Normal body rhythms do vary from person to person, but, when bowel movements become less frequent than about three per week, health practitioners often view that as constipation. There are drug treatments to deal with constipation, though most are heavy-handed and can be (bad) habit forming but also there are a number of  herbal treatments that can help.

Drug treatments include taking bulking agents (such as bran or methyl cellulose), stool softeners and osmotic agents (such as Lactulose) and stimulant laxatives (eg senokot) .

Herbal treatments for constipation:

Psyllium – Psyllium seeds and husks are a source of natural fibre. Dosage: Take 1 tablespoon dissolved in a cup of water or juice. Drink immediately and then drink another cup immediately.

Flaxseed – This is a bulking agent containing a significant amount of omega 3 essential fatty acids, but its benefit for constipation comes from its fibre acting as a bulking agent. Dosage: 1 teaspoon of ground seeds in a cup of water or juice up to three times a day.

Papaya – This fruit contains proteolytic enzymes acting as a digestive aid. Take papaya enzymes in tablet form

Senna – A strong herbal stimulant laxative. Needs to be taken only on the advice of a doctor or qualified herbalist