of).

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
A condition in which a person infrequently passes hard FAECES (stools). Patients sometimes complain of straining, a feeling of incomplete evacuation of faeces, and abdominal or perianal discomfort. A healthy individual usually opens his or her bowels once daily but the frequency may vary, perhaps twice daily or once only every two or three days. Constipation is generally de?ned as fewer than three bowel openings a week. Healthy people may have occasional bouts of constipation, usually re?ecting a temporary change in diet or the result of taking drugs – for example, CODEINE – or any serious condition resulting in immobility, especially in elderly people.

Constipation is a chronic condition and must be distinguished from the potentially serious disorder, acute obstruction, which may have several causes (see under INTESTINE, DISEASES OF). There are several possible causes of constipation; those due to gastrointestinal disorders include:

Dietary: lack of ?bre; low ?uid consumption.

Structural: benign strictures (narrowing of gut); carcinoma of the COLON; DIVERTICULAR DISEASE.

Motility: poor bowel training when young; slow transit due to reduced muscle activity in the colon, occurring usually in women; IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS); HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE.

•Defaecation: anorectal disease such as ?ssures, HAEMORRHOIDS and CROHN’S DISEASE; impaction of faeces. Non-gastrointestinal disorders causing constipation include:

Drugs: opiates (preparations of OPIUM), iron supplements, ANTACIDS containing aluminium, ANTICHOLINERGIC drugs.

Metabolic and endocrine: DIABETES MELLITUS, pregnancy (see PREGNANCY AND LABOUR), hypothyroidism (see under THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF).

Neurological: cerebrovascular accidents (STROKE), MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS), PARKINSONISM, lesions in the SPINAL CORD. Persistent constipation for which there is no

obvious cause merits thorough investigation, and people who experience a change in bowel habits – for example, alternating constipation and diarrhoea – should also seek expert advice.

Treatment Most people with constipation will respond to a dietary supplement of ?bre, coupled, when appropriate, with an increase in ?uid intake. If this fails to work, judicious use of LAXATIVES for, say, a month is justi?ed. Should constipation persist, investigations on the advice of a general practitioner will probably be needed; any further treatment will depend on the outcome of the investigations in which a specialist will usually be involved. Successful treatment of the cause should then return the patient’s bowel habits to normal.

Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
n. a condition in which bowel evacuations occur infrequently, or in which the faeces are hard and small, or where passage of faeces causes difficulty or pain. The frequency of bowel evacuation varies considerably from person to person. Constipation developing in a person of previously regular bowel habit may be a symptom of intestinal disease and may require further investigation. Recurrent or longstanding constipation is treated by increasing fluid intake, *dietary fibre (roughage), *laxatives, or *enemas, and by withdrawing medications that promote constipation (such as opiates). Faecal impaction, the end-result of chronic constipation (more common in the elderly and the very young), often requires manual removal of the faecal bolus (faecal disimpaction), sometimes under an anaesthetic.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Buckthorn Tea Against Constipation

Buckthorn tea is efficient in dealing with a large array of ailments such as constipation, intestinal worms, rheumatism, but not only. Buckthorn Tea description Buckthorn, or black alder, is a herb coming from the bark, the stems and the branches of the rhamnus frangula tree. Buckthorn is a herbal remedy for bowel disorders. Buckthorn is also used as a health tonic and was primary consumed for its “blood purifying” and diuretic properties. It can be found as capsules, liquid, tablet or tea form. Buckthorn tea is the resulting beverage from brewing the abovementioned plant. Buckthorn Tea brewing To prepare Buckthorn tea:
  • add one spoon of mashed buckthorn bark to a cup of boiling water
  • cover it for 15 minutes
  • boil it for another 15 minutes
  • filter the brew while it is still hot
  • drink it before bedtime
It is recommended not to consume this type of tea for more than a year. Buckthorn Tea benefits Buckthorn tea has been successfully used to:
  • assist in moving bowels and to relieve constipation (particularly those caused by insufficiency of bile)
  • help in treating liver disorders
  • treat rheumatism
  • purge intestinal worms
  • combat skin disorders associated with constipation (eczema, acne and psoriasis)
Buckthorn Tea side effects Consuming untreated fresh buckthorn irritates the protective mucosa lining in the stomach and may cause severe gastrointestinal irritations, spasms, vomiting, diarrhea and colic. Buckthorn tea should not be taken on a long-term basis. Pregnant or nursing women should consult a health care provider before using this type of tea. Buckthorn tea is largely used for its medicinal action against constipation and for treating the skin disorders associated with it. It can be taken as tea, capsules, liquid and tablet.... buckthorn tea against constipation

Butternut Bark Tea Is Good Against Constipation

Butternut Bark tea has a long history in healing ailments like constipation, but not only. It is said that native Americans discovered its medicinal properties and used the plant to treat toothaches. Butternut Bark Tea description Butternut, or white walnut or oilnut, is a small tree, commonly found in the Midwestern and Northeastern regions of the United States. It grows on hillsides or streambanks. The butternut tree is valued for its nuts as well as for the lumber. To treat toothaches, Native Americans used the oil of the butternut tree. Medicinally, only the inner bark of the root is used. Butternut Bark tea is the resulting beverage from brewing the abovementioned plant. Butternut Bark Tea brewing To prepare Butternut Bark tea:
  • boil a teaspoon of the bark in a cup of water
  • let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes
Butternut Bark tea can also be purchased in powdered form and taken with cold water. Butternut Bark Tea benefits Butternut Bark tea has been successfully used to:
  • relieve constipation
  • expel parasites
  • help in the treatment of gallbladder disorders
  • help in the treatment of hemorrhoids
  • help against certain skin diseases
  • protect the liver
  • cleanse the blood
  • cleanse the colon
Butternut Bark Tea side effects Butternut Bark tea intakingis not recommended in case of gallstones. Also, pregnant and nursing women should ask their doctor before consuming it. Butternut Bark tea is a natural remedy against constipation and parasites, being also useful in case of skin diseases.... butternut bark tea is good against constipation

Tea For Constipation

Constipation is a digestive tract problem which involves your body’s incapacity to eliminate the waste. Sometimes, constipation is a reaction to a series of a very unbalanced nutrition, which involved eating seeds and dried solid food. The lack of liquids makes your intestines unable to push the waste out of your body. Dehydration may also be a cause for constipation. Not treating your constipation may lead to blood in stools, internal bleeding and even ulcers. How Tea for Constipation Works If you’re suffering from constipation, it’s best to take teas that are well known for their diuretic and purgative action. The most important thing about these teas is that, thanks to their enzymes and nutrients, they increase the amount of liquid in your intestines, helping them eliminate the waste and irrigating the entire digestive tract. When choosing a Tea for Constipation, you may want to pick the safest one. Of course, the market is abundant in teas for constipation, but some of them have a high level of risk and, since constipation is a minor affection, it’s not really worth it. However, ask your doctor for guidance before starting any kind of herbal treatment in order to avoid other health complications. Efficient Tea for Constipation - Senna Tea – this tea is also helpful for colic, flatulence, fissures, hemorrhoids and gas, thanks to its active ingredients which take action in your digestive tract. Senna Tea is generally a safe Tea for Constipation, its main action consisting of increasing the abdominal muscle activity. However, don’t exceed more than 2 cups of tea per day and only take it while you’re feeling sick. - Licorice Tea – or Glycerrhiza Glabra Tea is a well known decoction used in order to treat a series of affections, such as constipation, blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease or liver disorders. Licorice Tea has a sweet and pleasant taste so you don’t need to add any honey or lemon. - Yellow Dock Tea – has a bitter taste and therefore it’s used in combination with ginger, honey or lemon. Yellow Dock Tea has a mild laxative effect due to its active ingredients: tannins, oxalates and anthraquinones, so you shouldn’t take it if you’re suffering from liver or kidney disorders. Tea for Constipation Side Effects When taken according to specifications, these teas are generally safe. However, exceeding the number of cups recommended per day may lead to a series of complications, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, ask for medical help right away! Don’t take a Tea for Constipation if you’re also pregnant, breastfeeding, on anticoagulants and blood thinners or preparing for a surgery. The same advice if you’re suffering from kidney or liver problems. But if your doctor says it’s ok to start a medical treatment based on a Tea for Constipation, choose the one that fits you best and enjoy its great benefits!... tea for constipation

Triphala Tea Treats Constipation

Triphala Tea is one of the most popular remedies for digestive track conditions, such as constipation, irritable bowel movement, gastritis or ulcers. Triphala is very important for the Ayurvedic medicine through which Indians cure almost any affection of the body using only herbs. Since the most common health problems in the world involve the digestive system, Triphala Tea became quite popular among both doctors and patients suffering from one of the diseases mentioned above. Triphala is a mixtue of three main ingredients (triphala means “three fruits”): Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellerica which is a hypoglycemic agent. Triphala Tea Properties The main property of Triphala Tea is that is made from a mixture of three fruits, so it can simultaneously treat more than one condition at a time. Triphala Tea has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a panacea, thanks to its ability to strengthen and detoxify the body. Each ingredient of Triphala mixture contributes to your health in a unique way: - Emblica officinalis is a tonic used for its rejuvenating and cooling action. - Terminalia chebula is known as a good remedy for coughs, sore throats and it can also help removing your kidney stones or your lung mucus. - Terminalia bellerica has proven its importance when treating conditions of the nervous system and other localized affections: gas, muscular rheumatism and itching. Bringing them together is a good idea because it’s like treating all your health problems with just a cup of tea! Triphala Tea Benefits The great benefit of Triphala Tea is that it represents more than just a tea: it’s a herbal panacea that can help you with your digestion and heart problems. Triphala Tea lowers your digestive track acidity, helping your food get faster through your stomach and eliminating harmful gases from your body. By inhibiting cholesterol accumulations in your blood veins, Triphala Tea also give you a hand if you have arteriosclerosis. Not only that, but it will also lessens your muscle spasms and increase your blood flow. Some say that this wonderful tea can be a real help if you’re trying to lose weight in a natural way, by lowering your fat. Triphala Tea also enhances your vitality. In fact, triphala is one of the main ingredients in many energy drinks all over the world. A cup of this tea could easily reduce your stress and improve your general health. How to make Triphala Tea When preparing Triphala Tea, you need to be careful about one thing: only buy the ingredients from a trusted provider. There are a lot of fake powders sold as Triphala. It’s better to use powders because the amount of each fruit has already been measured and adapted, so you don’t need to worry about how much of this or that you should use. However, if you’re brave enough to make your own mixture at home, make sure you’re well informed before doing anything. Put a teaspoon of powder or mixture and add boiling water. Wait for 5 minutes if you’re using powder and 10 minutes if you’re using the mixture and drink it. Triphala Tea Side Effects When taken properly, Triphala Tea has no side effects at all. However, high dosages may cause stomach problems, gas and diarrhea. Triphala Tea Contraindications Do not take Triphala Tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding in order to avoid unwanted bowel movement. If you haven’t taken it before and are unsure about starting a treatment based on it, it’s best to talk to a herbalist or to your doctor before. Triphala Tea is a great remedy in case you suffer from constipation, gas, arteriosclerosis or other heart condition. If there’s nothing that could possibly interfere with it, add Triphala Tea to your shopping list next time you’re looking for organic remedies!... triphala tea treats constipation

Health encyclopedia icon Health Encyclopedia

Recent Searches