Castor Oil 650mg - 120 Softgels

Fennel

Fennel seed is a gentle digestive aid that is has a pleasant licorice taste and aroma. It can be used as a flavouring in baked goods and desserts. Fennels active ingredients are the essential oils contained inside the seeds. Fennel decreases that "heavy" feeling you get in your stomach after eating a large meal by promoting movement in the gastrointestinal tract.

Ironically it also decreases intestinal spasms when it is taken in larger quantities. In the respiratory tract the essential oils decreases mucus secretions and increases the activity of the little hairs that line the tract. The hairs are responsible for moving mucus out of the lungs and up to the throat where it can be expectorated. Fennel seed is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of concerns including coughs, colds, allergies, indigestion and diarrhea. It is often given to children for upper respiratory tract infections.

Fennel seeds are usually crushed or ground to release the essential oils (medicinal ingredients). They can be purchased loose, in tea bags or encapsulated. Fennel may be found in formulas for soothing the digestive tract or decreasing coughs.

Constipation

Constipation is not a disease in itself but it is a symptom of another problem. It is defined as difficulty in passing stool or the infrequent passage of stool. The resulting stool may cause pain and bleeding as it passes, because it is so hard and dry. Constipation is very unhealthy because it impedes the ability of your body to release toxins. Most cases of constipation can be improved with lifestyle and diet changes. If those changes do not seem to help then a further investigation should be performed to rule out more serious pathology.

Natural and conventional treatment of constipation involves the use of laxatives. Just because a laxative is natural does not mean that you cannot become dependant on it.
Bulk forming agents increase the bulk and water content of stool. They are the only laxatives that are safe to use every day. Psyllium, bran, flaxseeds, apple pectin and chicory root are examples of natural bulk formers. Stool softeners soften fecal matter so that it passes more easily. Pharmaceutical stool softeners, like mineral oil and docusate sodium, should not be taken daily because they can decrease vitamin absorption, alter drug concentrations and cause liver damage. Natural stool softeners are cold pressed oils. They also provide essential fatty acids for the health of the intestinal cells.


Diet and Lifestyle Connection

Lifestyle changes to help with constipation include regular exercise and stress reduction. Never suppress the urge to defecate. Do not strain to pass stool because it can contribute to hemorrhoid formation.

Tackling the emotional aspects of constipation should also be undertaken. It can sometimes reflect the inability to "let go" of certain things that have happened in a person's life. Sometimes this emotional connection can even go back to trauma in childhood. Abdominal massage and hydrotherapy can be helpful to regulate bowel movements.

Assess your diet for irritating substances that may contribute to constipation. Perform intestinal cleansing to rid the colon of build-up and optimize its functioning. Drink 8-10, 8oz glasses of water each day. Start your day with a bowel stimulating glass of warm water with lemon juice. Consume a low fat and high fibre diet. Include fresh fruits (with skin) and vegetables, prunes, figs and whole grains in your diet. Avoid dairy products, spicy food, fats, processed foods, salt, coffee and alcohol.

To Help Relieve Constipation Try:

• Eating more raw or lightly steamed vegetables.


• Taking a fiber supplement, such as Psyllium or Flax fiber.


• Use Acidophilus.


• Identify allergenic foods and eliminate them, even temporarily.


• Drink lots of pure water, at least 2.5 liters a day.


• Control stress, try Yoga or Tai Chi.


• Avoid refined white flour products.


• Eat prunes.