Constipation is a common digestive issue that can affect people of all ages and genders. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population experiences constipation at some point in their lives, and it can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and difficulty passing stool. Constipation is often caused by a lack of fiber in the diet, dehydration, or a sedentary lifestyle, but it can also be a symptom of underlying health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hypothyroidism.
While over-the-counter medications can provide short-term relief from constipation, they can also have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are many natural home remedies that can help relieve constipation and promote healthy digestion. In this article, we'll share 32 effective home remedies to relieve constipation immediately and naturally, so you can find relief without relying on medication. From simple lifestyle changes like increasing fiber intake and drinking more water to natural supplements and therapies like herbal remedies, yoga, and acupuncture, we'll cover a range of options that can help you get your digestive system back on track.
1. Water For Constipation
Dehydration is the main reason behind constipation so drink plenty of water to soften and move the hard stools.
2. Baking Soda For Constipation
The versatile baking soda also works for constipation and tummy aches. It re-alkalizes the stomach, neutralizes the acid, encourages the air to come out in one or other way and helps things to pass through the gut. Here is how to use baking soda for constipation.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/4 cup of warm water.
- Drink the mixture quickly.
Note: The quick you drink, the better it works to moving up the things.
Repeat the process, if you don’t find any sign of bowel movement within 4 hours.
3. Epsom Salt For Constipation
Salt draws water to the hard stools, soften it and flushes it out. Magnesium present in salt helps the bowel muscles to contract which makes it easy to pass the stool. Here is how you can use it.
- To a cup of water or any fruit juice, dissolve 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt.
- Drink it quickly.
- If you didn’t observe any sign of bowel movement within 4 hours, take one dose.
4. Prune Juice For Constipation
The presence of sorbitol and high amounts of fiber makes it a natural laxative to treat constipation. Sorbitol is not easily indigested which helps it to draw a lot of water as it passes through the intestines. It usually works within few hours.
Method 1:
- Drink 1 glass of prune juice in the morning and another before going to bed.
- Alternatively, you can eat lots of prunes instead of juice.
Method 2:
- To a saucepan, add 1 cup prunes, 1 1/2 cups water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the flame, let it cool down and drink.
5. Triphala Powder For Constipation
Triphala powder is a combination of amla, haritaki and vibhitaki. It acts as a laxative by stimulating the release of bile and other secretions which are essential to power bowel movements.
- Mix 1 teaspoons of triphala powder in a glass of warm water.
- Drink it either before going to bed or on an empty stomach in the morning.
- For added taste, you can mix it with honey.
- You can drink it daily.
6. Lemon and Salt Water For Constipation
Lemon flushes out the toxins from stomach and small intestine. The high amounts of magnesium encourage the contractions of bowel muscles.
- Squeeze juice of half lemon to a glass of warm water.
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in it.
- Drink 3 times a day.
7. Castor Oil For Constipation
Castor oil is the most effective natural laxative which softens the stools and stimulated bowel movements within few hours.
- Consume 1 dessert spoon of castor oil on an empty stomach.
- For better taste, you can it with apple juice or orange juice.
Warning: Don’t use castor oil for infants and toddlers. For kids and young children, reduce the amount to a teaspoon. Though it is safe to consume for a quick solution but don’t use it for extended periods.
8. Raisins For Constipation
Raisins contain lots of fiber and they are a natural laxative. It adds bulk to the stool and helps to move the trapped stools. Adding raisins to your daily diet can prevent constipation problems in future.
- Soak a handful of raisins in water overnight.
- Discard the water and eat raisins on an empty stomach in the morning.
- Alternatively, you can eat few raisins daily after meals.
9. Honey For Constipation
Honey is a natural laxative which helps to strengthen the digestive system and stimulate elimination of hard stools.
Method 1: Honey with Warm Water
- Mix 1 teaspoon honey in a glass of warm water and drink it.
- For extra benefits, add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
Method 2: Honey with Milk
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm milk.
- Drink it and repeat 3 times a day.
Method 3: Cinnamon and Honey laxative Tea
- Boil a cup of water and add 1 inch each of ginger and cinnamon.
- Simmer for 5 minutes and remove from the flame.
- Let it cool down until lukewarm.
- Strain and add 1 tablespoon honey to it.
- Stir well and consume it.
- Repeat 3 – 4 times a day.
10. Milk with Turmeric For Constipation
This combination makes an amazing natural laxative to kick out the hard stools that are trapped in the colon.
- Boil cup of milk and add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric to it.
- Simmer for 2 minutes and remove from the flame.
- Let it cool down until lukewarm and add 1 teaspoon ghee to it.
- Stir well and drink it.
- If you didn’t observe improvement in 3 hours, repeat the process again.
11. Chia Seeds For Constipation
It works as an intestinal broom for your intestines and helps to move the trapped hard stools.
- Soak 2 tablespoons of chia seeds in a cup of water.
- After 15 minutes, drink the complete solution.
- Repeat daily.
12. Psyllium Husk For Constipation
It is one of the main ingredients in many over the counter laxatives. The insoluble fiber in it helps the hard stools to soak up the water and encourage bowel movements.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of psyllium Husk in a glass of warm water or milk.
- You can increase the dosage to 1 or 2 teaspoons gradually.
- Drink the mixture before going to bed.
13. Flax Seeds For Constipation
The mulicage present in flaxseeds exhibits laxative property.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds in a glass of water and drink it.
- Alternatively, you mix them with yogurt and eat.
- Repeat 2 times a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed.
14. Okra For Constipation
It contains mucilage properties which lubricate the intestinal tract and help to eliminate the hard stools without pain.
- Eat 1 cup of steamed or baked okra.
- Chop okra and soak them in a cup of water overnight. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Repeat daily.
15. Blackstrap Molasses For Constipation
Blackstrap molasses has vitamins, minerals, and magnesium which help to relieve constipation.
- 2 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses before going to bed eases constipation by morning.
- Alternatively, you can consume it with water or juice.
16. Olive Oil For Constipation
Olive oil stimulates the digestive system so things trapped in the colon moves rapidly.
- Consume 1 tablespoon of olive oil on an empty stomach.
- Repeat it in every 3 hours till the hard stools are flushed out.
- For added taste, add a pinch of sea salt to it.
- For kids, reduce the amount to half tablespoon.
17. Papaya For Constipation
It contains papain enzyme which helps to digest protein in the large intestine. It also contains insoluble fiber which bulks up and helps to move the hard stools.
- Eat 1/2 papaya fruit or eat a glass of papaya juice on an empty stomach.
18. Aloe Vera For Constipation
The laxative property of aloe vera aids in digestion and regulated bowel movements.
- Blend 2 tablespoons of freshly extracted aloe vera gel with water or juice and drink it.
- Alternatively, you can drink 1/2 of bottled aloe vera juice.
19. Orange Juice For Constipation
It increases the contraction of muscles in the colon and regulates the bowel movements. The fiber in it also helps to add bulk to the hard stool and helps to push them out.
- Drink a glass full of freshly prepared orange juice.
- Repeat again if you didn’t observe any improvement in 3 hours.
20. Figs For Constipation
Figs are packed with fiber and are a natural laxative which helps to loosen the hard stools. Use fresh or dried figs, if you choose fresh figs make sure to eat with the skin as it contains most of the fiber and calcium.
- Boil either dried or ripen figs in a glass of milk.
- Drink this warm milk before going to bed.
- Alternatively, soak figs in water overnight and eat them the next day on empty stomach.
21. Grapes For Constipation
Grapes contain cellulose, sugar, and organic acid. These three together serve as a natural laxative to ease constipation.
- Eat a bowl of grapes or drink organic grape juice.
- Alternatively, add 10 – 12 dry seedless grapes in milk. Boil for few minutes and drink in the evening.
22. Pears For Constipation
- Drink a glass of pear juice.
- Alternatively, eat 2 or 3 pears.
- Repeat whenever you are experiencing constipation.
23. Dandelions For Constipation
The amazing components of dandelions make it a gentle and mild laxative. Here is how you can use it.
- To a cut of hot water, add 1 – 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves.
- Stir well and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Drink 3 times a day.
24. Spinach For Constipation
Spinach cleanses and strengthens the digestive system and regulates bowel movements. Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicines recommend this to treat the constipation. If you have kidney problems, consult a doctor before trying this remedy.
- Mix 100ml each of organic spinach juice and water.
- Drink it regularly.
25. Oils For Constipation
Safflower and soybean oils lubricate the intestines to make it easier to pass stools. They also help to digest foods easily.
Method:
- Mix Oils (vegetable, safflower or soybean) together.
- Consume 2-3 tablespoons of oil 3 times a day.
- If you don’t like to take oil directly, add it to teas or fruit juices or salads.
26. Cabbage For Constipation
Cabbage is rich in fiber and it helps keep the digestive tract healthy. It is also a mild laxative, which stimulates bowel movements to properly clean out the stomach & intestines.
- Eat cabbage regularly in stir fries, soups, and other meals.
- Or drink 1 cup of cabbage juice twice a day before meals
27. Guava For Constipation
Guava seeds and pulp have both soluble and insoluble fibers that make it easier to pass stools. They also promote anal mucus production and intestinal lining contractions to make stools easier to pass.
- Eat raw guava as often as possible.
- If you have gastric problem eat it after lunch and don’t consume it night.
- If you have stomach ulcer don’t chew the seeds.
28. Oregon Grape For Constipation
The Oregon Grape has many essential vitamins and minerals that keep the digestive system functioning properly.
- Mix ½ teaspoon Oregon grape tincture into a glass of water and drink daily.
29. Yogurt For Constipation
Yogurt contains probiotics which helps to encourage good bacteria. It helps to strengthen the digestive system and regulate the bowel movements.
Plain Greek yogurt is a great source of good bacteria. Eat 2-3 cups of it throughout the
day.
30. Grapes For Constipation
Grapes contain cellulose, sugar, and organic acid. These three together serve as a natural laxative to ease constipation. Eat bowl of grapes and drink a glass of organic grape juice regularly to prevent constipation.
- Mix 10-12 dry seedless grapes in milk.
- Boil for few minutes and drink in the evening.
31. Coriander Seeds For Constipation
Coriander seeds are rich in dietary fiber that helps bulk up stools by absorbing water through the digestive system and promotes the complete evacuation of bowels. 100 g of seeds contain 41.9 g fiber.
- Boil water and add 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds.
- Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
- Repeat 2 times daily.
Note: You can add coriander seeds or coriander powder in your recipes.
32. Fennel Seeds For Constipation
Fennel seeds speed up the digestive process to increase the frequency of bowel movements.
- Before bed, mix ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds into a glass of warm water.
- Let it stand overnight and drink it in the morning on empty stomach.
- Do this every night.
Tips and Precautions:
- If you are allergic to any ingredient, don’t use it.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Add fiber-rich foods to your daily diet.
- For some, a cup of coffee or tea helps to move the feces in the colon but consuming more amounts can also lead to constipation.
- Prefer fresh fruits or veggies for your snacks instead of oily or fried foods.
- Abuse of laxatives can also cause diarrhea or other digestive problems.
- Exercise regularly to keep your digestive system healthy and active.
- If you didn’t find any relief with natural laxatives, consult a doctor.
- Pay attention to the body needs and don’t stop the urge to have the bowel movement.
- Pushing hard for bowel movements can also lead to bleeding, damage the mucus membranes and other discomforts.
- Relax in a warm water bath tub to ease the pain after eliminating the hard stools.