Title: Constipation
Categories: Info
Yield: 4 Formulas

MILD LAXATIVE JUICE
1	c	Pineapple juice
1/2	c	Grape juice
1/4	c	Aloe vera juice
MILD LAXATIVE BLENDER DRINK
2	c	Pineapple juice
1/2	c	Yogurt
1/2		Banana
1/4	c	Aloe vera juice
1	tb	Slippery elm powder
1	tb	Psyllium seed husks
LIVER CLEANSING TEA
3	pt	Dandelion root
1	pt	Yellow dock root
2	pt	Burdock root
2	pt	Slippery elm bark
1	pt	Licorice root
1	pt	Flax seed
1/8	pt	Senna pods
1/8	pt	Turkey rhubarb root
LAXATIVE TEA WHEN NOTHING
ELSE WORKS
1	pt	Slippery elm
1	pt	Flax seed
4	pt	Fennel seed
2	pt	Licorice root
1/8	pt	Cinnamon bark
1/8	pt	Senna pod (increase if
		...necessary)

Constipation is often a problem during the later months of pregnancy. In part this is due to the relaxing effect of hormones on the smooth muscles. Women also tend to move and exercise less as they continue to grow. A woman's system seems to slow down as the process of forming and developing a new life is accelerated. Simple measures are to continue to continue to exercise, and to eat a diet rich in fiber and nutrients.

If constipation occurs, avoid synthetic laxatives. They are harsh and irritating to the colon and, though they may cause successful elimination of the bowels, they will not correct the underlying problem. In addition to avoiding synthetic laxatives, do not use harsh herbal laxatives. Their purgative effect will leave the body quite exhausted and cause further stress to the colon. Also, many laxatives are not recommended during pregnancy because they can cause premature labor.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR CONSTIPATION

ù Eliminate starch and refined foods from the diet and replace with foods high in fiber and bulk. Eat salads two or three times a day. Fresh and dried fruits, such as apricots, prunes and grapes, should be included daily. These foods, aside from being good for the colon, are excellent during pregnancy in general. Include foods that are high in mucilaginous material, such as oats, barley, slippery elm, psyllium seeds, and marshmallow root. These herbs are soothing to the mucus membrane lining of the lower intestines and colon. They also swell up with water, providing a lubricating bulk that aids in elimination. ù Nonstressful exercise, especially toward the end of pregnancy, is one of the most important remedies for constipation. It also helps the expectant mother avoid many other problems associated with pregnancy and childbirth. The peristaltic action of the lower bowel is stimulated by movement. A good bowel movement often follows a long walk, yoga exercises, or other forms of exercise. You may find that a few simple changes, such as eating a more wholesome diet and exercising more frequently, are all that is necessary to get those lazy, resistent bowels moving. ù Herbs to add to the diet on a daily basis for constipation include: carob powder, slippery elm, flax seed, psyllium seeds, licorice root, and aloe vera. These herbs can be incorporated into cereals and blender drinks, mixed in with different foods, or rolled into candy balls. Sometimes a pinch of cayenne added to food and/or warm lemon water also proves helpful in treating constipation.

M I L D L A X A T I V E J U I C E : Blend ingredients in a blender.

M I L D L A X A T I V E B L E N D E R D R I N K Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

L I V E R C L E A N S I N G T E A F O R C O N S T I P A T I O N Use two teaspoons of herb mixture to two cups of water. Add herbs to cold water and bring to a low simmer over low heat. Simmer gently for ten minutes. Remove from heat and infuse for twenty minutes. Drink one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening.

L A X A T I V E T E A W H E N N O T H I N G E L S E W O R K S Add two teaspoons of herb mixture to two cups of cold water and bring to a slow simmer over low heat. Simmer gently for ten minutes. Remove from heat and infuse, keeping pot covered, for twenty minutes. Strain. Drink one cup in the morning and one cup in the evening. Senna is the active laxative herb in this formula; increase it if necessary.

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