Constipation refers to irregular bowel movements, usually less than three times a week, hard and dry stools, difficulty passing stools, discomfort/pain during urination and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels. Constipation can lead to many problems such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids and in some cases bloating can occur due to constipation. Bloating refers to fullness and tightness in the abdomen due to gas. When a person cannot pass stool, gas from the stomach is obstructed and does not go away, resulting in bloating. The stool staying in the large intestine (colon) longer gives the bacteria extra time to ferment the matter in the colon, which further contributes to gas and bloating in the abdomen. In addition to bloating and constipation, other signs and symptoms may occur, such as abdominal pain, rumbling or noises in the abdomen, nausea, belching, anal pain or burning, blood or mucus in the stool.
Homeopathic management
Homeopathy provides a very effective solution for cases of bloating with constipation. Homeopathic medicines help overcome constipation by regulating bowel movements and softening hard stools, and also help control the associated bloating. They also provide relief from any associated symptoms such as abdominal pain, rumbling or noises in the abdomen, nausea, belching, anal pain and burning, blood or mucus in the stool, if present. Homeopathic medicines provide great relief of the above complaints in a very natural way, without side effects. By using these medications, the intensity and frequency of the complaint gradually decreases. The homeopathic prescription for bloating and constipation varies from case to case, depending on the characteristic individual symptoms. Therefore, it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor. Self-medication should be avoided in any case.
Homeopathic medicines for bloating and constipation
1. Bryonia – For bloating with hard, dry stools
Bryonia is a prominently indicated medicine to treat bloating with hard and dry, constipated stools. The stool passes in the form of a lump and looks as if it has been burned. The stool always passes with excessive effort. A burning sensation at the anus is felt while passing stool. Rectal prolapse can occur when passing stool. The abdomen is bloated. Bloating is usually felt, especially after eating. The feeling of weight like a heavy stone is also felt in the stomach. Bloating is also worse in the evening. Abdominal pain occurs along with bloating. Wind belching may also occur. The stomach feels empty, along with a bloated abdomen. Bloating gets better by passing gas. Before gas is passed, cutting pain is felt in the abdomen. This pain is also worse when standing and walking. The stomach feels painful. In cases where this is necessary, headaches can also occur with constipation. There may be nausea. There is a dry mouth, tongue and lips and stomach complaints. In addition to the above complaints, there is also increased dropsy.
2. Alumina – with absence of urge to defecate for days together
Alumina is a very beneficial medicine for cases of bloating and constipation with the characteristic symptom of no urge to have a bowel movement for days, meaning many days pass without a bowel movement. The urge to defecate only occurs when there is accumulation of excessive feces in the large intestine (i.e. the colon). When the urge occurs, the stool is passed with intensive effort. Effort is required for both hard and soft stools. Pain from cutting nature occurs in the anus when passing stool. Bleeding may occur after passing stool. Abdominal bloating may be accompanied by pain in the abdomen due to gas accumulation.
3. Lycopodium – For constipation and bloating after a small amount of food
Lycopodium is a very valuable medicine for controlling constipation and bloating even when you eat only a small amount of food. There is excessive accumulation of gas in the abdomen. Rumbling and croaking sounds occur in the abdomen. Pain is also felt in the abdomen due to gas. The gas pushes up and down toward the urinary bladder and rectum. The appetite is reduced. The thirst for water increases. After eating, an accumulation of food in the mouth (i.e. belching) may occur. The stool is dry, hard and has a tight feeling in the anus. When passing stool, pain is felt in the rectum. In some cases, in addition to the above complaints, a burning sensation in the anus also occurs.
4. Nux Vomica – For bloating, constipation with a constant urge to defecate
Nux vomica is a highly recommended drug for controlling bloating with constipation and a constant desire to pass stool. In cases where this medicine is required, there is the urge to urinate several times a day. There are few stools many times a day, but an unsatisfactory sensation of passing stools still persists. It feels as if some of the stool has remained in the rectum and the intestines have not been completely emptied. The ‘never done’ feeling is always there. The stool is hard and may usually be accompanied by rectal pain. Sometimes the stool is also bloody. There is distension of the abdomen due to gas, mainly after eating or drinking. There is relief from farmers. Gas causes pressure towards the bladder and rectum.
5. Graphites – For hard, swollen stomach and heavy feeling in the head
This medicine is well indicated for cases of hard, swollen abdomen and heaviness in the head. The hardness is mainly felt in the lower part of the abdomen. Rumbling and croaking occur in the abdomen. There is an inability to wear anything tight around the abdomen after eating. A heavy feeling is felt in the abdomen. Abdominal pain occurs shortly after eating. Sometimes there is dizziness. There is constipation with lumpy stools and mucus. The stool is hard, very large and passes with great difficulty. A prolapse of the rectum may occur. Cuts (fissures) to the anus can occur from passing hard feces. This is accompanied by sharp, cutting pain in the anus.
6. Magnesia Mur – For bloating and stools covered in mucus and blood
Magnesia Mur works well when there is a bloated abdomen and the stool is covered with mucus and blood. The abdomen is painful and tender to the touch. Cutting and pinching pain in the abdomen is palpable. The stool is hard but crumbles at the edge of the anus. The stool looks as if it has been burned. Passage of feces is followed by burning of the anus.
7. Sepia – For a bloated abdomen with loud rumbling sounds
This medicine is useful for bloated abdomen with loud rumbling sounds. The abdomen becomes distended even with little food. The stool is hard, sparse and insufficient. It may be covered with mucus and is difficult to pass. Blood may pass with the stool. Shooting and tearing pain is felt in the rectum and anus. After passing stool, a feeling of weight is felt at the anus.
8. Nitric acid – for a bloated abdomen with tenderness (pain when touched)
This medicine is indicated if there is abdominal bloating and tenderness (pain when touched) of the abdomen. Hard, dry, difficult stools are passed irregularly. A cutting pain is felt in the rectum while passing stool and also before passing stool. There may also be itching of the anus.