Homeopathy for Constipation
Updated: Sep 13
Constipation is a common digestive concern, and it can sometimes be temporary—for example, when your routine changes, you are travelling, or your diet is different from usual. For some people, however, constipation can become a recurring or longer-term concern.
In this article, I look at some common factors associated with constipation, including diet, lifestyle, stress and changes in daily routines. I also introduce how homeopathy may be approached when constipation keeps recurring, while recognising that persistent or concerning symptoms may need medical assessment.
Constipation occurs when the colon moves slowly and absorbs more water than normal. This condition causes the stool to become hard and condensed, making it even more difficult to pass it out of the body.
Constipation can be uncomfortable and may affect your sense of wellbeing, particularly when it becomes persistent or recurrent.
#1 - What can cause constipation?
Constipation can happen for many different reasons, and sometimes several factors are involved at the same time.
Common factors associated with constipation include:
Not getting enough fibre : Fibre helps add bulk to the stool and can make it easier to pass.
Not drinking enough fluids : When the body does not get enough fluid, stools can become harder and more difficult to pass.
Not getting enough physical activity : Regular movement can help encourage normal bowel function.
Changes in your usual routine : Travelling, changes in diet, a busy schedule or being away from your usual toilet can all affect your bowel habits.
Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement : Repeatedly delaying going to the toilet may make it more difficult to have a bowel movement later.
Medicines : Some medicines can cause constipation as a side effect. If you think a prescribed medicine may be affecting your bowel habits, speak to your doctor or pharmacist rather than stopping it yourself.
Stress and emotional wellbeing : Stress can affect digestion and bowel habits, and some people notice that their constipation becomes worse during periods of stress.
Pregnancy : Constipation is common during pregnancy, partly because hormonal changes can affect the digestive system.
Other digestive or health conditions : Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as some other health problems, can be associated with constipation.
Constipation can therefore look quite different from one person to another. Some people may have hard, dry stools, while others may have difficulty passing stool even when they have the urge to go. Some people may also experience bloating, abdominal discomfort or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
For many people, making changes to their diet, fluid intake, physical activity and daily routine can help. However, if constipation is persistent, keeps coming back or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consider whether there may be an underlying health issue and seek appropriate medical advice.
#2 - Emotion and constipation
Temporary constipation may occur when your daily habits or diet change, for example when you are travelling. However, when constipation continues for a longer period of time, it can also be interesting to consider whether there is a connection with your emotional state and life circumstances.
In my previous blog, “What is the Causes of Illness,” I write about the relationship between physical symptoms and emotions.
Here, I would also like to explore the possible relationship between constipation and emotions. As the saying goes, “Illness comes from the mind.” While this should not be taken to mean that emotions are the sole cause of physical symptoms, our mind and body are closely connected, and emotional experiences can sometimes influence how we experience our physical health.
In some psychological and holistic perspectives, excretion is associated with experiences and patterns that may begin in childhood. Children who grow up with parents who exercise strict control over them may respond in different ways. One way of understanding this is through food: whether a child accepts or refuses the food offered by their parents. Another can be seen in relation to elimination: whether they are willing to let go or try to hold on.
Passing a stool can, in a symbolic sense, be viewed as an act of “surrender” or letting go. From this perspective, constipation may sometimes be understood as an expression of holding on, maintaining control, or feeling that “I have some power here” by retaining the stool.
As we grow older, our relationships with parents are joined by other important influences, such as partners, teachers, colleagues and bosses. From this perspective, constipation may sometimes be associated with experiences of feeling powerless, being controlled, or feeling afraid of people whom we perceive as having more power than ourselves.
It may also be connected with situations in which we do not feel safe, relaxed or able to let go. For some people, this may be noticed in relation to relationships, love, financial concerns, travelling to an unfamiliar place, or being away from their usual environment.
When we tighten the anal sphincter and hold back not only our stool but also fear, anger or other feelings, we may become accustomed to holding things in rather than allowing them to be expressed. Sometimes, our busy schedules also leave little time to stop, reflect on what we are feeling, or properly process our emotions.
Rather than denying or misrepresenting our emotions, it can be helpful to recognise them, express them appropriately, and then allow ourselves to let them go.
From this perspective, recurring constipation may sometimes be explored as part of a wider pattern of difficulty expressing oneself, holding on to experiences, or subconsciously rejecting something. The idea that retaining stool can provide a feeling of control or security is one way in which the emotional aspect of constipation has been interpreted.
This does not mean that emotions are necessarily the cause of constipation. Rather, looking at our emotional experiences can sometimes provide another perspective when we are trying to understand our own individual pattern of symptoms.
#3 - How to release your emotion?
After reading the above, can you recognise any feelings or experiences that may be associated with your constipation?
“Will people be happy if I do this?” You may have spent a lot of time trying to please other people, while feeling that your own needs and feelings were not treated in the same way.
Perhaps you have experienced expressing your emotions and then feeling rejected or misunderstood. Since then, you may have become afraid to express what you really feel.
Have you ever experienced emotions that seemed difficult to explain or understand, and felt as though you simply wanted to cry?
If you recognise a pattern like this in yourself, you can start by practising expressing yourself honestly, little by little.
When you express yourself, you give other people an opportunity to understand what you are comfortable with and what you are not. If you continually keep your feelings to yourself, other people may not realise that they are crossing your personal boundaries and may continue to assume, “It's OK to do this.”
Try to create situations in which you can express your feelings, be understood by the other person, and feel that you can be honest with yourself.
It may feel awkward at first to suddenly express emotions that you have been holding back for a long time. But learning how to recognise and express your feelings can also be a valuable process in itself. Try to find a way of expressing yourself that feels natural and comfortable for you.
If you find it difficult to express your feelings directly, you can start by writing them down. Journalling can provide a private space to put your thoughts and emotions into words and allow them to be expressed outside of yourself.
In my blog “Let's Keep a Journal,” I share some tips on how to keep a journal.
How might homeopathy approach constipation?
Because constipation can have different patterns and may be influenced by several factors, homeopathy does not usually consider constipation as a symptom in isolation.
In a homeopathic consultation, I may ask about the nature of the stool, your usual bowel habits, how often you go to the toilet, whether you feel an urge to go, and whether there are other symptoms such as bloating or abdominal discomfort.
I may also ask what seems to make the constipation better or worse, whether it changes at particular times of the day or month, and whether there have been any changes in your routine, emotions or general wellbeing.
The aim is to build a fuller picture of the individual rather than choosing a remedy simply because someone has constipation.
The following remedies are examples of remedies traditionally considered in homeopathic practice when particular patterns of constipation are present.
They are included to illustrate how different patterns of symptoms may be considered in homeopathy. They are not intended to suggest that a particular remedy is automatically suitable simply because someone has constipation.
#4 - Commonly Considered Homeopathic Remedies for Constipation
The following remedies are examples of remedies traditionally considered in homeopathic practice when particular patterns of constipation are present. They are not intended to suggest that a particular remedy is automatically suitable simply because someone has constipation.
Ambra Grisea
Ambra Grisea may be considered when constipation occurs when you are away from home, particularly when using a public or unfamiliar toilet feels embarrassing or uncomfortable.
In children, there may be a feeling of discomfort or fear around passing stool, together with shyness or a tendency to become easily embarrassed.
Alumina
Alumina may be considered when constipation occurs while travelling, particularly when a busy travel schedule repeatedly causes you to miss the usual opportunity to have a bowel movement.
The stool may be hard, dry and lumpy, and difficult to pass. There may be little or no urge to have a bowel movement, or the rectal area may feel sore or itchy.
Baryta Carb
Baryta Carb may be considered when constipation is accompanied by hard, knotty stools.
A shy or reserved nature may also be part of the overall picture, with greater shyness described in comparison with the Calcarea Carb picture.
Calc Carb
Calcarea Carb may be considered when bowel movements are slow and the stool is large and hard.
The overall picture may include a tendency towards sluggish bowel movements and a feeling that constipation itself is relatively comfortable or not particularly distressing.
Hydrastis
Hydrastis may be considered when constipation is particularly difficult and is accompanied by significant discomfort around the rectum.
The picture may include a sensation that haemorrhoids are developing, soreness or a raw feeling around the anus, and pain that remains after passing stool. Bleeding may also be reported.
A feeling of heaviness or a dragging sensation in the abdomen may also be part of the overall picture.
If constipation during pregnancy is persistent or accompanied by pain or bleeding, medical advice should be sought rather than relying on self-care alone.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium may be considered when stools are hard and small, with a feeling that more stool remains but cannot be passed completely.
Bloating and excessive gas may accompany the constipation, including particularly strong-smelling gas. Tiredness, especially in the afternoon, may also be part of the overall picture.
Natrum Muriaticum (Nat Mur)
Natrum Muriaticum may be considered when stools are hard and dry, or when only small, lumpy pieces are passed despite straining.
These symptoms may occur before menstruation.
The wider picture described in homeopathic materia medica may also include digestive symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, an uneven appetite or tiredness in someone who notices sensitivity to gluten.
Nux Vomica
Nux Vomica may be considered when there is a strong urge to have a bowel movement, but little or no stool is passed when you go to the toilet.
There may be a persistent feeling that the stool is stuck or that the bowel has not emptied, together with irritability.
The symptoms may be particularly noticeable after using laxatives, or may occur before menstruation.
Opium
Opium may be considered when constipation is particularly stubborn and there is little or no sensation that the stool is moving through the bowel.
Sepia
Sepia may be considered when there is a sensation of heaviness or pressure around the rectum, together with tiredness and irritability.
These symptoms may occur before menstruation.
Silica
Silica may be considered when there is a sensation of reduced or absent sensitivity in the rectum.
There may be a feeling that the stool is about to pass but then moves back again. Considerable straining may be followed by the passage of softer stool, leaving the person exhausted.
During pregnancy, it is advisable to discuss the use of any homeopathic remedy with a qualified homeopath and appropriate healthcare professional.
Sulphur
Sulphur may be considered when stools are small, hard and dry.
There may also be an alternating pattern of constipation and diarrhoea. In children, fear of pain may make them reluctant to pass stool.
These examples illustrate why the same symptom can look quite different from one person to another in homeopathy. The remedy is not selected simply because constipation is present, but by considering the individual pattern of symptoms and the wider picture.
If constipation is persistent, recurrent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice. A homeopathic consultation can also provide an opportunity to discuss your individual symptoms, health history and experience in more detail.
#5 - Conclusions …
If constipation is occasional and you feel comfortable exploring simple self-care, the information above may give you some ideas to consider. The remedies described above are examples from homeopathic practice, and they are not intended to suggest that a particular remedy will be suitable simply because you have constipation.
When should you speak to a doctor?
Constipation is common, but it is important not to assume that every change in bowel habits is simply constipation.
Please speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if constipation is persistent or recurrent, or if you have symptoms such as blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain or a sudden change in your usual bowel habits.
If constipation continues, becomes more difficult to manage, or you are concerned about your symptoms, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice rather than relying on self-care alone.
If you would like to learn more about how potency and dosage are considered in homeopathy, please click here.
You can also read my blog “What is acute and chronic prescribing?” to learn more about these approaches.
If constipation keeps returning, has become a longer-term concern, or you are unsure how to understand the different symptoms you are experiencing, it may be helpful to look at your individual situation more closely.
A homeopathic consultation provides an opportunity to talk through your symptoms, your health history and your individual experience, and to consider whether homeopathy may be appropriate for you.
If you would like to talk about your situation, you can find more information about consultations or book an online consultation below.
Love and gratitude
Hiroko
Reference :
Your Body Speaks Your Mind, Deb Shapiro. Piatkus Books Reprinted 2008
新訂目で見る体のメカニズム、堺章、医学書院
