Buffing Up

Constipation is infrequent or difficult evacuation of faces, less than once every two days. Too hard and dry stools can require excessive effort and cause painful defecation. Constipation is a sign of chronic dehydration. One of the main functions of the large intestine is to take excess water out of the excrement so that it is not too loose. Constipation herbal remedies can help resolve this issue. There are several herbal cures that can successfully treat chronic constipation.

Constipation takes place when the stool travels in the large intestine too slowly. The large intestine creates solid waste by taking excess water from the stool. Constipation can be prevented through changes in diet and exercise habits in most cases. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily and eating plenty of high-fiber foods such as oat bran, fruits, and vegetables with skin can often improve this condition.

Constipation is becoming more widespread because of the unhealthy diet followed by most of us today. With the trend of eating fatty, starchy and sugary, fast foods people aren’t getting enough fiber, which in turn slows down the bowels. Fiber helps keep people from getting constipation. Constipation can occur if you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables. This will mean you lack the necessary bulk to fill your rectum.

Constipation can also stem from a lack of friendly bacteria in the intestines. Enzymes and friendly bacteria in your small intestine do much of the work of breaking down the food.

Cascara sagrada ( Rhamnus purshiana ) is a powder made from the aged bark of the Rhamnus purshiana tree. The bark has hormone-like oils that promote peristaltic action in the colon. It is one of the best herbs to use for chronic constipation, its effects can be felt within 6 to 8 hours, producing soft stools with little discomfort. The bark is used by cultures around the world in many over-the-counter laxatives as a nutritional support for chronic constipation.

Cascara sagrada can help expel parasites when used with other herbs. Cascara sagrada is never to be used fresh and it must be aged for at least a year to break down its anthrone chemicals. The herb can be artificially aged by heating but some useful constituents may be lost. Cascara Sagrada helps to alleviate the constipation by the creation of softer stools.

Cascara sagrada is a good alternative because it is gentle on the stomach, it does not work like some laxatives where you are afraid to go out, although it is not a good idea to take it before work if your do not have easy access to a bathroom. It works with the natural rhythm of your body. Cascara Sagrada continues to be one of the most popular laxative ingredients today and is used in many over-the-counter formulations.

Warning! Chronic constipation can be a serous condition and Cascara sagrada is a powerful herb and should be used with the advice of your health care provider. You do not want to be dependent on Cascara sagrada to have a normal bowl movements. Your goal should be to develop habits like eating a healthy diet and drinking enough water to where you don’t need herbs like Cascara sagrada to have healthy bowel movements.

By Carol Branwen, visit Detox Herbs and what are the health benefits of turmeric.