Condition
Constipation
Constipation is infrequent or difficult passage of stool, often with hard, dry faeces and a sense of incomplete evacuation.
Overview
Aetiology
Constipation commonly results from inadequate dietary fiber and fluid intake. It is also associated with irritable bowel syndrome, high stress (which exerts an inhibitory effect on the autonomic innervation of the colon), certain medications, and poor liver function.
Context
Special Considerations
Spastic
Spastic (or spasmodic) constipation involves increased, uncoordinated muscular contraction of the colon, which slows the movement of stool.
- Reduce muscular tension
- Carminatives (best long term)
- Antispasmodic (best short term)
- Reduce stress
- NEVER use anthraquinones
Atonic/hypotonic
Atonic or hypotonic constipation involves reduced muscular tone and weak peristalsis, so the colon fails to move stool along effectively.
- May use anthraquinones but only as last resort for short term use
- Ensure adequate fluid intake
Herbs for Constipation
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Fringe tree - choleretic/cholagogue
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Silybum - choleretic, hepatic
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Taraxicum - choleretic/cholagogue
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Cynara - choleretic cholagogue
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Matricaria - spasmolytic
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cramp bark - spasmolytic
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Bulking herbs
- althaea
- ulmus
- plantago
The Herbs
Materia Medica (17)
Herbs traditionally or clinically used for constipation.
Supplementation
Supplementation (3)
Supplements, nutrients and compounds used for constipation.
Gum Arabic
Soluble fiber (plant exudate gum)
Gum arabic is the dried sap of two African thorn trees — Senegalia senegal and Vachellia seyal — sold as a soluble prebiotic fiber. It is barely fermented in the small intestine, reaches the distal colon largely intact, and feeds butyrate-producing bacteria there; small randomized trials consistently show a drop in C-reactive protein, with weaker signals on body fat, blood pressure and dental plaque.
Magnesium
Mineral
The fourth most abundant mineral in the body — modestly helpful for blood pressure, blood sugar and migraine, a dependable laxative, and sold in many forms that differ mainly in absorption and gut tolerance.
Magnesium Citrate
Mineral
A well-absorbed, widely used magnesium salt — a solid all-purpose choice that doubles as a gentle laxative at higher doses.