Constipation: Taking Care of Yourself with Our Natural Solutions

Constipation is a slowing down of bowel movements to fewer than three times a week, associated with difficulty passing stools and feelings of discomfort in the abdomen.

Constipation can be occasional or chronic. It is considered chronic when symptoms persist for more than six months.

The Causes of Constipation

• Occasional Constipation: This is most often caused by a change in routine, such as travel, a change in diet, stress, etc.

• Chronic Constipation: This is often caused by a low-fibre diet, insufficient fluid intake, and a lack of physical exercise. Stress, dysbiosis, and thyroid imbalances may also be contributing factors. Discuss these factors with your doctor

• Other Factors: Less common causes include certain medications, abnormalities of the colon, and chronic conditions such as diabetes

Possible Complications

If left untreated, complications may arise, such as haemorrhoids or intestinal blockages in extreme cases, particularly among the elderly.

Regular use of laxatives is not recommended as they can lead to habituation and genuine dependence on the bowel.

Essential Oils to Relieve Constipation

Digestive-toning essential oils, such as ginger, tarragon or tropical basil, will be of great help in relieving constipation.

Practical Tip: Massage your stomach in the direction of bowel movement using tarragon essential oil diluted in plant oil.

Ginger Essential Oil: Not to be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by children under 6 years of age. May cause skin irritation; always dilute thoroughly before applying to the skin. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with the eyes.

Discover Ginger Essential Oil

Tarragon Essential Oil: Do not use during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years of age. May be irritating when used undiluted. Always dilute thoroughly before applying to the skin. Do not use for prolonged or regular periods without consulting a therapist, particularly for internal use. Avoid internal use; topical application is preferable. Not recommended for people taking anticoagulant medication or with coagulation disorders. Oral use is prohibited. Keep out of reach of children.

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Tropical Basil Essential Oil: Do not use during pregnancy and/or while breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years of age. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use for prolonged or regular periods without consulting a therapist, especially for internal use. Topical use is not recommended. Always use diluted.

Discover Tropical Basil Essential Oil

Although it is unpleasant, occasional constipation is not harmful to your health. To improve bowel movements, all it takes is a few simple steps: increase your fibre intake (dried fruit, legumes, wholegrains, etc.), drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day, and take part in physical activity.

Our Natural Solutions for Relieving Constipation

Organic Blond Psyllium

Also known as ispaghula, blond psyllium husk is rich in fibre and mucilage, which swell on contact with water. Known for supporting healthy bowel function, its gentle mechanical action helps regulate bowel movements, whether they are whether they are too infrequent or too frequent.

Take 1 teaspoon (approximately 3g), stir well into a glass of water or another drink, and drink immediately. Then drink a large glass of water.

Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Not recommended in cases of undiagnosed rectal bleeding or an inability to pass stools associated with laxative use, abnormal narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, oesophageal or cardia disorders, suspected or existing intestinal obstruction, intestinal paralysis or megacolon, or swallowing difficulties. Risk of gastrointestinal obstruction. Do not take at the same time as medication; allow an interval of at least 1 hour. If you are taking medication, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Do not take with medication that inhibits intestinal peristalsis.

Here are some proven aromatherapy recipes taken from reference works on essential oil synergies to help you prevent and relieve constipation:

Precautions: Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years of age.

Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant and/or breastfeeding women, children under 6 years of age, or those with a history of hormone-dependent conditions.

Precautions: Do not use on children under 6 years of age. Not recommended for people taking anticoagulant medication or with blood clotting disorders.

Precautions: Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or on children under 6 years of age.

Essential oils are powerful natural concentrates. Please refer carefully to the intended uses and precautions for use on each product information sheet. Store them in a suitable glass bottle, away from light and air. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use on pregnant or breastfeeding women, or on children under 6 years of age. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Please consult the general safety information sheet for essential oils as well as the specific information sheet for each essential oil.