Constipation refers to an acute or chronic condition wherein a person has three or less than three bowel movements in a week. Along with infrequent bowel movements, it is also characterised by hard and dry stools, which are difficult to pass. Other symptoms of constipation include straining while trying to pass stools, a sensation that the bowel has not been emptied completely, bloating, rumbling in the stomach, a vague and pressing pain which seems to exert pressure on the abdomen, stomach pain.

The most common cause of acute constipation tends to be unhealthy dietary habits such as eating less fibre, dehydration, or intake of certain medications. Due to a weak digestive system, elderly people tend to suffer from constipation more often. Other causes of constipation could be- slow movement of waste through colon, pelvic disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Pregnancy and surgery could also cause constipation.

Constipation is easily diagnosed through symptoms and a physical examination. Other ways of diagnosing constipation include lab tests, imaging tests, and endoscopy.

Natural remedies have long since been used for the treatment of constipation, hence it is a widely studied ailment in homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies such as Bryonia, Lycopodium, and Nux Vomica are mainly used for treating constipation and have been found to be very effective in providing relief from constipation symptoms.

 
  1. Homeopathic medicines for constipation
  2. Dietary and lifestyle changes for constipation patient as per homeopathy
  3. How effective are homeopathic medicines and treatments for constipation
  4. Side effects and risks of homeopathic medicine and treatments for constipation
  5. Takeaway
Doctors for Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Constipation

The following remedies are used for treating constipation:

  • Alumina Silicata
    Common name:
    Silicate of Alumina
    Symptoms:This remedy works well for individuals displaying the following symptoms:
    • Pain in the abdomen while bending
    • Inguinal hernia
    • A sensation of obstruction in bowels
    • Hard stools which are difficult to pass
    • Infrequent bowel movements
    • Stools pass only upon exerting great pressure
    • Burning sensation in anal area
    • Itching in anus
    • Presence of hard and itchy haemorrhoids
    • Pain in kidney region
    • Feeling weakness in the bladder and genital areas
    • Presence of a thick and white sediment in urine
    • Acidity
    • Sensation of pressure in stomach, especially during evening
    • Feeling constricted in stomach area
    • Pain in stomach while turning in bed
    • Nausea and weakness
    • Irregular appetite
    • Cravings for dry foods and hot drinks such as coffee and tea
    • Tendency to overeat
    • Yellow or black coating on tongue.
  • Bryonia alba
    Common name: 
    Wild Hops
    Symptoms: Bryonia is a well-suited remedy for people who experience the following symptoms:
    • Dry mouth
    • White or yellow coating on tongue
    • Shooting pain in throat
    • Decreased appetite
    • Craving for wine or coffee
    • Feeling nauseous after eating a meal
    • Sour taste in mouth due to food rising from stomach
    • Regurgitation of food after every meal
    • Nausea after meals
    • Sensing pressure in stomach, especially after eating bread
    • Contraction and burning sensation in stomach
    • Pain in the stomach upon touching
    • Bloating, especially after dinner
    • Swelling around the navel area
    • Constipation with large stools which are difficult to expel
    • Symptoms may worsen upon movement and are usually distinctly felt in mornings. The pain worsens upon touching the sensitive area and symptoms may act up in warm weather
  • Calcarea Carbonica
    Common name: Carbonate of Lime
    Symptoms: Carbonate of lime is used frequently for treating the following symptoms:
    • Constant spitting
    • White coating on tongue
    • Pain and tenderness in throat
    • Bitter or sour taste in mouth
    • Persistent thirst and hunger
    • Overeating in the morning.
    • Rising of food from stomach, which leaves a bitter aftertaste in mouth
    • Weak and slow digestion
    • Feeling nauseous, especially after drinking milk
    • Sour vomiting
    • Stomach cramps, which get worse during night
    • Bloating and swelling in the abdominal region
    • Burning sensation in stomach
    • Stinging pain in the liver area
    • Feeling cold in the abdomen
    • Flatulence
    • Expelling stool in small quantity
    • Having a bowl movement every two days
    • Swelling of haemorrhoids while passing stools
    • Burning sensation in stomach
    • Rectal fissures which bleed often
    • Symptoms get worse due to mental or physical exertion and exposure to humid climate. Staying in a dry climate improves symptoms
  • Causticum
    Common name: 
    Hahnemann’s Tinctura acris sine Kali
    Symptoms: This remedy is usually administered to individuals who are suffering from chronic constipation. The following symptoms may be treated by this remedy:
    • Presence of ulcers on tongue
    • Dry mouth 
    • Pain in throat while swallowing food
    • Dry throat
    • A feeling of constriction in throat
    • Rancid taste in mouth
    • Craving sodas and beer
    • Indigestion
    • Feeling pressure on stomach
    • Nausea after meals
    • Empty risings in stomach with the taste of undigested food
    • Weakness
    • Vomiting of food
    • Stomach pain
    • Feeling dizzy and lightheaded
    • Swelling of navel
    • Bloating accompanied by stomach pain
    • Chronic constipation
    • Diarrhoea in evenings or at night
    • Itching in anal area
    • Shortness of breath
    • Fits of suffocation while sitting or lying down
    • Drowsiness during day time
    • Sleeplessness durin  night or disturbed sleep accompanied by anxious dreams
    • Symptoms get worse in cold weather and better in damp or humid and warm weather
  • Graphites
    Common name:
    Black Lead
    Symptoms: Graphite is a commonly used remedy in case of the following symptoms:
    • Bad breath
    • Blisters on tongue
    • Aversion to meat
    • Nausea and vomiting after a meal
    • Feeling constrictive pains in stomach
    • Flatulence
    • Feeling stomach pain due to gas on the opposite side of which one is lying on
    • Swelling and sensitivity in the abdominal region
    • Large and knotty stools which are difficult to pass
    • Soreness in anal region
    • Anal fissures
    • Burning sensation in haemorrhoids
    • Stomach pain is relieved by consuming hot drinks like milk or by lying down. Other symptoms may get worse at night or during and after menstruation in women
  • Lycopodium Clavatum
    Common name:
    Club Moss
    Symptoms: Club moss works well as a remedy for individuals who experience the following symptoms:
    • Dry mouth 
    • Foul odour from mouth upon waking up in the morning
    • Involuntary movement of tongue
    • Ulcers on tongue
    • Feeling of obstruction in throat along with a burning sensation
    • Inflammation in the throat region
    • Loss of appetite
    • Nausea and motion sickness
    • Excessive thirst during night
    • Craving for sugary treats
    • Acidity after meals
    • Symptoms often get worse while lying on the right side and during the time between 4 to 8 pm. Warm or heated environment may also aggravate symptoms
    • Symptoms may improve upon movement
  • Natrum Muriaticum
    Common name:
    Chloride of Sodium
    Symptoms: This remedy works well for individuals who have chronic constipation with very hard and dry stools. The following symptoms can be relieved with the help of this remedy:
    • Sensitivity in teeth
    • Mouth ulcers
    • Burning sensation on the tip of the tongue
    • Sensing obstruction in throat
    • Spasms in throat
    • Bitter taste in mouth
    • Cravings for bitter foods and drinks
    • Sweating while eating
    • Decreased appetite
    • Aversion to milk and other fat-rich food items
    • Stomach pain during morning
    • Swelling in abdominal region
    • Rumbling stomach
    • Burning sensation in intestines
    • Hernia
    • Frequent episodes of constipation
    • Bloody stools
    • Cramps in rectal area
    • Dry cough in the morning
    • Shortness of breath
    • Chest pain and pain in the nape of the neck
    • Symptoms pertaining to this remedy may get worse due to loud music and mental exertion
    • Being in an open area, having regular meals, and taking a cold bath can help in resolving the symptoms to a certain extent
  • Nux Vomica
    Common name:
    Poison Nut
    Symptoms: This remedy is administered to individuals who tend to feel constricting pain in the rectal area while trying to expel stools. The following symptoms will be presented by a patient requiring Nux vomica:
    • Contraction in jaws
    • Yellow coating on the tongue
    • Toothache, which gets worse upon eating cold food
    • Tickling sensation in throat, especially in the morning
    • Throat swelling along with a sensation of tightness
    • Nausea in the morning
    • Stomach pain
    • Stomach sensitive to touch
    • Craving fat rich food
    • Passing small quanitities of stool
    • Experiencing intense pain while trying to pass stool
    • Persistent uneasiness in the rectal area
    • Shallow and oppressed breathing
    • Backache
    • The abovementioned symptoms tend to worsen due to factors such as mental stress, dry and cold weather, and upon the intake of nervous stimulants. Symptoms often improve in damp weather and on taking rest
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Do’s

  • Take a healthy and balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. This will also be helpful in keeping you active.
  • Make sure you are maintaining an active lifestyle by engaging in daily exercise or other forms of physical workout.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.

Don’ts

  • Do not consume excessive sugar or salt. Avoid processed foods and canned foods as they can interfere with the action of the homeopathic remedies.
  • While undergoing homeopathic treatment, do not take beverages such as coffee or tea. These are rich in stimulants which interfere with the functioning of nervous system. Other substances such as alcohol and cigarettes must also be avoided. (Read more: Effects of alcohol on the body)
  • Do not use strong scented body products such as perfumes or room fresheners.
  • Avoid the consumption of spicy food and strong herbs such as onions and garlic.

Homeopathic treatment is a potential tool in providing long-term relief from constipation. Fluctuations in diet, body functions, and lifestyle, may in some way or the other, contribute to constipation. Homeopathic medicines target individual symptoms, taking into account the disease,  temperament, and the overall medical history of the patient. Considering all these factors, constitutional homeopathic remedies are prepared to provide satisfactory results with minimum side effects.

Over-the-counter medications used for the treatment of constipation tend to produce after effects and provide only temporary relief by suppressing symptoms. Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, make use of natural substances to tackle the root cause of constipation and relieve the underlying miasm (tendency). Thus providing long-term relief.

Homeopathic medicines are naturally derived and generally are very safe to consume. It is imperative that one uses these remedies only under the supervision of a certified homeopathic practitioner. Self-medication must be avoided under all circumstances. Homeopathic remedies are not likely to produce any undesired after effects provided that all the symptoms have been mentioned clearly to the doctor before beginning the treatment. 

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Constipation is usually not a serious disorder provided that it resolves within a few days. However, chronic constipation can have an impact on one’s everyday life. Therefore, necessary steps must be taken to alleviate this problem. This can easily be achieved with the use of holistic homeopathic remedies, which not only treat symptoms but also the underlying condition and miasms, thus providing long term relief. 

Dr. Rupali Mendhe

Dr. Rupali Mendhe

Homeopathy
21 Years of Experience

Dr. Rubina Tamboli

Dr. Rubina Tamboli

Homeopathy
7 Years of Experience

Dr. Anas Kaladiya

Dr. Anas Kaladiya

Homeopathy
5 Years of Experience

Dr. Prabhash Kumar Chaudhari

Dr. Prabhash Kumar Chaudhari

Homeopathy
5 Years of Experience

References

  1. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: US National Library of Medicine; Constipation.
  2. State of Victoria. [Internet]. Department of Health & Human Services. Constipation.
  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [internet]: US Department of Health and Human Services; Symptoms & Causes of Constipation.
  4. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Constipation.
  5. National Institutes of Health; [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine. The Efficacy of Individualised Homeopathic Treatment on Constipation.
  6. National Center for Homeopathy. [Internet]. Mount Laurel NJ. Alumina.
  7. National Center for Homeopathy. [Internet]. Mount Laurel NJ. Lycopodium.
  8. William Beoricke. Homsopathic Materia Medica. Kessinger Publishing. Médi-T 1999.
  9. Michigan Medicine: University of Michigan [internet]; Health Library.
  10. Samuel Hahnemann. Organon. aphorisms 261-263, 6th edition, 1842, pg 282
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