Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a condition that is characterized by infrequent bowel movements or hard, difficult stools.

You know you are suffering from constipation if you haven’t had a bowel movement in a few days, or are finding it extremely painful and uncomfortable to pass your stools.

Of course occasional constipation is something that is hardly considered worrying about. For instance, an individual can go without bowel movements for three days or more without any issues.

However, if your constipation issue sticks around for weeks on end and starts interfering with your routine life, you know you have a condition that needs to be treated right away.

Common Causes for Constipation

So why do you think you get constipation in the first place? Is it something you ate? Or something you drank?

Maybe so, but constipation can occur due to a number of other reasons, some of which may actually surprise you.

Accordingly, some of the known causes for constipation include:

• Eating dairy products excessively
• Being inactive
• Not drinking enough water to keep the body hydrated
• Not having adequate amounts of fiber in your diet
• Sudden changes to your regular diet or activities
• Resisting the urge to pass stools (this happens when you are outside or not near a bathroom at that moment)
• Eating disorders
• Disorders pertaining to the nerves in the digestive system
• Overuse of laxatives
• Certain medications like pain killers and antacids that contain aluminum or calcium
• Pregnancy
• Stress, and
• Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, etc.

Symptoms You Need to Look out for

Although the most common signs of constipation include infrequent or painful bowel movements, there are a lot of other symptoms that indicate the possibility of a problem with your bowel movements. Some of the other symptoms of constipation that you definitely need to know about include:

• Large, lumpy and very hard stools
• Feeling of incomplete movement (you feel as if you did not pass your stools properly)
• Straining to pass stools
• Feeling a blockage in the rectum that is obstructing the proper passage of stools
• Stomach pain accompanied by cramps and bloating
• Feeling of nausea (or) Vomiting
• Appetite Loss
• Headache, and
• Blood filled stools (caused by an anal fissure as the hard stools pass through the rectum)

Complications that may arise from constipation

So what if I have constipation you may ask. So what if I get hard stools? That’s nothing to worry about you may think.

However, if left untreated, constipation can lead to several other riskier complications that can end up being more uncomfortable and painful to deal with.

Some complications that are known to be caused by constipation include:

Hemorrhoids: the hard and strained bowel movements can cause the veins in the rectum and anus to swell up considerably.

Anal Fissure: the hardened stools can lead to tiny tears in and around the anus and rectum

Fecal Impaction: the stool becomes so large or hard that it gets stuck inside the rectum and cannot be expelled no matter what you do, and

Rectal Prolapse: the strained bowel movement can lead to the rectum being pushed out to protrude a little bit from the anus.

Common Myths about Constipation Busted

Still not worried about getting constipated? Well, it’s high time you started worrying about it.

And it is high time you started finding out ways to treat this issue before it is too late.

Before that though, let’s quickly dispel a few myths about constipation that have more than a few individuals confused about the condition and its treatment options.

Myth 1: A bowel movement a day is a must

Bust it: Not necessarily though. You can go for a maximum of three days without a bowel movement before starting to notice the symptoms of constipation creeping in.

Myth 2: Constipation leads to the buildup of toxins inside the body

Busted: Many figure that with the anal opening blocked, there is no other way for the toxins to be dispelled from the system.

The truth though is that since constipation does not lead to toxin buildup inside the body and has nothing to do with the body absorbing poisonous substances.

Myth 3: Eat more fiber and you will pass stools immediately

Busted: Of course lack of fiber in the diet is attributed to be one of the main causes for constipation.

However, that is not the only reason a person has to suffer from constipation. If you remain constipated after eating fibrous foods, chances are the condition may be caused by something else, like dehydration or a medical condition.

Myth 4: Drink coffee to pass stools instantly

Busted: True and then, not so true as well! Coffee can work both ways in either treating your constipation issues or worsening them.

While coffee does act as a natural laxative and help the stools pass through the rectum easily, it can also dehydrate your body considerably. And if lack of water in the system is the cause for constipation in your case, trust it to become worse with coffee.

Myth 5: Colon cleansing can help treat constipation

Busted: While cleansing the colon using enemas or colonics can help remove body waste, it does not offer a permanent cure for constipation. In some cases, colon cleansing can worsen the condition or damage the colon.

Home Remedies for Constipation

By now, you would have probably realized the importance of treating constipation as soon as possible.

While OTC laxatives and medications can offer relief from the condition, they come with their own share of side effects that can affect your body in the long run.

There are a couple of home remedies though which are equally, if not more effective in treating constipation and its symptoms.

So before heading out to the nearest pharmacy in search of a medicine that will help you curb your constipation woes check out these DIY remedies you can try out from the comfort of your home.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Constipation

Talk about constipation and the first home remedy that pops into your mind is apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is known to be an excellent cure for constipation, thanks mainly to its alkalizing effects that aid the digestive system to fight against invading bacteria and it also helps to Get Rid of Sulfur and Egg smelling Burps.

Here are some ways in which you can use apple cider vinegar to treat constipation effectively.

Method I: Apple Cider Vinegar and Water

The easiest and simplest way to intake apple cider vinegar is to dilute it with water. You can have more than a spoonful of this remedy every day if it doesn’t work for you.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tsp.
• Water – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar in the water and stir nicely.
• Consume this solution once or twice a day before your meals until your bowel movements become regular.

Note: Use raw, organic apple cider vinegar which is known to contain more micronutrients to stimulate the digestive system.

You can also add the apple cider vinegar to a glass of apple or grape juice if you don’t prefer taking it with water.

Method II: Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Apple Cider Vinegar has many uses as it contains laxative properties as well the pectin present in it can aid in promoting proper digestion which, in turn, can curb constipation by making the stools softer and easier to expel.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Water – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Mix the apple cider vinegar in the water and stir nicely.
• Add the honey to the mix and continue to stir until the ingredients have blended completely.
• Drink a glass of this mix every morning and night (at least 30 minutes before your meals) for relief from constipation and its symptoms.

Method III: Apple Cider Vinegar and Flaxseeds

Apple cider vinegar is also rich in magnesium which helps to regulate bowel movements. Combine it with the fibrous goodness of flax seeds to get instant relief from constipation.

What you need:

• Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 tbsp.
• Flax Seeds – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Add the flax seeds to the water and boil the same for about 10 minutes.
• Following this, strain the flax seeds from the water.
• Add the apple cider vinegar to the water and wait for it to cool down to room temperature.
• Drink this mix once every day until you do not get constipated anymore.

2. Apple for Constipation

If you have been suffering from constipation for quite some time, consider trying apples to treat the condition.

Apples contain loads of soluble fiber which acts as an essential element in softening the stools and allowing them to pass through the digestive system with ease.

Apart from eating an apple a day, let’s find out some other ways in which you can intake apple as a remedy for constipation.

Method I: Apple and Honey

Apples contain pectin, a naturally occurring fiber which is responsible for bulking up the stools and triggering regular bowel movements.

The sorbitol present in apples offers a natural, laxative effect to the digestive system as well.

What you need:

• Apple – 2
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Peel the apple and blend it nicely to form a pulp.
• Add the honey to the apple and mix nicely.
• Consume this mix every day in the morning and night to get relief from constipation.

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Method II: Apple and Pear Juice

Combine the goodness of apple with pear which also contains enough sorbitol to loosen up hard stools and help it pass through the intestines easily.

Consider trying this remedy out if you suffer from mild constipation.

What you need:

• Apple – 1
• Pear – 1

What you need to do:

• Peel the apple and pear. Chop both fruits into small cubes and add to a blender.
• Blend the ingredients nicely, adding some water if needed.
• Pour out the juice in a glass. Have two glasses of this juice every day before breakfast and after dinner. You will notice desirable results soon enough.

Method III: Apple and Banana

Add together some bananas with your apples in order to gain some extra potassium and pectin which can also help treat constipation in a timely and effective manner.

What you need:

• Apples – 2
• Bananas – 2

What you need to do:

• Peel the apples and bananas.
• Chop both fruits into small cubes and mix together.
• Consume this mix as a salad or as a juice (one glass every morning and night) twice a day to curb constipation and its side effects.

3. Aloe Vera for Constipation

Ever tried Aloe Vera for constipation? Well you will be surprised to note that the benefits of this wonder Aloe vera gel do not stop at just your face and skin care, but can penetrate deep within your body to even heal your stomach.

The best way to get the goodness of Aloe Vera for treating constipation lies in these remedies.

Method I: Plain Aloe Vera

You can either opt for the gel from the plant or a juice made out of the same ingredient for this remedy.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Swallow the Aloe Vera gel and follow it up with the glass of water. Follow this remedy once every day for great results.
• Alternatively, mix the Aloe Vera gel in the water and drink this juice every morning and night to get relief from constipation

Note: Do not consume more than 2 tablespoons of raw Aloe Vera gel a day as it is more concentrated.

Method II: Aloe Vera and Fennel

If you don’t prefer drinking Aloe Vera juice, consider this alternate remedy that combines it with fennel seeds for added benefits.

What you need:

• Aloe Vera Gel – 2 tbsp.
• Fennel – 1 cup
• Lemon Juice – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Wash the fennel nicely. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend nicely.
• Pour the resultant mix into a glass. Add some ice and drink it once a day until you are able to pass your stools.

Note: Do not drink this juice more than once a day. It is also recommended that you resort to this remedy if you remain constipated for over 3 hours.

Do not opt for Aloe Vera for treating constipation if you are pregnant or are suffering from chronic digestion issues, cardiovascular problems. Also refrain from using Aloe Vera if you are allergic to it.

4. Baking Soda for Constipation

Trust baking soda to come to your rescue the next time you suffer from a severe bout of constipation.

Baking soda happens to be a great go-to emergency option for constipation.

All you need to know is how to use it right; a cinch if you follow these remedies.

Method I: Baking Soda and Water

One of the reasons baking soda is considered great for constipation is because it happens to be a bicarbonate.

Upon consuming baking soda, your body will automatically expel the gas that builds up in your stomach due to constipation.

In addition to reducing the discomfort caused by bloating, the continuous expulsion of gas from the system will cause the stools to pass down quickly.

What you need:

• Baking Soda – 1 tsp.
• Water – ¼ cup

What you need to do:

• Heat the water and add the baking soda to it.
• Stir nicely and drink while still hot.
• Drink this mix thrice a day to get relief from constipation and its symptoms.

Note: Do not use baking soda if you have hypertension, kidney problems or heart disease as it has high salt content.

Method II: Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar

Baking soda is a natural laxative and it also helps to treat stomach gas. This helps hard, bulky stools to soften up and pass through the intestines easily.

When mixed with apple cider vinegar, it also promotes muscle contraction to ease bowel movements.

What you need:

• Baking Soda – 1 tsp.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Take a spoonful of this mix twice every day for desirable results.
• Follow this remedy until the symptoms of constipation disappear.

Method III: Baking Soda Bath

Until you wait for the baking soda to start working inside your system, try soaking in a baking soda bath to get relief from the abdominal cramps caused by constipation.

What you need:

• Baking Soda – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Fill the bathtub with warm water.
• Add the baking soda to the water and stir nicely.
• Soak in this water for about 20 minutes or so until the pain and discomfort from the cramps reduce.

5. Banana for Constipation

Let’s take a look at another fruit that can help you treat constipation naturally and effectively.

The banana is one fruit that is loaded with enough fiber to make your stools bulkier and at the same time, softer.

However, the issue with banana is that you have to eat the right type of banana at the right time.

While green bananas contribute to constipation, yellow bananas can provide you with a natural cure for the problem. Here are some ways you can use bananas to combat constipation.

Method I: Plain Banana

Munching on a plain banana can help you get relief from constipation. However, you need to remember to drink lots of water afterwards to help the banana do its work properly.

What you need:

• Ripe Yellow Bananas – 2
• Water – 2 to 3 glasses

What you need to do:

• Peel the bananas and eat them. Follow up with 3 glasses of water.
• Do this twice a day until you are able to pass your stools without any issues.

{ Also Read: Health Benefits of Banana Peel and Uses}

Method II: Bananas and Milk

The high potassium content of bananas helps treat constipation effectively.

Potassium helps to regulate the bowel movements by stimulating the body to expel waste materials in a timely and effective manner.

What you need:

• Ripe Bananas – 1
• Warm Milk – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Peel the banana and chop it into small pieces.
• Add the chopped banana to the milk.
• Drink the milk while scooping up and eating the banana. Make sure you chew them properly.
• Follow this remedy once every day in the morning to curb constipation and prevent recurrences.

6. Blackstrap Molasses for Constipation

In case you do not have an idea of what blackstrap molasses is, it is the dark, thick syrup that is derived from cane sugar.

Concentrated and high in calories, blackstrap molasses can help treat as well as prevent constipation. Check out how!

Method I: Blackstrap Molasses and Water

blackstrap molasses Loaded with vitamins and minerals galore, It offers an incredible cure for constipation. Its high magnesium content helps  in treating constipation issues triggered by magnesium deficiencies.

What you need:

• Blackstrap Molasses – 2 tbsp.
• Water – ½ cup

What you need to do:

• Add the blackstrap molasses to the water and stir nicely.
• Drink this mix three times a day to curb constipation and regulate bowel movements.

Note: Consider adding the blackstrap molasses to a fruit juice of your choice if you don’t like the taste of it in plain water.

Method II: Blackstrap Molasses and Honey

Blackstrap molasses has been found to have laxative properties as well. When combined with honey, it forms a potent cure for constipation and prevents recurrences in the future as well.

What you need:

• Blackstrap Molasses – 1 tbsp.
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Add both ingredients to a small bowl and mix nicely.
• Swallow a tablespoon of this mixture thrice every day. In addition to treating constipation, this will reduce the symptoms of the condition to an extent.

Note: As it is high in calories, use this remedy only if you are suffering from severe constipation.

Method III: Blackstrap Molasses, Garlic and Cayenne Pepper

Blackstrap molasses is alkaline in nature. This helps it to restore the pH balance of the stomach, thus promoting the formation of proper stools.

This also helps to treat digestive problems by facilitating proper digestion.

What you need:

• Blackstrap Molasses – 1 tbsp.
• Garlic Cloves – 3
• Cayenne Pepper – A pinch

What you need to do:

• Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
• Mix the garlic cloves with the blackstrap molasses. Add the cayenne pepper and mix thoroughly.
• Consume a tablespoon of this mix twice every day until your bowel movements become regular.

7. Castor Oil for Constipation

Grandmothers sure know what they are saying when it comes to using castor oil for constipation.

Considered as one of the oldest ‘grandma’s cures’ ever, castor oil can have your intestines working in perfect order in no time at all. Let’s see some ways to use the oil for the condition.

Method I: Plain Castor Oil

Castor oil has a component that helps release a substance which, in turn, helps to stimulate the intestines.

The simplest way to ensure castor oil reaches your stomach in time is have a couple of spoons of it every day.

What you need:

• Castor Oil – 1 to 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Swallow the castor oil on an empty stomach. Drown it with some water to remove the taste of the oil from your tongue.
• Do this every day and you will start to see desirable results soon enough.

Note: If you can’t bear the taste of the castor oil, mix it in a glass of water or a fruit juice of your choice.

Method II: Plain Castor Oil (External Application)

In addition to drinking it, you can choose to apply some castor oil on your abdomen to relieve the cramping caused by constipation.

What you need:

• Castor Oil – 2 tsp.

What you need to do:

• Apply the castor oil on the abdomen area and massage it nicely for 5 minutes.
• Wrap a warm cloth over the abdomen and wait for about 20 minutes.
• Remove the cloth and use a wet towel to wipe off the castor oil.
• Doing this once a day will have you experiencing regular bowel movements in no time at all.

Note: Castor oil as a natural remedy, is not recommended for pregnant, lactating or menstruating women.

It is also not advisable for small children and elderly individuals, as well as those suffering from allergies.

Consult your doctor before using castor oil as a remedy if you are on medication as castor oil is known to interact with certain medications.

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8. Dandelions for Constipation

While there are many fruits and vegetables that can help you with your constipation issues, there is a flower that can also provide relief from constipation and its painful symptoms.

Dandelions are usually considered as annoying weeds. However, use them to treat constipation and you will see them in a new light altogether.

Method I: Dandelion Tea

Dandelions are natural laxatives and detoxifying agents. This helps them to break down the bulky stools blocking the intestines while stimulating their movement through the rectum.

What you need:

• Dried Dandelion Leaves – 2 tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Bring the water to a boil and add the leaves to it.
• Let the leaves simmer in the hot water for about 5 minutes. Switch off the flame and wait for an additional 6 minutes to allow the leaves to steep in the hot water.
• Strain the tea and drink while it is still warm – mildly hot.
• Drink a cup of this tea thrice a day to pass your stools properly and get relief from the symptoms of constipation.

Method II: Dandelion Tonic

Dandelions are natural diuretics as well. They aid in promoting proper digestion by increasing the production of bile in the gut.

This homemade dandelion tonic can be kept in the refrigerator for months and can be used whenever needed.

What you need:

• Fresh Dandelion Flowers – 1 cup
• Water – 1 cup
• White Wine – 4 l
• Honey – 1 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Soak the dandelion flowers in the water overnight.
• Strain the water and mash the flowers nicely to create a coarse paste.
• Add this paste to the white wine. Add the honey to the mix and stir gently.
• Store the mix in an airtight container and wait for a month or so for the flowers to steep in the wine.
• Whenever you feel constipated, swallow a tablespoon of this mix. You will be able to pass your stools smoothly within an hour or so.

Note: Remember, you need to allow the mix to set for about a month before you can use it.

9. Epsom Salt for Constipation

Let’s move onto the next home remedy for constipation, Epsom salt. Epsom salt comes with multiple uses as it has laxative properties that can help draw water into the intestines in order to make the stools softer and easier to expel.

You can use Epsom salt to treat constipation in the following ways.

Method I: Epsom Salt and Water

You can use a mixture of Epsom salt and water to handle your constipation woes with ease.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 2 tsp.
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Dissolve the Epsom salt in the water completely.
• Drink the solution immediately and so some form of mild exercises (walking, skipping, etc.) until you get a bowel movement.
• You can add a few drops of lemon juice to the mix if you don’t like the taste of the mix.
• Follow up with a dose every four hours if the initial dose does not work. However, do not follow this remedy for more than a week.

Note: Epsom salt can be dangerous for health if used in large quantities. Ensure that you follow the guidelines properly when using it to treat constipation.

Method II: Epsom Salt Bath

Another way to use Epsom salt to treat constipation is to soak in a bathtub filled with Epsom salt solution.

In addition to offering relief from the stomach cramps caused by constipation, the solution can allow your skin to soak up enough magnesium from the salt to produce a bowel movement.

What you need:

• Epsom Salt – 1 cup

What you need:

• Fill up the bathtub with warm water.
• Add the Epsom salt to the water and stir nicely until the salt is completely dissolved in the water.
• Soak in this solution for about 20 minutes, adding a little bit of hot water every time the water starts to turn cold.
• Do this once a day or so for desirable results.

Note: Do not use both of these remedies at the same time as they can cause an increase in magnesium intake by your system.

Make sure you speak to a doctor before using Epsom salt for constipation if you suffer from kidney disease, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

10. Ginger for Constipation

Ginger is known to be a great cure for constipation and heals the digestive system as a whole from digestive problems.

Here are some ways in which you can use ginger to take care of your constipation issue.

Method I: Plain Ginger

Ginger contains laxative properties that stimulate bowel movement and it helps to treat acid reflux a well. Ginger is also an appetite stimulant and can strengthen your gut, thus aiding in the digestion process.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1

What you need to do:

• Rinse the ginger root in water.
• Peel the ginger and cut it into tiny pieces.
• Chew these ginger pieces at regular intervals throughout the in order to promote proper digestion, and in doing so, cure constipation.

Method II: Ginger, Honey and Lemon Juice

The chemicals present ginger help to create wave like contractions that allow the food to pass through the intestines easily.

Ginger can also remove intestinal wind, thus clearing out constipation effectively.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Honey – 1 tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – ¼ cup
• Water – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Bring the water to the boil. Peel and grate the ginger root. Add one teaspoon of grated ginger to the water and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.
• Remove the concoction from the heat and add in the lemon juice. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes. Strain the mix,
• Add the honey to the mix and stir nicely. Drink this concoction every morning on an empty stomach in order to treat constipation and its symptoms.

Method III: Ginger, Cinnamon and Yogurt

Ginger can help soothe the intestinal tract and reduce the inflammation caused in the gut by constipation.

The warming herb that it is, ginger also increases body heat, thus speeding up the digestion process and helping the stools loosen up considerably.

What you need:

• Ginger Root – 1
• Cinnamon – 3 to 4 pieces
• Yogurt – 1 cup
• Fruits

What you need to do:

• Peel and grate the ginger.
• Add the grated ginger pieces to the yogurt.
• Add a few pieces of chopped fruit to the yogurt as well. Choose fruits that have high fiber content and laxative properties
• Stir the ingredients well and store in a container. Eat a few spoons of this mixture every morning and evening to get relief from constipation and its symptoms.

11. Olive Oil for Constipation

Olive oil is another trick up the sleeve when it comes to hunting around for useful home remedies for constipation. A laxative in nature, olive oil can do wonders for your stomach and intestines, especially if you are suffering from a severe bout of constipation. Check out how here!

Method I: Plain Olive Oil

In addition to softening the stools with its laxative properties, olive oil helps to stimulate the production of more bile in the gut for proper and complete digestion.

It also helps in irritating the gut mucosa which, in turn, stimulates a bowel movement.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 2 tbsp.

What you need to do:

• Swallow the olive oil on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
• Continue to follow this remedy until your constipation is cured completely.

Note: Do not take water for at least an hour after consuming the olive oil.

If you don’t like the taste of olive oil, add it to a glass of orange juice.

Method II: Olive Oil and Milk

Olive oil helps to dilate the intestine in order for the latter to expel the waste properly.

The oil plays an important role in reducing the bloating, swelling and irritation that occurs in the intestine during constipation, thus allowing it to pass the stool easily.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.
• Milk – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Heat the milk to warm it up a bit.
• Add the olive oil to the milk and stir nicely.
• Drink this mix on an empty stomach in the morning to kick start your bowel movement.

Method III: Olive Oil and Yogurt

Olive oil is also rich in several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E and K as well as Omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

These help to maintain the health of the digestive tract for proper digestion, a factor which can curb constipation effectively.

What you need:

• Olive Oil – 1 tbsp.
• Yogurt – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Mix the olive oil with the yogurt nicely.
• Eat a cup of this yogurt – olive oil mix thrice a day before meals until your bowel movements become regular.

Note: Olive oil has a lot of calories which may cause an increase in cholesterol levels in the body with prolonged use. Stop using olive oil if you are not able to see any positive results after a week.

12. Prunes for Constipation

Also called as dried plums, prunes offer a tried and tested DIY solution for constipation. Prunes are great laxatives thanks to their high sorbitol content.

This helps them aid the digestive system in in more ways than one when it comes to treating constipation.

Method I: Prune and Orange Juice

Drinking prune juice can help relieve constipation as well as its symptoms effectively. Here’s how you can prepare prune juice at home.

What you need:

• Prunes – 1 cup
• Orange Juice – 2 tbsp.
• Water – 2 cups
• Cold Milk – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Chop the prunes and add them to the water in a vessel.
• Add the orange juice and boil the mix for about 10 minutes.
• Allow another 30 minutes for the solution to steep. By this time, the prunes would have absorbed most of the water, with the resulting solution turning into syrup.
• Transfer the contents of the vessel to a bowl and add cold milk to it.
• Drink this juice, chewing the prunes properly as you do. Consume a bowl of this juice every day to get rid of constipation once and for all.

Note: Orange juice is optional. You can make the juice with prunes alone as well.

You can also choose to blend the final mix before consuming it.

Method II: Prunes and Dry Fruits

If you don’t prefer prune juice, try this alternate remedy that mixes prunes with other dry fruits to stimulate regular bowel movements.

What you need:

• Prunes – 1 cup
• Raisins – 1 cup
• Dates – 1 cup
• Figs – 1 cup
• Currants – 1 cup
• Concentrated Prune Juice (or) Syrup – 1 cup

What you need to do:

• Extract the prune juice concentrate (from the remedy mentioned in Method I) and keep it aside.
• Add the pitted prunes, raisins, dates, figs and currants together in a blender. Add in the prune juice as well.
• Blend the mix nicely to get a thick paste. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Take 2 tablespoons of this mix twice every day whenever you suffer from constipation.

Note: Check with your doctor before taking prunes if you are suffering from kidney or gallbladder problems.

13. Raisins for Constipation

Last but not the least, let’s take a look at one of the most common home remedies for constipation; raisins.

Raisins are known to contain lots of soluble fiber which help soften the stools up quite a bit.

Plus, they provide loads of energy to the body without necessarily filling up with fat.

If you are suffering from frequent bouts of constipation, find out how you can use raisins to help you out with the issue.

Method I: Plain Raisins

Munching on some raisins will usually do the trick for you. However, for added benefits, you can try eating soaked raisins which can help the intestines pass the stools quickly and easily.

What you need:

• Raisins – 1 cup
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Soak the raisins in the water overnight.
• The next morning, strain the water and eat the soaked raisins on an empty stomach.
• Do this every day for effective results.

Note: You can also choose to drink the water in which the raisins are soaked. Along with the raisins, this can help ease your constipation woes and prevent recurrences.

Method II: Raisins and Milk

Raisins also contain a substance called tartaric acid. When combined with the fiber content, this substance plays a vital role in breaking down the waste materials (in this case the stools) in the body into a form that can be easily expelled from the body.

What you need:

• Raisins – 10 pieces
• Milk – 1 glass

What you need to do:

• Wash the raisins and peel them.
• Add them to a saucepan along with the milk and boil the mix for about 10 minutes.
• Strain out the raisins from the milk and eat them. Follow up with the leftover milk.
• Do this once in the morning and night to handle constipation effectively.

Method III: Raisins and Senna Tea

Raisins also help maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut.

This helps in preventing constipation issues that might have been triggered by bacterial infections.

What you need:

• Raisins – 1 cup
• Prunes – 1 cup
• Figs – 1 cup
• Brown Sugar – ½ cup
• Lemon Juice – ¼ cup
• Senna Tea – 1/ 4 cup
• Water – 2 cups

What you need to do:

• Allow the water to boil nicely. Put the senna tea in the water and allow it to steep for an additional 5 minutes.
• Strain the tea into a vessel. Add the raisins, figs and prunes to it.
• Allow the tea to boil for another 8 minutes.
• Remove from flame and add the lemon juice and brown sugar.
• Wait for the mix to cool down. Add it to a blender afterwards.
• Blend the mix nicely to get a smooth paste. Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• You can choose to consume 2 tbsp. of this mix when suffering from constipation.
• Alternatively, you can also use the paste as a spread on toast or mix it with some hot water and drink the solution regularly.

Foods for Constipation

Let’s start off with some foods you can munch on while suffering from constipation.

In addition to keeping you full for longer periods, these foods contain laxative properties as well as several minerals that can aid in treating the condition effectively. Home Remedies and Foods for Constipation Relief Treatment.

i. Legumes

This group of greens comprises of peas, beans and lentils. Loaded with soluble fiber, these veggies can help regulate your bowel movement quickly.

The veggies also contain high amounts of protein, minerals and vitamins which can aid you in your fight against constipation.

A half cup of cooked peas, lentils and beans every day will do well.

ii. Broccoli

Here’s another green vegetable with tons of soluble fiber in it.

Add just one cup of cooked broccoli to your meals every day to absorb its proteins and vitamins in the process of curbing constipation and its symptoms.

iii. Oats

Filled with soluble fiber, oats help to soften the stools by drawing water into the intestines. The insoluble fiber content of oats also help in bulking up the stools, thereby stimulating bowel movements.

Include at least three servings of oats and other whole grains in your regular diet on a daily basis.

iv. Nuts

Including nuts like peanuts, walnuts, almonds and pistachios in your regular diet can do wonders for your digestive system.

You can munch on the nuts or toss them into salads, with a whole lot of soluble fiber coming your way with just a handful of these tasty snacks.

General Guidelines to Follow When Treating Constipation

Any remedy, whether natural or synthetic, can prove to be effective only if you take the necessary steps to make it work against the condition that is causing havoc in your system.

In the case of constipation, here are some general guidelines you will need to follow in addition to following the home remedies mentioned above.

This will ensure that the remedy and guidelines work effectively to curb your constipation woes once and for all.

Drink lots of fluids every day: Ensure to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. You can also choose to substitute water with fresh fruit juices and warm liquids.

This keeps your body hydrated, thereby providing enough lubrication for the stools to pass through the rectum freely.

Eat a veggie and fruit based diet: The more vegetables and fruits you add to your diet, the faster your constipation issue will disappear.

Fruits and vegetables contain loads of fiber which can provide an obtrusion free passage for the waste material in your body.

Do lots and lots of exercise: Constipation can also be caused by a sedentary lifestyle. Being active and exercising for at least 30 minutes every day can have manifold benefits for your body.

In this case, exercising can help the muscles in the rectum to contract easily when allowing the stools to pass through them, thus reducing the pain and discomfort caused by constipation.

Do not hold the urge to go to the bathroom: You may be tempted to hold the urge to pass stools when outside.

However, this can only worsen your constipation problem. Locate the nearest bathroom and head over to it as soon as possible to relieve yourself. Everything else can wait for later.

Call the doctor: So when do you get to actually call the doctor in case you are constipated? The alarm bells need to go off in your head the moment you notice these signs.

• Prolonged constipation for more than 2 weeks
• Sudden stomach cramps without any passing any gas or stool
• Severe pain while passing stools
• Stools accompanied by a lot of blood
• Sudden weight loss

The doctor will check your body and offer a diagnosis along with a treatment plan to take care of constipation and its symptoms as soon as possible.

Summary

You may consider constipation to be a harmless condition. However, every condition has the potential to turn into something more serious if not treated properly.

Follow a list of home remedies in conjunction with the guidelines mentioned here to say goodbye to your constipation woes once and for all.