Homeopathic remedies for constipation?

Question

have been tested for food allergies. I have suffered severe constipation my whole life, it's the same with all the women in my family. It's so bad I have been hospitalized and I can go weeks at a time without defecating, sometimes as much as a month.

I drink A LOT of water
I eat healthy (plenty of fruits and veggies) and get more than the recommended dose of fiber
I exercise daily, I do yoga for relaxation
I am of a healthy weight
I measure my protein to make sure I don't consume too much
I try to limit the amount of constipating foods
I go in the bathroom and relax and try always to get to the bathroom when the urge strikes (or even when I suspect an urge or just feel especially relaxed)
I've tried elevating my feet, breathing control
I don't use laxatives.

Are enemas safe? I've heard of a coffee enema can anyone tell me about it? Any other suggestions? I really just want to go normally, I don't want to go weeks b/w feeling miserable and have to wait an hour for each bowel movement on the rare occasions I can go.

Answer 1

Actually, water works quite well for constipation, so homeopathy may help!

Answer 2

Are enemas safe? Yes, if not over used. Like laxatives, they can become habit forming and can make the bowel lazy.

Coffee enemas? My understanding is that they are used more to detoxify the liver than to relieve constipation.

I too have gone over a week w/o having a bowel movement. Laxatives didn't help and the enemas provided relief until the next bout of chronic constipation. I too was hospitalized 3 times with fecal impactions. The doctors prescribed a milk and molasses enema followed by tap water enemas till clear (and at times, digital disimpaction by the nurse).

I finally went to a colo-rectal specialist who did anomanometry testing and found that my anal/rectal nerves and muscles were not working properly. I was sent for physical therapy with a pelvic floor specialist. The results have been remarkable! For the most part, the enema bag has stayed in the linen closet since then.

I hope this helps and best of luck. Chronic constipation is a real pain in the butt! LOL

Answer 3

You received another answer praising the effects of prunes and I agree wholeheartedly. I too have similar issues than you and after many years of searching discovered the amazing effect of simply eating a few prunes each day. You may need more at the beginning but eventually you'll discover the amount you need daily to help keep things regular.



Another thing I discovered that works well (this was my solution before I discovered prunes), is the natural laxative by Shaklee called "Herb Lax." I believe it contains senna, which some claim is the best natural laxative in existence, yet others feel differently. I know it worked for me and fairly mildly if I did not take too much. In fact I have recommended it (before I discovered prunes) to many people who have had success with it. Try the prunes first though! They are amazing.



One other thing that occurred to me, particularly with all of your food allergies (which also sound very familiar), is that what you are dealing with is likely a symptom. You might want to look into a Candida Elimination Diet. A homeopathic doctor or nutritionalist would be the ideal person to advise you. Even if candida is not the cause of all of your problems it will get rid of the toxins you must have filling your colon right now. You would certainly feel better and I could see it actually fixing the constipation. It makes sense anyway. There are lots of books and websites on Candida. See what you think... and in the meantime eats those prunes!

Answer 4

I answered this in your other posting but I will add this. The continued use of laxatives leads to laxative dependence. The more you use laxatives, the more you need laxatives because the colon becomes dependent on the external stimulation to produce the peristaltic contractions.



Disposable (Fleet) saline enemas are not safe for continued use as they contain sodium phosphate as the active ingredient which is an osmotic laxative. One the box there are warnings about overuse as the saline draws moisture from the body through the colonic lining and can damage the kidneys. Warm water enemas (less than 105F) are usually safe but should not be used by anyone with congestive heart disease. The use of soap suds enemas can be dangerous as the soap can be harmful if not removed. I use the soap suds enema occasionally to stimulate the peristaltic contractions. I use either Ivory bar soap (not detergent or hand soap) or liquid castile soap; but, always follow that with several warm water cleansing enemas. I have tried the coffee enema; but, it is not for treating constipation. It was originally used and still used by some alternative medicine practitioners to treat cancer.



Some doctors will recommend taking Miralax daily; however, if you need to take it daily, you are laxative dependent.

Answer 5

Best Constipation Cures

Answer 6

I used to have consipation to!



http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/



click the link and look



as you can see from the "Short" list of medical benifits on their the stuff might just help..

I used to have consipation. and now its gone! along with my ibs 12+ years of acne, mono virus and a few other medical problems.



I use garden of life brand make sure its 1. usda organic 2. glass jar for best results



also with your healthy diet make sure all food is "Usda" organic and if a label reads natural flavors

remember their is NO LEGAL DEFINTION of natural! its bunk! :( its code for

"we wont tell you what it is but it sounds good on the box"

so just keep that in mind.







how much to eat? they say 1-4 table spoons per day however I just stick my finger in the jar and eat it all the time + I add some to my usda organic green mint tea and always it gets added if im going to eat any hot food!







http://www.coconut-oil-central.com/index.html



to much coconut oil can cause a laxitive effect some website say...



beleve it or not their is a "poo" chart for the differnt types on the wikipedia.

the healthest poo is #4 and since eating this oil it always comes out as #4 so thats a very good sign!



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constipation



again mine come out as #4 and thats best case senerio! before they would come out as type 2 all the time and 1 and 2 mean constipated..

Answer 7

Shaklee Herb Lax Ingredients

Answer 8

The new brand of yogart that is in the grocery stores now really works wonders. They also guarantee it. It is in small serving sizes and is called "Activia" (green label). They have a variety of great flavors. If you are looking for immediate relief though, drink some warm prune juice or eat some prunes. Oh, and using an enema might help give some immediate relief. It will at least clean your lower bowel and maybe you won't feel as bad.

Answer 9

I use magnesium sulfate. (epson salt) it tastes yukky but it works. It is natural. Usually works in 4 hours.



Enemas are safe if you use them properly. I've never heard of a coffee enema. - but enemas are said to work as quickly as 1 to 5 minutes. So if you're in a real bad way - use one.

Answer 10

Why not try to take laxatives? Make it a temporary solution until such time the movement becomes normal. I am constipated also, i make sure that i take laxatives before bedtime and it's already included in my lifestyle because i did not find a permanent solution... yet.

Answer 11

I don't have any firm answers to your problem. I am just a cook in a seniors home. I deal with quite a few constipated people on the days I work. I give them glasses of warmed up prune juice. Heating the prune juice helps it work a whole lot better. We also offer them a product called Fruit-Lax. It is sort of a paste of prunes and all sorts of fruit. My dad who is a nurse used to call it Jam-Lax. I found some recipes on the Seattle Childrens Hospital website for costipation. Some of those recipes sort of seem similar to what we give our residents. You could give some a try. One other food you might want to try is kefir. It really helps to balance the gut out.



Natural Laxative Recipes From the Seattle Childrens Hospital



Fiber Recipe

1 cup apple sauce

1 cup unprocessed bran

¼ cup prune juice

Mix the ingredients together.

 Begin by giving your child 2 Tbsp. of mixture every day, followed with an

8-oz. glass of water.

 After one week, increase it to 3 Tbsp.

 After one more week, increase to 4 Tbsp.

 Continue with 4 Tbsp. every day.

 Always give with a full glass of water. Increase or decrease the dose of bran

as you feel the need.

This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator or in ice cube trays in the freezer.

NOTE: In the beginning, your child may have some gas and feel bloated. This

feeling will go away in a week or two. You should begin to see a change in

your child’s bowel habits and regularity in two weeks. This is not a one-time

laxative. Make this a part of your child’s daily habit for a lifetime.



Fruit Paste #1

1 cup dates

1 cup figs

1 cup prunes

½ cup powdered senna tea leaves (purchase in health food stores)

1. Mix together. You may need to add a small amount of water.

2. Refrigerate to chill.

 Give your child ½ to 1 teaspoon every day.



Fruit Paste #2

1 cup dried prunes

1 cup raisins

1 cup dried figs

2 oz. (¼ cup) senna tea leaves (purchase in health food stores)

½ cup prune juice

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup lemon juice

2½ cups water

1. Bring fruit, lemon juice, tea leaves and water slowly to a boil for

15 to 20 minutes.

2. Remove from heat, and add brown sugar.

3. Allow to cool.

4. Using a mixer or food processor, turn fruit mixture into a smooth paste

while gradually adding the prune juice.

5. Place in a container (plastic, glass or metal) and store in freezer.

NOTE: Fruit paste will not become solid but will remain the consistency of

ice cream.

 Give 1 to 2 teaspoons of fruit paste every morning.

 Remove pre-measured mixture “dose” from container, and allow to warm

at room temperature before serving to help soften paste.

 Eat plain or spread over toast, muffins or crackers. (Graham crackers are

good!)

 Recipe makes about 4¾ cups.



Jell-O Laxative

¼ cup apple sauce

¼ cup apple juice

2 Tbsp. psyllium (generic Metamucil)

1 small package Jell-O (any flavor)

1. Add water to make the texture you like.

2. Freeze in ice cube trays.

3. Thaw before serving.

 Give your child one cube from the tray as needed for constipation.

Answer 12

There exist almost as many treatments for constipation as reasons why it occurs in the first place. Anything from poor diet to illness or stress can cause constipation. Unfortunately, many of the conventional treatments, although they provide short-term relief, can cause chronic constipation when used long term. A few herbs are effective for even the worst cases of constipation and are safe for long-term use.



ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is a healing herb that is used externally to treat burns and heal minor wounds. According to the Clayton College of Natural Health (CCNH), it is also considered a natural laxative. In addition, it is beneficial for the liver and is gentle. The juice can be consumed daily, or aloe vera can be taken in gel capsules.



CASCARA SAGRADA

Cascara sagrada is a natural herbal laxative. Its effects are gentler than the more popular herb, senna, which can cause gas and cramping. In addition, CCNH indicates that, unlike senna, cascara is non-habit-forming. Start out with one capsule daily and increase by one each day as needed.



PSYLLIUM SEEDS

Psyllium seeds come from the plantain plant. They are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which are important to provide bulk in the intestines and stimulate movement of the colon. Psyllium is the main ingredient in most over-the-counter fiber supplements and overnight laxatives. Because psyllium does bulk up, it is important to take it with lots of water to prevent blockages in the intestinal tract. Take as directed by the package and do not take extra doses. Give the pysllium time to take effect, anywhere from one to seven days.



SLIPPERY ELM

Slippery elm is an emollient herb, which means it helps lubricate the intestinal tract and soothes mucous membranes. Like aloe vera, it is healing and nourishing. It aids in digestion and helps relieve gas and cramping. It helps soothe an irritated stomach, which makes slippery elm an ideal herb to use for constipation related to irritable bowel syndrome. Herbalists use it for both constipation and diarrhea.



BUCKTHORN

Buckthorn is another herb that is calming to the intestinal tract. It is a mild laxative but gentle enough that it is commonly used to treat constipation in children. It is generally combined with other herbs, such as cascara sagrada and slippery elm, for chronic constipation. It is also used by herbalists to treat liver congestion, gall stones and ulcerative colitis.



TRIPHALA

Triphala, an East Indian remedy, is actually a combination of three fruits (Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki) that is used to treat constipation. It is cleansing and rejuvenating. Herbalists use it to relieve constipation, as a diuretic and for weight loss. It is a popular remedy in Ayurvedic medicine and is considered to primarily balance the doshas. Doshas are constitutional types of each individual. Ayurvedic doctors teach that vata is most like air, pita like fire and kapha like water. While one or more doshas tend to be dominant, occasionally they become imbalanced, resulting in health-related issues, such as constipation. Constipation is a dry, or vata condition. Triphala balances the doshas by adding water, or kapha. It should be taken as directed by an herbalist or health care practitioner.





You can also try eating 50g dried prunes twice daily. The sorbitol in the prunes will work as a laxative.

Answer 13

PRUNES!! I once ate a whole box and they do work, believe me.

Answer 14

Try liquorice,that supposed to be good.