A good herb or natural remedy for constipation?? - Alternative Medicine Message Board

Jess75 · 01-04-2005, 10:30 PM

Hi,

I was wondering if anybody could let me know about how a natural product or herb could help with constipation. It's pretty bad and very frustrating, thanks.

I was taking triphala but it isn't working anymore, and sometimes it takes too long to work. I tried drinking senna but it ends up being diareea and bad cramps.

whispergrrl · 01-05-2005, 09:59 AM

I have heard that Psyllium Husk powder (or capsules) work well. Maybe that would help?

veggie girl · 01-05-2005, 12:48 PM

Like the previous poster said, Rsyllum Husk powder. Also, try drinking more water and adding a couple of heaped tablespoons of ground flax seed with your oatmeal or cereal. Or, how about some prunes?

How is your diet?

While training for her nursing degree my friend worked in a colon ward and some people there hadn't pooped for weeks. However, they lived on potatoes, pies etc - no water and no veggies.

It could be your diet that is causing it.

Jess75 · 01-05-2005, 01:23 PM

That's the funny thing cause my diet is real good. I eat flaxseeds almost everyday, bean soup, apples, brocolli, grapes, cereal, and still nothing. Well, I probably go about every 3 days, unfortunately, I know I can go more but I just can't,lol. My cereal contains 10 g of fiber in it alone, and the soup I eat has about 12g for the whole can. I'm going to try psyllum(sp?), any recommeded brand. Thanks guys.

armadillo pie · 01-05-2005, 07:34 PM

Pysillum Husk is excellent but you have to drink a lot of water throughout the day and night otherwise it can keep you constipated. It needs water to soften the sludge in your colon and eliminate it. If you do not drink enough then you can remind even more constipated!
Also be cautious with herbs like senna which are in many natural formulas for constipation. It is effective but should only be use once in awhile since it is very invasive and harsh on your intesties and colon.
Most brands of psyillum are good, just make sure it is the whole husk.
Another to try is not an herb but a mineral, magnesium. It relaxes the bowels. You can take it before you go to sleep. Best to combine it with calium citrate- equal amounts ( 1,000 mg. each).
Works like a charm and also relaxes you and aids in sleep.