The intestines
The lower gastrointestinal tract is prone to a number of problems—constipation, diarrhea, painful bloating—that can put a cramp in your day. Yet these can be easily treated with natural remedies and healing tonics.
The lower part of the digestive tract begins with the small intestine, where food breaks down into nutrients that are absorbed; the large intestine or colon, where waste is processed; and the anus, through which stool is then eliminated. The remaining water in the large intestine returns to the bloodstream. Serious or chronic diseases of the lower GI need a doctor’s care, but many ailments can be treated at home.
The intestines
CONSTIPATION
If you have fewer than three bowel movement a week, you may be constipated. This can be caused by a fast-food diet that is high fat, low fiber; lack of hydration or exercise; medications; or anxiety. Symptoms are typically a hard, dry stool or movements that are difficult or even painful to expel. Ignoring the condition only makes it worse. Start the healing process by drinking more water, upping your intake of fiber, starting on probiotics, and exercising lightly.
Herbal Helpers: Drink aloe vera juice, a natural laxative; take constipation-relieving supplements such as slippery elm, fenugreek seeds, nettle, dandelion, sorrel, or sea buckthorn. Add oily sesame seeds to salads or hot dishes; drink mint or ginger tea.
Pantry Picks: Drink a cup of hot water with a spoonful of honey or lemon juice, or both; add high-fiber dried fruit to your diet; take a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses at bedtime.
DIARRHEA
A bout of diarrhea—loose, watery stool with cramping, bloating, and gas—can make for a very uncomfortable few days. It is often caused by an intestinal virus, food poisoning (if you suspect this is the case, call your doctor), allergies, medications, diabetes, or alcohol abuse. It is probably one of the first ailments early humans sought to treat—because there was no refrigeration—and so there are many effective herbal fixes. Begin by drinking lots of fluids to replenish your electrolytes.
Herbal Remedies: Drink decaffeinated black tea or blackberry, raspberry, or chamomile herbal tea to calm intestinal inflammation; dice the skin of an organic orange, steep it in hot water, and strain, then add honey to taste. Ground psyllium makes stool bulkier—take one to three teaspoons in water daily. Ayurvedic healers advise taking half a teaspoon of ginger in a cup of buttermilk three times a day.
Kitchen Aids: Rice has a naturally binding effect on the bowel. If you suspect a bacterial infection, sip apple cider vinegar in a cup of water; its pectin content will also calm spasms. Eating a quarter cup of pureed pumpkin or carrot per hour is quite effective.
Psyllium-seed husks
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
IBS is a chronic condition that afflicts the large intestine with cramping, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Onset of episodes can be sudden, so planned activities end up iffy at best. It can be managed with changes in diet, lifestyle, and attitude. Eliminating dairy and fat-heavy dishes also works for many sufferers. Begin recovery by eating smaller meals and increasing fiber.
Healing Herbs: Licorice root tea is known to relieve irritation of the bowel. Peppermint, taken as tea or capsules, can eliminate most symptoms. Aloe vera juice and chamomile tea are both beneficial.
DIY: Replenish Electrolytes