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Constipation
Research
Ayurvedic preparation
helps constipation
Although not serious in itself, constipation is a frequent cause of
distress and is associated with many serious diseases including advanced
cancer. Many drugs, especially opiates have a sluggish, lethargic action
on the body and therefore, are best avoided, if at all possible.
Using an effective alternative treatment
that does not induce these side effects will consequently increase the
chances of a patient achieving regular bowel movements in the future. One
treatment that has been found to be an effective substitute for
conventional drug treatments of constipation is Ayurvedic medicine.
Researchers at the Pain and Palliative
Care Clinic, Kerala, India, conducted a trial
comparing a liquid Ayurvedic (herbal) preparation ('Misrakasneham') with
the conventionally used laxative tablet (Sofsena) in opioid-induced
constipation patients with advanced cancer.
The study revealed no statistical
difference in the degree of laxative action, between the two medicines,
however, because of the small volume of the Ayurvedic preparation, its
palatable taste, low cost and that there were found to be no related side
effects, Misrakasneham is considered a good choice for preventing opioid-induced
constipation.
Many drugs, especially opiates have a
sluggish, lethargic action on the body and therefore, are best avoided, if
at all possible. Using an effective alternative treatment that does not
induce these side effects will consequently increase the chances of a
patient achieving regular bowel movements.
Source : Managing morphine-induced
constipation: a controlled comparison of an Ayurvedic formulation and
senna.
Ramesh PR; Kumar KS; Rajagopal MR et al.
J Pain Symptom Manage, 16:240-4, 1998 Oct
©
The Internet Health Library 2000
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