Constipation

What is Constipation

In Homeopathy, constipation is not seen as just the absence of daily stool, but as a reflection of the entire state of health of the patient — physical, emotional, and even lifestyle-related. Every person’s constipation is unique, and so must be the remedy.

Causes

Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of exercise, desk work.
Improper diet – Less fiber, excessive refined foods, less water.
Suppression of natural urge – Habit of ignoring the call of nature.
Emotional stress – Anxiety, worry, and suppressed emotions affect digestion.
Pregnancy / hormonal changes – Common in women due to uterine pressure or hormonal imbalance.
Old age – Natural slowing down of bowel function.
Medicinal causes – After abuse of laxatives, or long-term allopathic drugs.

Symptoms

Hard, dry stools, passed with great straining.
Incomplete evacuation — sensation as if stool is still left.
Absence of urge or very frequent but ineffectual desire.
Headache, irritability, flatulence, or abdominal heaviness.
In severe cases, fissures, piles, or painful bleeding with stool.

Precautions & Lifestyle

Drink plenty of water regularly.
Include fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
Develop a fixed routine for toilet habits.
Avoid suppression of natural urge.
Regular walking, yoga, and abdominal exercises help maintain bowel tone.
Avoid excessive tea, coffee, alcohol, and refined foods.

Homeopathic Remedies

Homeopathy aims not just to clear bowels but to correct the underlying imbalance:

Nux vomica – Constant urge, but passes only small amounts, with irritability, sedentary habits, or after heavy eating/drinking.
Bryonia – Large, hard, dry stools passed with difficulty; patient is thirsty, prefers rest, dryness everywhere.
Alumina – No urge for stool at all; even soft stool requires great straining; common in elderly or very sluggish patients.
Sepia – Constipation linked with pregnancy, menses, or hormonal changes; sensation of a lump in rectum.
Opium – Absolute inactivity of intestines; no desire for stool; stool round, black, and hard like sheep dung.
Sulphur – Chronic constipation with piles, burning, and incomplete evacuation.

Homeopathic Viewpoint

Constipation is not just about “clearing the stomach.” It indicates a constitutional weakness or imbalance, which differs from patient to patient. Therefore, the role of the homeopath is to select a remedy that matches the totality of symptoms — not just the bowel complaints, but also the mental and physical state of the person.

Thus, Homeopathy not only relieves constipation naturally but also restores the body’s own healthy bowel rhythm without dependency on laxatives.