Occasionally or chronically, constipation is almost never missed. A taboo subject, it is embarrassing and can cause severe pain.

To fight constipation, there are many drugs on the market but natural remedies can also be found that are beneficial.

Park Hospital offers you the opportunity to learn more about natural treatments for constipation by plants.

The bourdaine against occasional constipation

The cankerwort grows in the humid forests of Europe. It is the dried bark of the bourdaine (frangula alnus) that is used to fight constipation. Thus, intestinal muscle tissue is stimulated to promote the arrival of stool in the colon. Buckthorn also moisturizes dry stools in the colon, which promotes their expulsion.

Tip: you need 5 g of bourdaine for 200 ml of water. Put the water and the bourdaine in a saucepan and bring to a boil. When the water is boiling, maintain the mixture for about ten minutes. Leave this infusion off the heat for about 2 hours. Drink a cup before each meal.

Against occasional constipation, senna

Originally from India, senna (cassia angustifolia) is known for the laxative properties of its leaves. They have the particularity of accelerating intestinal transit and stimulating peristaltic movements.

Senna is recommended in case of occasional constipation: it hydrates the stools, which increases their volume and promotes defecation.

Senna is consumed as a herbal tea: 2 g of senna fruit (2 teaspoons or 2 teaspoons) is required for 200 ml of water. Bring the water to a boil. Arrange the 2 g of senna fruit. Wait about ten minutes. It is possible to filter the beverage. It is advisable to take it in the evening. This drink takes effect 10 hours after its absorption.

Senna is also used in the form of total powder capsules. This powder is obtained by cryo-grinding, a process by which all the active ingredients of the leaf are preserved. The dried leaves are sprayed by cold grinding under nitrogen at -196°C.

Flax seeds act against chronic constipation

Linen (Linum usitatissimum) has many properties: it lowers cholesterol levels, relieves symptoms during menopause, etc. Flaxseed also has many virtues. These small seeds stimulate intestinal transit and moisturize the stool to encourage the evacuation of faeces. They are recognized by the E1 committee for their beneficial actions on chronic constipation.

In addition, these flax seeds provide the omega-3s that are essential to preserve the body’s cells.

It is recommended to take one teaspoon of ground flax seeds with water up to three times a day when constipation is chronic. You should also drink plenty of water during the day.

Rhubarb fights occasional constipation

Rhubarb (rheum officinale) ensures the normal functioning of the stomach and accelerates intestinal transit. It is recommended in case of occasional constipation. It acts as a laxative in the large intestine.

To make a rhubarb tea, prepare 1.5 g of crushed dried rhubarb roots (available in pharmacies) and 200 ml of water. When you have brought the water to a boil, place the roots. Let it macerate for about 10 minutes. It is recommended to drink this tea in the evening before going to bed.

Aloe or Aloe Vera relieves occasional constipation

While Aloe or Aloe Vera is sometimes used as an interior decoration, this plant also has therapeutic properties to relieve occasional constipation. To this end, it is recognised by the German E1 Commission and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The active substances in its leaves have two properties: emollient and laxative. Its laxative action is obtained with latex, extracted from the outer part of the leaf.

In internal use, it is recommended to take latex before going to bed. As it is a laxative, it is recommended not to use the latex continuously. This active substance is only required in case of occasional constipation.

Ispaghul, recommended in case of chronic constipation

The ispaghul (plantago ovata) or “pink plantain” has its origins in the Middle East. With its tiny seeds, this plant regulates intestinal transit.

It is the seed coat that will be useful in the fight against chronic constipation. Teguments have the particularity of absorbing fluids in the intestinal wall. Ispaghul promotes intestinal movements to evacuate stool to the colon so that it can be expelled permanently.

Commission E1 recommends a daily intake of 3 to 10 tablespoons to act on chronic constipation. It is strongly recommended to drink large quantities of water at the risk of clogging the bile ducts. There are allergy risks.

Fenegreek, useful for chronic constipation

Fenegreek (trigonella foenum-graecum) has seeds that act in the same way as ispaghul seeds. Thus, this plant is recommended in case of chronic constipation and it is recommended to drink plenty of water for its seeds to be effective.

The catch is limited to two teaspoons or two teaspoons. Higher consumption could lead to abdominal disorders.