Constipation Relief Naturally
Constipation ReliefBowel problems affect over 50 million Americans each year. Constipation can be anything from stools that are too hard, too infrequent or too difficult to pass. To make matters even worse, many times this can be accompanied by cramping, bloating, and pain; not to mention some of the other complications of hernia's and hemorrhoids that can result from straining too hard. There is no medical hard fast definition for constipation as every person has a different bodily cycle of which movements occur. Hormonal fluctuations in women during the menstrual cycle can make the symptoms even worse.
The best cure for constipation is prevention. For most people all that is necessary to keep on a normal cycle is to adjust your diet by ensuring that you get at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 servings of whole grain and 8 eight ounces of water per day. This will increase the bulk fiber and water in your diet making movement through the colon smoother.
When additional help is needed the best remedy recommended by nearly all holistic and homeopathic professionals is flaxseed. Flaxseed is also known as linseed oil used by painters. For medicinal uses you want to use the actual flax seed itself. It is available in many health food stores. Take 1 teaspoon of flax seed and mix it in with your coffee beans and grind together. Drinking that morning cup of coffee will suddenly turn into a major health benefit.
It is important to note that the immature seeds of flax are poisonous and dangerous. Your best safeguard is to buy flax seed from a reputable health food store.
Dandelion, thought by many to just be a bothersome weed, contains a bitter compound that actually helps the flow of bile and move stools along. Herbalists most often recommend using dandelion oil in water as a gentle way to stimulate bowel movements.
If nothing seems to be helping, before turning to a laxative pill, try making a licorice and prune tea. Simmer 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root for two minutes in a 1/2 cup of boiling water. Remove from the heat and let steep for 20 minutes then remove the root. Take three stewed prunes and let them soak in the tea for a few hours. Eat the prunes and drink the tea right before bed and relief will come in the morning.
Bright blessings, Ashira
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Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at http://www.Asknow.com The Witches' Child Author Bacon Bits Author FFWA Member Cassel Network of Writers Member