Flax seeds are an effective and safe remedy that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat chronic constipation. Flax seeds are harvested in September, and only fully ripe seeds, rich in mucilage, possess medicinal properties. Unlike other herbal remedies, flax seeds do not irritate intestinal receptors or cause dependency.
When ingested, flax seeds swell and increase the volume of stool, thereby enhancing peristalsis and facilitating natural bowel movements. The mucilage formed upon contact with water gently coats the digestive organs, preventing toxin absorption and protecting the mucous membranes from irritation and inflammation. Flax seeds can even be used by individuals suffering from gastritis or stomach ulcers.
Methods of Using Flax Seeds
Dried flax seeds and flaxseed flour are available at pharmacies. There are several ways to prepare laxatives based on flax seeds, but regardless of the method, it is crucial to drink enough water. Insufficient fluid intake may lead to bowel obstruction. Prepared infusions should not be stored for more than a day, as they can spoil and cause harm instead of providing benefits.
- Place 50 g of flax seeds in a thermos and pour 500 ml of boiling water over them. Let the mixture steep for at least 10 hours. Divide the portion into 4-5 parts and consume the infusion along with the seeds throughout the day.
- Steep 1 tablespoon of flax seeds in 250 ml of boiling water. Cover with a lid and stir occasionally while heating the mixture in a water bath for about 30 minutes. Divide into two portions and consume 25-35 minutes before meals.
- Grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder (or use ready-made flaxseed flour), consume 1 tablespoon of the powder at night, and drink a glass of water. If there’s no improvement after three days, increase the amount of flour and water by 1.5-2 times.
- For constipation prevention: Eat a glass of yogurt in the morning with a heaping tablespoon of ground flax seeds mixed in.
- Steep ½ teaspoon of flax seeds in 100 ml of boiling water, let it infuse for 15 minutes while shaking occasionally. Take ¼ cup two to three times a day 30-40 minutes before meals. For children, no more than 2 teaspoons per dose should be given.
Flaxseed treatment requires time; to train the intestines to function without constipation, it is necessary to follow a course lasting several days.
Contraindications
Flax seeds should not be consumed for constipation in cases of bowel obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory processes in the digestive system, prostate tumors in men, or by women suffering from endometritis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome. They are also not recommended during pregnancy. In these cases, and if there are no other contraindications, it is advised to take flaxseed oil in the morning.
