At ease with homeopathy

Amit complained of hard painful stools with occasional bleeding. His work demanded sitting for long hours and the abuse of stimulants to stay alert. Irregular eating and sleeping had affected his digestion and bowel habits. Assuming he had to pass stools once daily, he abused laxatives until he eventually developed laxative-dependent constipation.

Nux Vomica, selected on the basis of his sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of stimulants and abuse of laxatives, helped treat his constipation.

Many feel they are constipated if they don't have a bowel movement at least once daily. 95% adults have 3 to 21 bowel movements per week. Hard stools can produce conditions like fissures, piles, rectal prolapse, hernias or even intestinal obstruction. Treat constipation naturally as laxatives, being habit-forming, ultimately lead to obstinate constipation that responds only to enemas. If symptomatic treatment is necessary, stool softeners are preferred over laxatives.

Homeopathic remedies for constipation tackle the root cause of the problem rather than just treating symptomatically. E.g., patients with no urge to pass stools would probably need the homeopathic remedy Opium. Platina would suit sophisticated women who control their urge to pass stools when travelling because they don't like to use public toilets. Alumina is useful for patients who developed constipation due to many years of cooking and eating in aluminum vessels.

Constipation is easier to prevent than cure. Modify your lifestyle to prevent and correct constipation. Increase fibre intake in the form of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water. Exercise daily and maintain regular eating and sleeping habits. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other stimulants.

Article by Dr Mukesh Batra
L.C.E.H., F.H.M.A. (U.K.), F.R.S.H. (Med) P.(Lon), M.D.H. (U.S.A.), F.B.I.H.(U.K.)
Published in Hindustan Times on 20 June 2009