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Constipation - When You Can't Go

Constipation

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is a condition in which a person has infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It is generally defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. Constipation can also be characterized by hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. 

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What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation? 

Constipation can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including: 

  • Hard, dry stools
  • Difficult or painful bowel movements
  • Feeling of incomplete emptying
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Headache
  • Fatigue 

Most cases of constipation are mild and can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber, drinking more fluids, and exercising regularly. However, if constipation is severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. 

Decaying food ferments and generates toxins, causing the colon to grow bacteria.
Constipation can cause:

gas
insomnia
bad breath
obesity
indigestion
depression
headaches. 

What Causes Constipation? 

Constipation is a very common condition, affecting people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including: 

    • Eat a diet that is high in fiber. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
    • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
    • Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
    • Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Don't wait until you are uncomfortable.
    • Avoid straining when having a bowel movement. If you have to strain, it may mean that your stool is too hard. Try using a stool softener or laxative to soften your stool. 

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Here are some natural Chinese herbs that can be used to cure constipation:

  • Rhubarb (Da Huang): Rhubarb is a stimulant laxative that helps to soften stool and increase bowel movements.
    It is often used in combination with other herbs, such as licorice and ginger, to improve its effectiveness.
     
  • Liquorice (Gan Cao): Licorice is a sweet herb that helps to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
    It is often used in combination with other herbs to improve their laxative effects.
     
  • Ginger (Sheng Jiang): Ginger is a warming herb that helps to stimulate digestion and promote circulation.
    It is often used in combination with other herbs to improve their laxative effects.
     
  • Atractylodes (Bai Zhu): Atractylodes is a warming herb that helps to tonify the spleen and stomach.
    It is often used in combination with other herbs to improve their laxative effects
    and prevent constipation from recurring.
     
  • Chinese yam (Shan Yao): Chinese yam is a starchy root vegetable that helps to nourish the spleen and stomach.
    It is often used in combination with other herbs to improve their laxative effects and prevent constipation from recurring.
     

These herbs can be taken in capsule, powder, or tea form. It is important to start with a low dose and gradually
increase the dose as needed. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids when taking these herbs to prevent dehydration.

Here are some specific Chinese herbal formulas that are used to treat constipation:

  • Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill): This formula contains rhubarb, licorice, ginger, and atractylodes.
    It is a mild laxative that helps to soften stool and increase bowel movements.

  • Da Huang Wan (Rhubarb Pill): This formula contains rhubarb and atractylodes.
    It is a stronger laxative that is more effective for chronic constipation.

  • Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Middle and Tonify Qi Decoction):
    This formula contains atractylodes, Chinese yam, and other herbs that
    help to tonify the spleen and stomach. It is often used to prevent constipation from recurring.

If you are considering using Chinese herbs to treat constipation,
it is important to talk to a qualified herbalist or doctor to get personalized advice. 

There are many things that might cause constipation. You might not have enough fiber or fresh foods in your diet.
Certain foods  or lifestyles might cause constipation as well, including:

  •  fried foods
  •  sugar
  •  dairy
  •  excess of red meat
  •  overeating
  •  dehydration
  •  overuse of drugs or laxatives
  •  travel
  •  pregnancy
  •  menopause

If you are experiencing constipation, it is important to identify the underlying cause so that you can take steps to treat it. If you have any underlying medical conditions, your doctor can help you manage them and prevent constipation. If your constipation is caused by lifestyle factors, you can make changes to your diet, exercise habits, and fluid intake to relieve your symptoms. 

"References"

Howson, Mark, and Manfred Porkert. Chinese Medicine. New York: Morrow, 1988. Print.

Mindell, Earl. The Herb Bible. London: Vermilion, 1994. Print.

"The Nutritional Protocol Manual by Dolores S. Downey." LibraryThing.com. Web. 14 Jan. 2015. <http://www.librarything.com/work/8615616>.

Weil, Andrew. Natural Health, Natural Medicine: A Comprehensive Manual for Wellness and Self-care. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1990. Print.[/expand]

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUo2Ol74uaw

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/constipation/symptoms-causes

https://www.nebraskamed.com/gastrointestinal-care/6-constipation-remedies-that-work-plus-3-that-dont

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awtSRzXkVqE