Constipation is a huge problem.
At least judging by all of the requests for remedy suggestions in the various Facebook groups.
A simple case of being “backed up” can often be handled easily, as long as you use the right remedy.
Chronic constipation is more deep rooted and will probably require a series of remedies, given in a specific sequence.
Under these circumstances you should work with a homeopath.
Homeopathy involves so much more than just finding the right remedy.
It’s also important to use a potency that resonates with the client.
Plus you want to avoid unnecessary “aggravations.”
This means your current symptoms can get worse.
So if you’re constipated now think about what it would be like if you’re more constipated.
Dosing is also very important.
Actually it’s a delicate art and just as important as remedy selection.
Too few doses and your problem returns.
But too frequent dosing can exacerbate your symptoms.
Although this sort of aggravation is temporary it can be uncomfortable.
Aggravations also cloud the picture, casting doubt on whether you’ve chosen the right remedy, even if it’s a perfect match.
This can then set off a merry-go-round of trying different remedies.
None of them will work because you had the right one all along.
Fortunately, though, judicious use of remedies can help get things moving again.
(You may also need to make lifestyle changes for maximum benefits.)
Many homeopathic remedies can help with constipation, if they’re well selected and match your state.
Best Homeopathic Remedies For Constipation
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Below you will find some of the most common remedies for acute constipation. If well selected remedies fail to act please seek medical advice to rule out anything serious. Not to sound like a broken record but long-standing constipation requires professional help, along with a diagnosis.
BRYONIA – This remedy is known as a polychrest. This means it’s used for a wide range of ailments. Constipation included. Someone who needs Bryonia may have a headache along with sluggish bowels. The headache will likely improve once you pass a stool. There’s an old saying about Bryonia: “Bry is dry.” This means your mucus membranes will feel dry. You’ll probably be very thirsty. Your stools may be dry too. Or they may be large, black and smell like old cheese. Stools may also be scanty. Passing them may be painful. Irritability and wanting to be left alone may be part of the picture.
ALUMINA – Consider this remedy for severe constipation. The person may have no urging to go. After much straining on the toilet they manage to only pass a small soft stool. Or they may have an urge but evacuating is painful. Alumina is also a dry remedy, like Bryonia. The skin and hair may be dry. Interestingly, despite this, there’s a preference for dry food. A person may have an aversion to sauces. Sometimes neurodegenerative disease, old age or dementia are part of the picture. Another strange symptom is that potatoes make everything worse.
NATRUM MURATICUM – This is a remedy to consider for constipation that happens every other day. Like Bryonia and Alumina there is also a sense of dryness. The lips may be especially dry, with a crack in the middle. This remedy is made from salt and the person may crave salt. He or she usually doesn’t like going to the bathroom in public, and will hold their movements until they get home. Consequently, they may only be constipated when traveling or when they can’t use their own bathroom. Like Bryonia they are probably very thirsty. People who need this remedy may feel pain after the stool passes, possibly due to constriction of their rectum.
CAUSTICUM – This remedy is similar to Nat Mur in that the person holds their stool for psychological reasons, or the unavailability of a restroom. Children who hold their bowel movements at school may also need this remedy. Then when they get home they can’t go. One peculiar symptom is that it may be easier to move the bowels when standing. Stools may also be very thin. Someone who needs this remedy may have frequent urging, but is unable to pass a stool. Constipation may be painful.
CALCAREA CARBONICUM – This remedy is commonly recommended for constipation in children. One keynote, or characteristic, is that the child feels better when constipated. Think of this as “happy constipation.” Children who need this remedy have a tendency to pass large and painful stools. Irritability is seen after a bowel movement. Even though happiness is a keynote, babies may fuss before passing a large, hard stool. Calc Carb is also a remedy for adult constipation.
NUX VOMICA – The stereotypical Nux Vomica state is one of a hard-driving, highly competitive person. They may be straining on the toilet with a phone or tablet in hand, trying to squeeze in a little bit of work. When they do pass a stool it still feels as if some is stuck in the rectum. But you don’t necessarily need this kind of personality to benefit from Nux, as long as the symptoms fit. Look for frequent but ineffectual urging, similar to Causticum. The person may strain, but only pass a small stool. Constipation may alternate with diarrhea.
SILICA – The Silica stool, like the Silica person, can be shy. You may see what homeopaths call the “bashful stool.” It seems as if a bowel movement is coming. However, just as the stool is about to drop it retreats. Or the person may be in a weakened state and feel as if they don’t have enough energy to expel a stool. With constipation they may feel a constant need to pass a stool. Silica is known for its ability to help expel foreign substances. So people with dental or medical implants should consider an alternative remedy.
COLLINSONIA – This little used remedy is well-known for helping to resolve stubborn constipation. Hemorroids may be part of the case. The person may be backed up for days, before passing an enormous stool. Like Nux Vomica there is a feeling the stool didn’t completely pass.
GRAPHITES – This remedy often fits the state of constipation in obese people. But don’t rule it out just because the person is slim. The stools may be large and difficult to pass. Then the person may suffer rectal pain. People who need this remedy may eat a poor diet, filled with highly processed foods.
There are many other potential remedies for constipation. The homeopathic Materia Medica lists several hundred remedies but the ones described here are some of the most common.
Other potential constipation remedies include Aesculus, Apis, Arsenicum, Cocculus, Coffea, Conium, Lachesis, Lac Defloratum, Lycopodium, Magnesium Muraticum, Mezereum, Nitric Acid, Phosphorus, Platina, Plumbum, Ruta, Sepia, Sanicula, Staphysagria, Sulphur, Thuja, Veratrum Album and Zinc.
If you need help choosing a remedy for acute constipation please reach out. We offer low-cost acute consultations to members of our private Facebook group.
