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Constipation is the term used to describe infrequent or absent bowel motions or difficulty passing stools.

Constipation

In constipation, the stools are often hard, dry, small and ‘rabbit-like’, in addition to being painful to pass and accompanied by symptoms such as gas, bloating, bad breath and a lack of appetite.

Understanding constipation

In constipation, the stools are often hard, dry and small, in addition to being painful to pass and accompanied by symptoms such as gas, bloating, bad breath and a lack of appetite.

Each individual will have a ‘normal’ number of bowel movements, and defining when someone is constipated can be difficult. However, should an individual have none, or occasionally 1 bowel movement per day on a regular basis, then this can indicate a degree of constipation.

Many herbs are suitable for self-care. However if a health condition does not resolve with home remedies we recommend using the information in Herbal Reality along with your health advisors, especially herbal practitioners from the professional associations listed in our Resources page (‘If you want to find a herbalist”). When buying any herbal products, you should choose responsible manufacturers with independently assured quality standards and sustainability practices. Check the label carefully for the appropriate safety and sustainability information.

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