Best Natural Remedies for Constipation

You could to be suffering from constipation if you cannot empty your bowels atleast ince in two days.

By definition, constipation is an incomplete and irregular emptying of stools.

This condition can lead to accumulation of toxins in the body and can become a cause of diverse health issues, like hormonal imbalance, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, acidity, abdominal pain, etc.

So, if you have a frequent or long-term constipation, you are adviced to change your lifestyle and food habits.

Regular physical exercise and sufficient fibrous diet can help treat constipation.

But, if you are looking for natural medicines to relieve constipation, this list can be of great help. These remedies are suitable for adults, the elderly and even children.

The natural remedies for constipation

Ispaghula

• It is a mucilage material obtained from the seeds of Plantago ovata. You will find the small brownish seeds to consume with water.

• Even if left in a glass of water for 24 hours, you will notice clear swelling of the material. Once taken, it swells in the gut by absorption of water.

• It is not digested in the gut and remains as such. 

• It increases the bulk and also the weight of stools and helps in the complete clearance of stools in a day or two.

• It is one of the safest ways to relieve constipation. It also adsorbs any irritants in the gut and relieves pain.

• Also, as a precaution, have sufficient water at regular intervals to enhance overall body hydration.

• Even, if you have hemorrhoids, it should be preferred to avoid fuyther pain, bleeding and complications.

Check out the ispaghula sample, as it safe with no side effects.

Dry grape raisins

• These dried grape berries are rich in fiber, iron, antioxidants and vitamin K.

• For constipation, soak a some 15 or 20 berries in water overnight and eat in the morning on empty stomach.

• They help to increase water content in the gut and relieve constipation.

• This action is due to the sorbitol and fiber content in the raisins.

• If you are diabetic, you can reduce the number of raisins intake.

Clarified butter

• Clarified butter helps soothe the intestine and cause free bowel movement.

• It helps to strengthen the gut, minimize inflammation, enhance water content and relive constipation.

• Take a table spoonful of clarified butter (ghee) mix in a glass of warm and drink either early in the morning or night before bed.

• Drink sufficient water to stay hydrated.

Castro oil

• Castor oil is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of constipation.

• It is extracted from castor seed and has ricinoleic acid, which stimulates the intestine, causing bowel movement for easy clearance.

• Adults can take pure castor oil of 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30ml), and children 1 to 2 teaspoons (5–10 ml).

• One can have it with juice to avoid the pungent taste.

• If the constipation is mild, one can apply a drop or two in the navel before bed at night. This simple application clears your bowels in the morning.

• However, pregnant women and children should be careful with its use and should consult a doctor.

Triphala churna

• Among natural medicines, the Triphala formulation is the gold standard for constipation.

• It is a combination of 3 medicinal fruits: Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica.

• It is good for relieving constipation, acidity, gut inflammation and other gastric problems.

• Triphala churna also cleans up the gut and the body as a whole.

• The powder form of it would be difficult to swallow with a glass of water due to its pungent taste.

• So, one can even take tablets instead. If you are leading a sedentary life or fasting, you tend to suffer from constipation.

In such cases, use Triphala tablets.

Aloe vera juice

• This juice is an extract from aloe vera leaves and has aloin glycosides that is a laxative.

• It softens stools, reduces inflammation and soothes the digestive tract.

• I feel this is the best for quick relief for those who often have constipation.

• One should take 10–20 ml of food-grade aloe vera juice with sufficient water on empty stomach.

• Excess may cause diarrhea or cramps.

Flax Seeds

• These seeds contain omega-3, lignans, protein, etc.

• They enhance the bulk and enhance motility for easy bowel movements.

• Take 1–2 teaspoons of ground flax seeds with warm water at night.

• Remeber to drink plenty of water to avoid dryness of mouth or other milder issues.

Fruits

• Firbours rice Fruits are natural foods that help in relieving constipation.

• They can do so because of their shorter transit time in the gut.

• Some fruits like mango and guava are very good for relief from constipation.

• Due to high fiber content, they tend to absorb water and enhance bulk, triggering bowel evacuation.

• Unlike other foodstuffs, their transit time in the intestine is very low. Due to this, they are expelled faster, leading to gut clearance.

• They not only relieve constipation but also provide good nutrition to the body. Further, fruits can be consumed by children, elders, and adults.

Yoga and walking

• Constipation can be avoided if there is regular physical activity, sufficient water and fiborus food intake.

• Few yoga postures are aimed explicitly at relieving constipation, like

• Headstand (Sirsasana), Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana),

• warrior pose and other standing poses including, a few breathing techniques like alternating nostril breathing help relieve constipation naturally.

• You can practice yourself at home with the book light on yoga. If you are averse to taking medicines for constipation, this could be the right choice.

• Also, keep a watch on your water intake. Especially during summers and winters, there are chances of constipation. In these times, less water intake is also a contributing factor.

• Of the four natural remedies for constipation, I would prefer to go with lactulose or ispaghula first and then Triphala churna. The last resort would be liquid paraffin.

• The first two help in decreasing the risk of other diseases like obesity, heart problems, gastric problems, etc. While the third one, besides relieving constipation, also helps clear the gut and body from impurities.

• Even if you suffer from piles, the first step would be to get rid of constipation. For this, lactulose or liquid paraffin would be better as it does not increase the load and keeps the anus smooth.

For this one need to avoids a sedentary lifestyle by walking, and following few exercise to keep the gut flexible.

Also, read how to manage hemorrhoids

Frequently asked questions and answers

References:

• Castor Oil-constipation
• Fruits and their impact on the gut microbiota, gut motility and constipation
• Yoga poses to relieve constipation