Constipation

Constipation refers to a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. For some people, it may mean difficulty in passing stools. A constipated stool is hard because it contains less water than normal. Constipation is a symptom, not a disease.

Generally, constipation is difficult to define clearly because as a symptom it varies from person to person. The frequency of bowel movements also varies greatly, ranging from 3 movements per day to 3 per week. Generally, if your bowel has not opened for 3 successive days, the intestinal contents harden, and you may have difficulty or even pain during defecation. A common misconception about constipation  is that wastes stored in your body are absorbed, are dangerous to your health, and may shorten your lifespan.

Some people have an underlying fear that they will be "poisoned" by their own intestinal wastes (faeces) if they retain the waste in their bodies for more than a certain length of time. None of this is true.

Older people are 5 times more likely than younger people to develop constipation . But experts believe that older people become too concerned with having a daily bowel movement and that constipation  in this age group is overestimated.

Symptoms of constipation :
You may exhibit a broad range of symptoms of constipation  depending on your normal bowel habits, diet, and age. These are common problems you may have if you are constipated: Difficulty in starting or completing a bowel movement Infrequent and difficult passage of stool Passing hard stool after prolonged straining in the toilet If you have irritable bowel  syndrome, crampy abdominal pain, excessive gas, a sense of bloating, and a change in bowel  habits If you have intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, no defecation, and inability to pass gas Distended abdomen, headaches, and loss of appetite Coated (furred) tongue, offensive breath, and bad taste in your mouth

When to seek medical attention:
Call your health care provider if you have these concerns: Symptoms are severe and last longer than 3 weeks Recent and significant change in bowel  habits, for instance, constipation  alternates with diarrhea Severe pain in the anus during a bowel movement Symptoms of other diseases in addition to constipation (For example, tiredness, fatigue, poor tolerance to cold weather may suggest the need to assess your thyroid function for hypothyroidism, an underactive gland.) Constipation for 2 weeks or longer with returning abdominal pain, which might be a sign of lead poisoning Seek emergency medical care: Although constipation may be extremely uncomfortable, it is usually not serious. It may signal a serious underlying disorder, however, such as cancer of the bowel . Because constipation may lead to complications, go to a hospital's emergency department for any of the following reasons: Rectal bleeding Anal pain and hemorrhoids Anal fissures or cracks in the mucous lining (severe pain during defecation in the anal area) Fecal impaction (immovable intestinal contents) in very young children and in older adults Rectal prolapse or sagging (Occasionally, straining causes a small amount of the intestinal lining to push out from the rectal opening. This may lead to secretion of mucus that may stain underpants.) Recurrent vomiting with constipation and abdominal pain (This may suggest intestinal obstruction and needs urgent hospital treatment.)

Self Care at Home:
Get more fibre or bulk in your diet. Regular physical activity is an important component in bowel health. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily in addition to your beverages with meals. Go to the toilet at the same time every day—preferably after meals—and take enough time. Use non-digestible sugar (lactulose) or specially formulated solutions. Avoid using over-the-counter laxatives. Try to avoid laxatives containing senna (Senokot) or buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) because long-term intake may damage the lining of your bowel and injure nerve endings to the colon. Try a daily exercise such as the knee-to-chest position. Such positions may activate bowel movements. Spend about 10-15 minutes in this position. Breathe in and out deeply.

Aromatherapy Treatments
Constipation can sometimes be as a result of stress, anxiety, shock or emotional problems so relaxing treatments using aromatherapy essential oils can be beneficial. Massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction using essential oils.

Some of the best essential oils are Black Pepper, Fennel, Juniper, Marjoram, Patchouli and Rosemary. Here are a few recipes to try:

Recipe 1: 1 drop Fennel essential oil 1 drop Marjoram essential oil 1 drop Rosemary essential oil 10ml Carrier Oil

Recipe 2: 1 drop Black Pepper essential oil 1 drop Marjoram essential oil 1 drop Patchouli essential oil 10ml Carrier Oil

Recipe 3: 1 drop Fennel essential oil 1 drop Juniper essential oil 1 drop Rosemary essential oil 10ml Carrier Oil

Grapeseed Carrier Aromatherapy Oil 50ml

Light coloured odourless oil. Suitable for all skin types and can be used as a cleanser or toner. Easily absorbed into the skin. Contains vitamins, proteins and minerals. Excellent to use for diluting essential oils.

£4.00

Sweet Almond Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Sweet Almond is one of the most popular and versatile of all the carrier oils

£4.00

Aloe Vera Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Aloe Vera is considered to have many properties of its own and can be used neat on the skin without the use of essential oils or in massage or the bath.

£6.00

Aloe Vera Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 1 litre

Aloe Vera is considered to have many properties of its own and can be used neat on the skin without the use of essential oils or in massage or the bath.

£72.00

Jojoba Carrier Aromatherapy Oil 50ml

Golden colour and the oil which is most rapidly absorbed into the skin and is not sticky. Good for hair care and all skin types and can be used on its own.

£6.00

Evening Primrose Aromatherapy Carrier Oil 50ml

Suitable for diluting essential oils. Evening Primrose also has many of its own properties and is an excellent carrier for essential oils to treat chest problems.

£6.00

Fennel Essential Oil - Foeniculern Vulgare (10ml)

This is a herb of ancient medical repute which has been used for years. Try it for bruising, inflammation of the joints, arthritis, PMT and many digestive complaints.

£3.75

Juniper Essential Oil (10ml)

Juniper has a special affinity with the urino-genital tract and can be used to treat many associated conditions. It is also good for respiratory problems and certain skin conditions.

£5.90

Marjoram Essential Oil - Origanum Marjorana (10ml)

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£7.50

Patchouli Essential Oil - Pogostemon Cablin (10ml)

The main use for Patchouli is in the area of skincare and the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, cracked skin, exzema and allergies. It can also help with fluid retention and is used for depression and stress related conditions.

£6.00

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis (10ml)

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£3.50

Black Pepper Essential Oil - Piper Nigrum (10ml)

Black Pepper is best used for circulation and sore muscles. It is good for chilblains and can help the digestive tract as well as being valuable for catarrh and chills.

£6.80

Sweet Almond Carrier Oil 1 litre

Sweet Almond carrier oil is one of the most popular and useful of all carrier oils.

£36.00

Grapeseed Carrier Oil 1 litre

Light coloured odourless oil. Suitable for all skin types and can be used as a cleanser or toner. Easily absorbed into the skin. Contains vitamins, proteins and minerals. Use for diluting essential oils.

£36.00

Jojoba Carrier Oil 1 litre

Golden colour and the oil which is most rapidly absorbed into the skin and is not sticky. Good for hair care and all skin types and can be used on its own.

£72.00

Evening Primrose Carrier Oil 1 litre

Suitable for diluting essential oils. Evening Primrose also has many of its own properties.

£72.00