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Herbal Remedies for Constipation
CASCARA SAGRADA (Rhamnus purshiana) is the dried, aged bark of a tree in the buckwheat family, which is native to the Pacific Northwest. Herbalists have used it for years to treat chronic constipation. The bark is dried for a year or more so that the active constituents become more mild-freshly dried bark is far too strong for human use. Cascara sagrada is a particularly good herb if the muscles in your colon are weak and if you suffer from poor bile flow. While cascara sagrada is a safe herb to use short-term for establishing regularity, it can become habit-forming when used long-term. This herb is not good for people whose constipation is caused by excessive tension in the colon wall.
SENNA (Cassia acutifolia) is perhaps the most widely used herbal laxative. Senna, which comes from the dried leaves or pod of the Alexandrian (Cassia senna) and Tinnevelley (Cassia angustifolia) sennas, helps to speed the elimination of wastes. It works by stimulating propulsive contractions and stopping stationary contractions in the colon. Senna is a good choice for people requiring soft stools (for people with anal fissure, for example); however, long-term use may lead to weakening of the bowel muscles. Do not use for more than one week at a time. Senna may also cause cramping.
CHINESE RHUBARB (Rheum palmatum) is an effective laxative and a favorite purgative in traditional Chinese medicine. The roots of medicinal rhubarb, not the kind used in pies, have been used for more than 5,000 years for their laxative effect. Originating from China where it has been used since 2700 B.C., rhubarb was brought to Europe in the first century A.D. Herbalists use rhubarb as both a laxative and an astringent treatment. As an astringent, the herb is taken in small doses to relieve diarrhea and stomach aches; larger doses are needed to relieve constipation. Rhubarb appears to work by inhibiting the uptake of electrolytes and water in the large intestine and boosting intestinal mobility. Do not use Chinese rhubarb long-term, as it may become habit-forming.
YELLOW DOCK (Rumex crispus) is a favorite ingredient in herbal pregnancy formulas because it is such a safe, gentle and effective laxative. Yellow dock is particularly useful for mild constipation. This herb has traditionally been used as a blood purifier, tonic and mild astringent. Yellow dock works by stimulating the colon. It also helps to improve bile flow and detoxification. Yellow dock is safe for long-term use and is especially beneficial for pregnant women suffering from constipation.
ALOE VERA (Aloe vera) is best known as a topical remedy, but the juice of this prickly plant is also a powerful medicine when taken internally. Aloin, the active constituent in aloe-vera juice, goes to work on constipation by increasing colonic secretions and peristaltic contractions. Be aware that it may cause cramping.
Dosage: Capsules-take enough to ensure 7,5 to 10 mg of anthraquinone content daily, as needed only; tea-drink one cup nightly for no longer than one week. One tea bag equals 1 to 2 teaspoons of the bark. Boil the bark in 1 cup of water and infuse for 10 minutes; tincture-take 1 to 5 ml (35 to 175 drops) nightly for no more than eight to nine days.
Dosage: Capsules-take enough to ensure 10 to 60 sennosides daily; tea-drink one cup nightly (one teabag usually contains about 20 mg of anthraquinone); tincture-take 2 to 7 ml (70 to 280 drops) in three divided doses daily.
Dosage: Capsules-follow label instructions; tea-simmer 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the ground root in a cup of water for 10 minutes, and drink two cups daily; tincture-take 1 to 2 ml (35 to 75 drops) three times daily.
Dosage: Capsules-take 150 mg daily; tea-boil 1 to 2 teaspoons of the root in 500 ml (2 cups) of water, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; drink three cups daily; tincture-take 3 to 4 ml daily.
Dosage: Follow label instructions for dosage. Do not consume for more than one week. For emergencies, combine 1 cup of diluted pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon of magnesium sulfate and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera juice. Drink quickly while standing, then lie down and rest. For a milder concoction, omit the magnesium sulfate.
