Constipation

Herbs

Roman chamonmile: This is the perennial chamomile. Its leaves are strongly aromatic. When crushed they smell of fresh apples, and it is the species that is used for chamonmile lawns.

Curled dock: Beacuse of its invasive nature, the dock is not well-loved but its long roots bring minnerals from deep down in the soil

Peppermint: All varities of mint are theraputic bit peppermint, with its purple-tinged, dark green leaves is one of the best to grow for its strong taste and sent.

Flax: Also known as linseed, flax is fragile, and airy with slender stems and flat purple-blue flowers.

Gathering

Chamomile flowers and aerial parts of mint as needed. Harvest dock root in the autumn. Collect flax seed as it ripens.

Remedies

Flaxseed laxitive

Put one or two tablespoons or seed in a cup. Add half a cup of cold water and leave seed to sweel and soften. Drink before breakfast. For a milder effect, add half of a tablespoon of seed to a portion of muesli ( a form of cerail consisted of oats, nuts and fruit) Flaxseed also contains essentail fatty acids. It is safe to use this remedy over several months.

Dock root laxitive

Make a decoction with one teaspoon of dock root to one cup of water. Drink three times a day as needed.

Antispasmodic tea

Make a tea with a few chamonmile flowers and a peppermint sprig. Strain and drink three times a day.