The Efficacy Of Natural Treatments For Constipation

Constipation is a rather widespread condition that is thought to affect about 15% of all people. Most people do not try to treat it and even fewer seek help from a health authority. Likely because this is an embarrassing condition to most people which gives them great reluctance to report their condition to their personal physicians.

Because of the stigma associated with this condition, some of those who do seek treatment attempt home-based or natural remedies. A good understanding of such treatments is necessary to avoid any potential hazards. One should note that just because some constipation treatments are natural, it doesn’t mean they are safe.

The most commonly used herb is the senna plant. The senna plant has powerful laxative properties due to high concentrations of anthraquinones. Anthraquinones have been found to increase intestinal activity and speed up movement of stool. It can be obtained as either tablets or in bags of leaves to be prepared as a tea. The cascara plant also has a history of being a natural laxative but has since been banned by the FDA.

While senna is a chemical agent that stimulates the colon to move its contents more quickly, mineral oil is an entirely different kind of agent used as a natural constipation treatment. When taken by mouth, it enters the intestine where it coats the stool. Since oil is a water repellent, the stool becomes protected against loss of fluid. This enables it to remain bulky and therefore move more quickly. Doctor and scientists call this a lubricant laxative which is a bit of a misnomer.

Most people don’t know about senna and mineral oil, but almost everyone knows that fiber is a great remedy for constipation. The psyllium plant is one of the best sources of fiber. The husks of its seeds are turned into powdered form and sold at nutrient and supplement stores. Metamucil is but one of the many companies who manufacture products made from psyllium.

Flaxseed or linseed is another well-known natural source of fiber. The seeds are sometimes ground into powder like psyllium. Some research indicates that people taking psyllium can benefit from lower cholesterol. But as is with many scientific results, these bear closer scrutiny and study. Linseed oil is not taken as it has a strong odor.

It’s true of any natural treatment that the advice of a health professional be sought. A physician has much more expertise and knowledge than a layman on whether a natural constipation treatment is reasonable or not. Even if it’s effective, any particular treatment may have warnings on who should and shouldn’t take it. Acquiring more knowledge about the warnings should be of paramount importance for any subject.

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