A series of LecturesByMr. Allah Dad Khan former Director General Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar Pakistan allahdad52@gmail.com

2. Medicinal Plants for Diseases
“Bloating”
”
A series of Lectures
By
Mr. Allah Dad Khan
former DG Agriculture Extension KP Province and Visiting
ProfessortheUniversity of Agriculture Peshawar
allahdad52@gmail.com

3. What Is Constipation?
• Constipation is defined as having less than three
bowel movements per week. It may be chronic, or
happen occasionally. Some symptoms include:
• hard stools
• straining to have a bowel movement
• feeling as though you are “blocked” or can’t empty
your bowels
• needing help emptying your rectum
• abdominal pain
• nausea and bloating

4. Constipation is caused by many factors,
• including:
• inactivity
• surgery
• medications
• low-fiber diet
• insufficient fluid intake
• stress
• overuse of laxatives

6. Prune juice super mix:
Heat 6-8 oz. of prune juice
(45 seconds in microwave,
or about 5 minutes on
medium heat on stove top).
Add one tbsp of butter or
mineral oil, and then heat
for another 30 seconds.
Remove from heat. Give it a
good stir, then allow to cool
just enough to be able to
drink. Drink it straight up, or
within five minutes. This is
super fast relief, so be
ready.

7. Prunes and hot water:
• Prunes are natural
laxatives; they are high in
fiber and are rich in
potassium and vitamin A,
thus making them a
preferred food for
constipation relief. Eat 10
pieces of prunes, and then
drink a glass (8 oz.) of hot
water. This has been known
to have fast relief, but if you
have not moved after 15
minutes, drink another glass
of hot water. Hot water is
also known to stimulate
bowel movement.

8. Lemon or lime:
Heat a glass (8 oz.) of
water. Squeeze a half of
a lemon or lime and add
in hot water. Drink
before eating breakfast
or drinking anything
else in the morning.
Aside from cleansing
your system, this
mixture will relieve your
constipation in no time.

9. Olive oil:
Mix together one
tablespoon of olive oil
and one tablespoon of
lemon juice. Take this
every morning before
breakfast. This can
relieve constipation very
quickly. Be ready as you
might need to go to the
washroom even before
you finish breakfast.

10. Apple or apple cider vinegar:
Apples contain pectin which
will both add bulk to your
stools and have a laxative
effect. Apple cider vinegar is
fermented apples and has
most of the same beneficial
properties of an apple. Eat
an apple a day, or take two
teaspoons of apple cider
vinegar twice a day with a
glass of water. Both
methods are proven to
relieve constipation.

11. Spinach or spinach juice:
• Spinach is the most important
food for your entire digestive
tract. Raw spinach cleans,
reconstructs, and regenerates
your intestinal tract. A perfect
constipation treatment! Eat
spinach either raw or cooked,
both ways will relieve
constipation. But even more
powerful is to drink about 3.5
oz. (seven tablespoons) raw
spinach juice mixed with the
same amount of water or apple
juice. Drink it two times a day,
and in a few days time it will
cure even the most stubborn
cases of constipation.

12. Castor oil:
I know, castor oil is revolting. But
it works! Oils, in general, are
known to help relieve
constipation. The most powerful
oil is the infamous castor oil. It not
only empties the large intestine; it
empties both small and large
intestines. It is important to note
that because of this ability, a
person may not have another
bowel movement for 2-3 days
after using castor oil. So, use this
oil with caution; follow the
directions on the label, or ask
your pharmacist. Mostly the
dosage is two to four teaspoons,
and drink lots of water. Results
usually occur in about 3-5 hours.

13. Aloe Vera
You may have heard of
Aloe vera being used
topically for things like
sunburn, but it is also
considered a natural
laxative. You can buy Aloe
vera juice from all good
health food stores – it’s
great for adding to a
smoothie or juice!

14. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is more
traditionally known as a
cooking herb but the seeds
are also known to be great at
helping to settle the stomach
and relieve constipation.
Fenugreek is also a good
source of fibre and contains
key vitamins and minerals.
Rather than buy it in
supplement form, it is always
best to consume foods in
their natural state so look to
start adding fenugreek to
soups, casseroles and curries
for their full benefits and
constipation-relieving effects
at the same time.

15. Sorrel
Sorrel has a slightly sour
taste but can be used in
cooking quite easily and
has natural laxative
properties. Or if you like
the taste, you can make
your own tea by steeping
some leaves in hot water.

16. Dandelion
Dandelion acts as a
natural laxative and can
be drunk as a tea – I really
like Clipper Teas – or you
can grab some dandelion
leaves, yes the ones that
grow in the garden, and
add them to salads in the
summer (make sure you
wash them well first!).

17. Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is another herb
that may benefit some
constipation sufferers, especially
those who don’t drink enough
water! Sea buckthorn contains
those all important essential
fatty acids, including omega 7,
which are known for helping coat
the intestinal tract and lubricate
the mucous membranes ensuring
healthy digestion and a more
fluid movement of the stools
through the bowel. It also
contains the Vitamin A and some
B vitamins so is a good addition
to your diet. Try Revital for Sea
buckthorn remedies.

18. Psyllium
A member of the plantain
plant species, psyllium is
a natural fiber laxative
that helps create bulk
stools. Psyllium is often
used to treat chronic
constipation and may be
combined with other
laxatives, both natural
and synthetic. It may
cause allergic reaction,
nausea, stomach pain, or
vomiting.

19. Rhubarb
While it may be best known
as an ingredient for pie, this
fruit is also used to treat
constipation. Rhubarb has a
laxative effect, but a study
published in the Journal of
Ethnopharmacology found
that it also has antidiarrheal
effects because of its tannin
content. As a result, rhubarb
should only be used on a
short-term basis for
constipation.

20. Senna
An herb, senna is used to
treat constipation and to
clear the bowel before
some medical
procedures. The fruit is
thought to be gentler than
the leaf. Still, it should
only be used in the short
term and at the
recommended doses.
Long-term and high-dose
use has been reported to
cause liver damage.

21. Slippery Elm
This mucilage herb has a
history of use for constipation.
It stimulates nerves in the GI
tract, which leads to mucous
production and provides relief
from constipation. Limited
research has been done to
determine long-term effects.
Slippery elm does coat the
gastrointestinal tract, so it may
reduce absorption of some
medications if taken at the
same time.