An herb that is most effective, yet most forgotten, is licorice root. Often, sites and herbalists will discuss licorice as good for coughs, colds, flus, dandruff, or as anti fungal, but, in Chinese medicine, licorice root is a top recommend for constipation. What's more surprising is, despite many people not knowing this, licorice root is one of the most frequently used ingredients in common market laxatives. If drug companies are using licorice root, then, perhaps, people can use licorice root too.
IBS-C Relief
Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation (IBS-C) sufferers will sometimes turn to laxatives when "times get tough," but laxatives are expensive, harsh on the stomach, intestines, and people can grow resistant to their charms. When one takes a laxative, he or she will be prone to other side effects, such as weight loss, dehydration, and can feel run down or jittery after a dose. These side effects are the result of preservatives and synthetic chemicals that over stimulate the body, and then leave it, in a sense, ravaged. As another commentary, if licorice root works on its own without these side effects, perhaps other stimulants, such as caffeine, are not necessary.
The Feel of Ingesting Licorice Root
Licorice root is a great alternative because it is an emollient, expectorant, and a stimulant that coats the stomach and intestines. This coating makes the laxative effect go much more smoothly than drug store laxatives. Indeed, licorice root will "get you moving" but it will leave a person feeling calm and balanced, and feel like the stomach has just been coated with moisture. Lastly, and even better, a bottle of licorice root caps costs about five dollars and can last well over a year.
Additional Comments
Although it is best to adhere to professional advice when dealing with an illness, it may be beneficial to consider licorice root if one is suffering from constipation in any form. Additionally, licorice root is not recommended for those suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Diarrhea (IBS-D); for those with D, it might be best try a regimen of ginger.
Licorice root can be used to help with constipation that results from these syndromes.
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn's Disease
- Spastic Colon
- IBS-C
- Constipation
Please note that licorice root is likely an abortifacient, and pregnant persons should not consume it as an herb.
References
Health-care-clinic.org, “Licorice Root – Benefits and Side Effects (March 12th, 2011).
All4naturalhealth.com, “Anti Constipation Herbs that can Help You” (March 12th, 2011).
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