17 Home Remedies For Constipation That Work Like A Charm

Constipation begins as soon as bowel movements become difficult and manifests itself by rare or even incomplete evacuation or increased stool consistency. This was the “scientific” definition. A more popular one is that you can’t poop. It is very unpleasant, and it may become painful if you don’t find a fast remedy. If this situation is recurrent, then we may talk about chronic constipation. This is when things become severe because this may lead to some complications. Think about the fact that pooping means getting the toxins out from your body and if you don’t do this, they remain inside and you have to live with them.

How To Get Rid Of Constipation Using The Next Natural Reliefs

All in one, constipation is just the denial of your digestive system to make a soft and natural bowel movement. Anytime you move your bowels, after much pushing and pain, your chairs are hard, darker and solid. Never force a stool. If you do so, you risk yourself irritating hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which will aggravate this condition.The National Institutes of Health states that humans poop between two times a day to four times a week. Alternative physicians, however, affirm that healthy humans must expel one soft bowel movement daily. Due to these facts, all the home remedies for constipation presented in the article below come in handy when you deal with this condition’s hard times.

1. Prune Juice for Quick Constipation Relief

Prune juice (and prunes) is one of the most efficient natural remedies, so I thought I should start with it. It acts very fast, and it is also suitable for constipation in children. Prunes or dried plums contain a high amount of fibers which are essential for proper digestion. Usually, when you can’t get it out, the stool hardens and becomes hard to eliminate. Prunes will soften it, and it will get out easier. Prunes also contain a substance called sorbitol which acts exactly like a sponge, absorbing a great amount of water from the intestines. This causes the stool to soften.

So, how much prune juice should I drink for constipation? Two cups per day should be enough.Take one in the morning before you eat, and one in the evening before you go to bed. You don’t need to drink more or else you risk diarrhea due to the high amount of sorbitol.

You can also use prune juice for baby constipation, but only after you introduced this food to the baby’s diet. A quantity of 2 – 4 oz is sufficient for relieving any symptoms. If your child is 1 to 6 years old, you may increase the dose up to 6 oz. Make sure you’re giving your kid 100% natural juice, unfiltered, that has no chemical addition.

Another way of using this remedy is to simply eat some prunes or soak them in water overnight. In the morning, blend this mixture and eat it on an empty stomach. The result is guaranteed.

2. Castor Oil for Constipation

I usually use castor oil for my hair and nails, but its main property is that it is a very strong laxative, so it gives a natural constipation remedy. Some of the compounds in this oil stimulate the intestinal moves and help the bowel reach the destination point faster.

You will need:

• 1-2 tsp castor oil
• cold pressed

How to relieve constipation fast using castor oil:

Take the oil on an empty stomach and then follow your regular program. But make sure you have a toilet nearby. In most people, the results appear after about 8 hours, but it is possible to need to poop faster. So you wouldn’t want to be in the middle of the town, with no possibilities of finding a toilet seat.

3. Olive Oil for Constipation

Another oil amongst the natural remedies for constipation is the olive oil. And here I’m talking about the true olive oil, the one obtained from olives. There are many false oils, so be careful at what you buy. Try to find a safe source and stick to it. Extra-virgin olive oil contains healthy fats that have a lubrication effect on your intestines and will solve your problem fast. Using it on a regular basis is how to avoid it forever. There are more ways to use this home remedy.

• Just Olive Oil

The first method is to swallow one tablespoon olive oil merely in the morning before you eat and one tablespoon in the evening one hour before going to bed.

• With Lemon Juice

For the second olive oil constipation cure, you will need one teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil and one teaspoon lemon juice. Combine those two ingredients and swallow the mixture. The lemon will improve the taste of the olive oil, and it will be easier to take. Do this every morning until you get rid of constipation.

• With Milk

The third remedy uses olive oil and milk. Add one teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil to a glass of milk. Also, drink the mixture first thing in the morning, before you eat. Repeat the procedure until there are no signs of constipation left.

4. Herbs for Constipation

4.1. Peppermint Tea

Medicinal herbs are powerful remedies. You can prepare tea for constipation quickly if you know which plants to use. In my childhood, whenever I had some digestive problems (of any nature), my mother used to give me peppermint tea. This plant has the ability to treat any intestinal malfunction, whether it’s about diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, etc. Besides that, this tea has an amazing taste, and I always prefer to drink it cold, especially in the summer. To prepare a peppermint infusion for bowel irregularity, you will need:

• 1 teaspoon dried peppermint leaves
• 1 cup boiling water

What to do next?

Pour the water over the dried leaves and set aside for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool. As I said, I prefer it cold, but you may also serve it warm. This infusion plays an important role in relieving constipation, so make sure you drink up to 3 cups per day.

4.1. Senna Tea

Another home remedy is senna tea. People have been using senna tea for constipation since the 9^th century. It stimulates the peristaltic contractions of the intestines, and the positive effect will occur within a day. You will most probably buy teabags with senna tea, and you will have the instructions on the box. If you by any chance have senna leaves, place a tablespoon in 2 cups of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Or prepare a cold infusion by soaking the leaves in cold water for 11-12 hours. It is advisable to drink no more than two cups per day.

Cautions: Senna can cause abdominal cramps, so you might want to stay home when drinking this infusion. It is possible that you will visit the bathroom more often than before. Pregnant women should consult a physician before drinking this tea because strong cramps may lead to uterine rupture.

5. Exotic Coconut Oil for Quick Constipation Relief

Not only this oil is extraordinary for your skin, your cookies, your hair and the list could go on and on, but it can also help with your poop problem. This exotic oil has a great effect: it increases your metabolic rate. Therefore, if you use coconut oil for constipation, your digestion is better so the food won’t get stuck in your intestines and colon anymore. It also balances the stomach pH and tones the intestinal muscles. All these will help you get rid of the unwanted residues in no time.

To use coconut oil as a natural constipation laxative, you will need:

• coconut oil
• natural juice

Directions:

1. In the first day, combine ½ teaspoon coconut oil with one glass (8 oz) of freshly squeezed natural juice and drink this mixture. Do this three-four times per day, half an hour before eating.
2. Next days, increase this coconut oil for constipation mixture dose by ½ teaspoon each day.
3. Don’t stop until you reach to 3 to 4 tablespoons per day.
4. It is advisable to increase the dose gradually so the body will have time to adjust.

6. Coffee for Constipation

Caffeine, the main compound in coffee, not only stimulates your brain but also the bowel movements. Excess coffee may even cause diarrhea so be careful. So, if it is so tasty and coffee can help to find almost an instant constipation relief, why not enjoy 1-2 cups per day?

7. Get More Fibers from Flaxseeds

Choosing a high fiber meal and consuming lots of water relieves constipation. Fiber absorbs water, generating soft bowel movements. Flax seeds have a lot of fibers, and they are excellent to cure it, even in children. When my kids have this problem, they are treated with ground flax seeds, and it works every time. Consider the fact that one tablespoon of flax seed has 2.8 g fibers. It is an enormous amount for such a small quantity of food. Besides the fibers, flax also contains mucilage which will coat and protect your digestive tract but will also attract any residues and give bulk to the stool.

It is recommended that you grind the seeds. Otherwise, they have no effect against constipation because will pass through your digestive tract. Start with ½ tablespoon ground seeds per day and increase the quantity until you reach up to 2 tablespoons. Eat right after you ground them because they tend to oxidize fast. Only give half of this quantity to children to avoid bloating and gas.

8. Is Flaxseed Oil Good for Constipation?

While whole flax seeds are full of fibers flaxseed oil doesn’t contain those. However, studies have shown that it can also be used as a natural remedy for constipation. It works for some people because it increases the bowel movements and makes the stool come out faster.

You will need:

• One tablespoon flaxseed oil

What to do next?

One tablespoon of flaxseed oil each daily must be consumed to get rid of constipation symptoms until the problem is solved. Combine it with some orange juice as it doesn’t taste really good.

9. Try Mineral Oil for Constipation

There are more types of mineral oils: some of them can be used internally while others are for external application in the rectum with an enema. The good news is that mineral oil isn’t absorbed in the body. It just takes a walk through your digestive tract, absorbs everything that needs to be absorbed and softens the stool. It also lubricates and protects your intestines. This way, mineral oil is another cure that helps relieve constipation pain. Since there are many types of mineral oil, make sure you read and follow the instructions on the package. My advice is not to use mineral oil very often. Instead, try one of the other natural remedies.

10. Try Epsom Salt as a Natural Cure for Constipation

Magnesium sulfate, the main ingredient in Epsom salt, draws water into the stools and softens them. This way, it will be easier for it to come out. Epsom salt is also used for colon detoxifying and will increase the bowel movements. All these effects help you to poop faster.

For this remedy you will need:

• 1 teaspoon Epsom salt
• 4 oz plain water

How to do it?

Dissolve the salt in water and drink the mixture one time. Wait for minimum 4 hours. You should get a result by then. If not, repeat the procedure until the problem is solved.

11. Baking Soda for Constipation

You’ve probably heard about baking soda over and over again. Well, it is also good for constipation. Why? First of all, it has a calming effect on your stomach by removing excess air, balancing the pH and relieving any pain. Second, it softens the stools, and they pass easier through the digestive tract. And third, it will increase the peristaltic contractions. These are a few reasons to use baking soda when any signs occur.

You will need:

• One teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup warm water

How to use this cure?

Combine the two ingredients and stir well. Drink this baking soda with water mixture in the morning, on an empty stomach. Be careful to drink plenty of water during the day to prevent constipation.

12. Colon Massage to Relieve Constipation

Another way of dealing with this condition is to use your fingers to massage your belly so you will ease the way for the stools to come out. This is the way to perform the massage:

• Apply pressure gently with your appendix at the lowest right side of the belly. Use small circular moves.
• Move up to your rib cage using the same moves.
• Go left under the left rib doing the small circles.
• Now go down until you reach the groin area.
• Complete these moves in 3-4 minutes and do the massage three times a day to get best results.

13. Apple Juice for Constipation

I couldn’t find any reason not to put apple amongst the foods to relieve constipation.Why?Just like prunes apple also contains sorbitol, a mild laxative. Another compound of this fruit is pectin which will bulk up the stool. It also has a lot of fibers: both soluble and insoluble. The insoluble ones will draw all the residues while the soluble fibers will soften the stools. So, that was the answer.

This apple juice remedy can also be used to treat constipation in children. Drink 3-4 glasses of apple juice a day. Use only 2-3 for smaller kids. You will get results in maximum two days. Make sure to use freshly squeezed juice, not the one from the stores with sugar added. Or simply eat the apples.

14. Use Milk of Magnesia for Relieving Constipation

Another natural laxative could be milk of magnesia aka magnesium hydroxide. Don’t use it if you believe you have a bowel obstruction. Just like most of the other natural constipation remedies, this one too draws water into the stools, softening them. Start with two tablespoons per day and don’t use more than three tablespoons. Otherwise, you risk acute diarrhea. This remedy needs several hours to act therefore it is advisable to take it before going to bed, so you don’t get caught in the act during the day.

15. Aloe Vera Juice – A Natural Constipation Relief

Aloe Vera, primary, is a remedy for burns and cuts. But it also works wonders for the digestive system. Maintaining the balance of healthy bacteria, aloe also acts as a colon cleanser. The juice softens the stools so they will go out easier. You may drink up to 34 liquid ounces of aloe vera juice per day. Do this for five days and take a break for the next two. Repeat the process until everything is fine.

16. Stay Healthy with Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria from our intestine that keep the digestive system working in a proper manner. They will for certainly help you get rid of constipation. The best way to get probiotics is to consume yogurt or drinks like kefir. Drink at least one cup a day. You will also find them in the form of supplements, and you should read the instructions on how to take those.

17. Acupressure as Constipation Relief

This is an old Chinese technique, very effective in removing constipation symptoms. There are many points effective in relieving the pain. Here are some of them:

1. Crooked Pond Point: -this is located at the elbow crease, the outer end point.
2. Joining the Valley Point: –bring together the thumb and the index finger on the muscles from the back of the hand and find the highest point: this is what you’re looking for. Don’t use this point when pregnant because it may cause uterus contractions.
3. Three Mile Point: –you may find this point under the kneecap, four fingers below and one finger width to the outside.
4. Sea of Energy Point: –right below the belly button.

How to use acupressure for constipation?

Apply pressure on these points (use 2-3 at a time). Gradually increase the intensity of the pressure and keep it there for about 3 minutes. Do this procedure every time you have some spare moments. You will get your results if you perform the procedure for a few days in a row.

Corn or Karo Syrup Constipation Myth

Karo Syrup (in fact corn syrup) is an old remedy which relieves constipation in babies. Pediatricians prescribed it to help the babies when they had problems with pooping. It is known that babies should drink only breast milk, but when signs of constipation appear doctors may prescribe some corn syrup combined with water.

However, it is not quite clear if Karo syrup works in this area. It is also not so healthy because it contains a great amount of sugar which is not beneficial for small children. Mayo Clinic also says that kids under one year old that consume Karo syrup may develop botulism. This is why doctors don’t prescribe it anymore and advice the parents to give 3-4 oz plain water to the babies. If your kid is less than three months old, it is best that you consult a pediatrician before administering any natural remedy.

Tips for Constipation

Whether you have a fleeting episode of constipation, or you experience a chronic condition, we all know that this is not something pleasant. And what can be funny in spending endless time on the bathroom throne each day? It all gets very boring and even painful. You feel like you have to engage all your superhuman powers to push out that nasty poop that lies inside you.

As I said in the beginning: don’t rush to conventional constipation laxatives, they will only delay the solving of the real problem you have. Use a natural remedy instead and make sure you check on the following:

1. Get more fibers in your diet

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain cereals, and avoid the sugar added ones.

2. Drink plenty of water

Just like you wash the dishes or your clothes to get rid of the dirt, you should also clean your intestines and colon. Water can do this.

3. Exercise More

Constipation might occur from lack of exercises. Exercise a lot and spend time outside, moving. Physical exercise increases the metabolism rate and helps the digestion process, thus helping the food to break easier and the poop to get out faster.

4.  Don’t Use Laxatives

If you can, stay away from laxatives. Regular use of laxatives weakens the bowel muscles, leading to defecation to be challenging without the help of medications. Also, you must kick over-the-counter drugs out from your daily routine.

5. Stop Using These Drugs

Different medications such as calcium supplements, antacids, antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, may cause bowel irregularity.

6. Let It Go

Anytime you notice the desire to defecate, stick to it. If you don’t, trying to hold your stool can influence constipation occurrence.

The reliefs presented above will help you get rid of constipation in a gentle and smooth way, without any side effects that laxatives may bring. Therefore, we recommend not to use conventional drugs and instead, go for the natural way. If you do not get rid of it within four weeks, consult a doctor because you may be suffering from other conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome or colorectal cancer which may be its cause.