How to Control Constipation With Herbs
Almost nothing makes us feel more miserable than being constipated. Whether it’s a chronic problem or even if it only happens to you once in a while, it’s something you want to avoid. Eating foods that are low in fiber, as well as overeating and eating foods that are too well done can cause infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten raw or lightly steamed or sautéed, are the first line of defense when you begin to suffer from constipation. And the old standards, bran and prunes, are always good choices before you reach for the over-the-counter products that promise relief, but can become habit forming.
Things You'll Need:
Cascara sagrada bark
Yellow dock root
Burdock root
Licorice root
Psyllium seed
Water
Prune juice or prunes
Bran
1
Get up and do a little exercise. Simply walking 15 or 20 minutes several times each week can help to prevent constipation from happening and can help to get things moving in your intestines.
2
Evaluate your diet and add fresh fruits and vegetables if you’re not eating the recommended four to five servings every day. Prunes, or prune juice, of course, are wonderful to get the bowels moving.
3
Add bran, either wheat bran or oat bran, to your diet every day. It’s delicious in breads, muffins, and you can even sprinkle it on your breakfast cereal.
4
If you need a little boost to the above measures, try taking psyllium seed or husk, available in capsules, every day for seven days. Be sure to drink two glasses of water or herb tea after taking psyllium.
5
An effective formula for relieving constipation is a combination of cascara bark, licorice root, yellow dock and burdock. Simmer one teaspoon of each in two cups of water for about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly, and then drink one-half cup every day. Before you retire in the evening is a good time to drink this tea. If taking this tea only once a day doesn’t help, increase your dosage to twice a day.
6
Stress can also cause constipation, so if you are going through a tough time, do some relaxation exercises, yoga and deep breathing.
Tips & Warnings
Visit your local farmer’s market and experiment with the freshest and most beautiful fruits and veggies you can find.
Avoid processed food and junk food.
Avoid eating a lot of foods that contain flour, as this can “plug you up.” Once or twice a week is fine, but many people find that a diet that is heavy in wheat can cause constipation or make it worse.
This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The use of herbal products should not be taken lightly. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are taking any prescribed medications.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4475213_control-constipation-herbs.html
Almost nothing makes us feel more miserable than being constipated. Whether it’s a chronic problem or even if it only happens to you once in a while, it’s something you want to avoid. Eating foods that are low in fiber, as well as overeating and eating foods that are too well done can cause infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Fresh fruits and vegetables, eaten raw or lightly steamed or sautéed, are the first line of defense when you begin to suffer from constipation. And the old standards, bran and prunes, are always good choices before you reach for the over-the-counter products that promise relief, but can become habit forming.
Things You'll Need:
Cascara sagrada bark
Yellow dock root
Burdock root
Licorice root
Psyllium seed
Water
Prune juice or prunes
Bran
1
Get up and do a little exercise. Simply walking 15 or 20 minutes several times each week can help to prevent constipation from happening and can help to get things moving in your intestines.
2
Evaluate your diet and add fresh fruits and vegetables if you’re not eating the recommended four to five servings every day. Prunes, or prune juice, of course, are wonderful to get the bowels moving.
3
Add bran, either wheat bran or oat bran, to your diet every day. It’s delicious in breads, muffins, and you can even sprinkle it on your breakfast cereal.
4
If you need a little boost to the above measures, try taking psyllium seed or husk, available in capsules, every day for seven days. Be sure to drink two glasses of water or herb tea after taking psyllium.
5
An effective formula for relieving constipation is a combination of cascara bark, licorice root, yellow dock and burdock. Simmer one teaspoon of each in two cups of water for about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly, and then drink one-half cup every day. Before you retire in the evening is a good time to drink this tea. If taking this tea only once a day doesn’t help, increase your dosage to twice a day.
6
Stress can also cause constipation, so if you are going through a tough time, do some relaxation exercises, yoga and deep breathing.
Tips & Warnings
Visit your local farmer’s market and experiment with the freshest and most beautiful fruits and veggies you can find.
Avoid processed food and junk food.
Avoid eating a lot of foods that contain flour, as this can “plug you up.” Once or twice a week is fine, but many people find that a diet that is heavy in wheat can cause constipation or make it worse.
This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The use of herbal products should not be taken lightly. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb, especially if you are pregnant or nursing or if you are taking any prescribed medications.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4475213_control-constipation-herbs.html
