SD's Tea (Cranberry) - 30 Tea Bags

In China, herbs have been used for thousands of years. People of the Orient, India and Greece have used a variety of herbs for medicinal use. SD's Tea, is prepared according to a special Chinese formula, and it contains choice of herbs and leaves. The medicinal and non-medicinal herbs and spices used in this products are derived from natural sources.

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.

Osmotic agents pull more water into the intestine to stimulate bowel movements. They can cause dependency with repeated use. Examples are magnesium, milk of magnesia, Epsom salts and sorbitol. Stimulant laxatives irritate the intestine to cause a bowel movement. They can cause damage and dependency with repeated usage. Natural and pharmaceutical examples are bisacodyl, senna, cascara sagrada and castor oil.

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.

Minimize straining by ensuring that your thighs are parallel to the floor when sitting on the toilet. Use a footstool if necessary.

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.