Constipation
Do You Have a Problem with Constipation? Homoeopathy Can Help.
Constipation: It is described as less than three bowel movements per week and intestinal movements with stools that are dry, hard and small, making them difficult or painful to pass – a problem which is common universally. It’s also a common problem for those who travel regularly. Perhaps as many as 45% of all travellers experience this issue from time-to-time.
Persistent constipation is often a dietary problem. It is essential to increase the fibre found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds – flax, chia about two tablespoons of food per day. We should always think about dealing with the cause of a problem’ rather than just pop-up pills – even ‘natural’ pills like homoeopathy. In this case, addressing lifestyle factors are a MUST.
However, if constipation continues after improving your fibre (and water) intake, you should consult a doctor and work with a well-trained homoeopath to come up with a solution. If your bouts are short or acute, self-prescribing is an excellent option. In general, there are a few remedies to consider if you find yourself suffering from constipation:
- Alumina: A person in need of this homoeopathic remedy frequently suffers from a rectum that appears to be completely inactive – even the softest and thinnest of stools requiring a high strain. The patient tends to have no urge and no ability to pass the stool until a considerable amount of material has accumulated. The stools themselves tend to be more difficult and knottier or covered with mucus – and may look like “sheep’s dung.” Rectal pain cutting is common to stools. Also, during stool, the rectum may feel as if it is constricted and dried with throbbing pain in the small back.
- Bryonia: This homoeopathic treatment is often helpful for people with obstinate constipation – stools are very dry, hard and large, and can only be passed through with a lot of strain. And the stool is described as extremely unsatisfactory, which causes a rush of blood to the head after a lot of strain, and sometimes a feeling of confusion. The stools are often dark in colour and look as if they were burned. The patient in need of this remedy tends to be thirsty for large amounts of water (usually cold water) at long intervals – with a lot of dry lips, mouth and tongue. They tend to be a bit irritable, too.
- Calcarea carbonica: This homoeopathic treatment is to be considered for an individual who tends to have hard, dry, possibly light-coloured stools with an almost chalky appearance. It should be considered for infants (sometimes with teething) suffering from constipation with large, sweaty heads – mainly for infants who sweat on their head during sleep and wet or soak their pillows. These same children could also be stubborn in temperament and inclined to put their weight on them. Eggs are the favourite food for someone who needs Calcarea carbonica. These guys tend to be chilly by nature, but they can strangely sweat when they’re cold.
- Nux vomica: An individual who needs this homoeopathic treatment is often disturbed by an ineffective and frequent urge to stool with a sensation as if the anus had contracted. The stools are very hard, dry, and may cause sticking pain in the rectum for some time after the stool. There is usually a frequent, unsuccessful desire for stool (‘wants to, but can’t’) that results in passing small quantities, leaving a sensation as if not finished. Indigestion and flatulence may also occur. The treatment is particularly useful for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle or who suffer from the effects of prolonged nursing, who stay late with someone who is ill or mentally overworked, or who use alcohol or drugs to excess or overload their digestive tract with highly seasoned food. Pregnant women and active, irritable infants will need this remedy as well at times.
- Sepia: This herbal treatment is often useful for people struggling with constipation during pregnancy and at other times. Even the softest stools have a slow and challenging discharge. The stools tend to be knotty, hard (also like sheep-dung), insufficient, and scarce. Sometimes pregnant women and children who need this remedy find themselves in need of manual assistance to get all the stool out. During the stool, there can be pain in the rectum extending to the perineum and the vaginal area, with shooting and tearing pain in the rectum and anus. Before or after a constipated stool, there can be a feeling of weight (or ‘push-down feeling’) in the anus. Sepia patients usually feel much better after exercise and are sun worshippers – they love the sun and the heat from the sun and can stay there for hours at a stretch. They may become quite indifferent and irritable to family and friends when they are tired or stressed.
- Silicea: Someone who needs this homoeopathic treatment tends to experience stools that are evacuated only with a lot of pressure and strain. In some instances, after a great urge and strain (until the abdominal walls are sore), the stool that is already protruded slips back into the rectum unwillingly. The stool tends to be very hard, dry and insufficient. The stool tends to be very hard, dry and inadequate. There could also be sharp stitches in the rectum when walking, burning, stinging, itching during stools. Those who need Silica are typically shy, chilly – even on a warm day after exercise – and tend to have a sweaty leg and an offensive smell. They may also sweat profusely from the face and head as they fall asleep.
Always stop taking doses when relief starts and only re-dose if symptoms worsen again. As with any medical problem, consult our doctor if you have any concerns about the seriousness of your problem as it may require medical diagnosis and intervention and monitoring.
