50 home remedies and natural treatments for constipation

Having constipation can make you suffer in silence. Learn about home remedies to beat constipation fast. Some natural treatments can also offer relief. In this post let us discuss how to get rid of constipation naturally.

Constipation is one of the common problem, normally it doesn't need any treatment. It affects legions of population all around the globe, If prolonged you can treat it successfully at home with simple natural remedies. 

It is not an illness it is a problem. If you are going to the toilet less often than usual to empty the bowels, or passing hard or painful poo (stools or motions) you may have constipation. Constipation can be caused by not eating enough fiber, or not drinking enough fluids. It can be a side-effect of certain medicines also, or it may be due to any other underlying medical condition. In many cases, the cause is not clear. 

Constipation means different things to different people. For many people, it simply means infrequent stools. For others, however, constipation means hard stools, difficulty passing stools (straining), or a sense of incomplete emptying after a bowel movement.

American’s spend a little less than $1 billion dollars a year on laxatives that will ultimately only contribute to the problem, and wreak havoc on the body. It's not a good idea to use laxatives as the first line of attack when you're constipated. They can become habit-forming to the point that they damage your colon. 

Some laxatives inhibit the effectiveness of medications you're already taking, and there are laxatives that cause inflammation to the lining of the intestine.

No need to worry, constipation is, thankfully, something that can often be effectively treated naturally at home. As a bonus, many of the lifestyle changes that help constipation (diet, exercise, etc.) simply make you an overall happier, healthier human being.

What are the causes of constipation?

Not eating enough fibre (roughage) is a common cause. The average person is eating less than the recommended value of fiber each day. Fiber is the part of plant food that is not digested. It remains in your gut. It adds bulk to the stools, and helps your bowels to work well. Foods high in fibre include: fruit, vegetables, cereals and wholemeal bread.

Not drinking much may make constipation worse. Stools are usually soft and easily passed if you eat enough fibre, and drink enough fluid. However, some people need more fibre and/or fluid than others in order to avoid constipation.

Some special slimming diets are low in fibre, and may cause constipation.

Some medicines can cause constipation as a side-effect. Examples are painkillers, some antacids, some antidepressants and iron tablets, but there are many others. See the list of possible side-effects on the leaflet that comes with any medicine that you may be taking. Tell a doctor if you suspect a medicine is making you constipated. A change of medication may be possible.

Various medical conditions can cause constipation. For example, an under active thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome, some gut disorders, and conditions that cause poor mobility, particularly in the elderly.

Pregnancy. About 1 in 5 pregnant women will become constipated. It is due to the hormonal changes of pregnancy that slow down the gut movements. In later pregnancy, it can simply be due to the baby taking up a lot of room in the tummy and the bowels being pushed to one side.

Unknown cause (idiopathic) Some people have a good diet, drink a lot of fluid, do not have a disease or take any medication that can cause constipation, but still become constipated. Their bowels are said to be underactive. This is quite common and is sometimes called functional constipation or primary constipation. Most cases occur in women. This condition tends to start in childhood or in early adulthood, and persists throughout life

Natural home remedies for constipation

1) Drink Water

Constipation is a symptom of decreased frequency in bowel movements, usually because it contains less water than normal. So the first thing you should be doing is drink 10-20 ounces of pure water. Water is one of the best liquids that wash waste and toxins out of our body. If you have constipation for several days drink 6-8 glass of lukewarm water everyday.

2) Establish a routine
Potty schedules aren’t just for puppies, they’re a great way to relieve and prevent constipation in humans too. Regulating the timing of when you go to the bathroom will regulate your bowel movements as well. Set aside about 15 minutes anywhere from 1-3 times a day, and take your time, even if nothing happens. Make sure you stay relaxed, and eventually your body will catch on.

3) Heed natures call
This is a preventative measure to help ward off those uncomfortable bouts of constipation in the future, and it’s pretty straightforward. When you need to go to the bathroom-go! Your body is giving you the signal for a reason, and it’s a good idea to listen. 

The longer you hold it in, the more water is absorbed from the stool, and the harder it becomes. You’re body also only sends the signal to have a bowel movement for a certain amount of time. After a certain amount of time, you stop feeling like you have to go. Delay the duty and you may not get the heads up to go until you’re even more clogged. 

4) Get moving

If you want stuff to move through your body, you need to move too! Our lifestyle these days not only involves dietary changes that increase constipation, but we’re often sitting much more than we’re active. While there isn’t an exact scientific reason as to why lack of exercise is linked with getting clogged up, we can assume that moving the body helps get the smooth muscle in the colon moving as well.

5) Increase dietary fiber
The best way of adding fiber to the diet is increasing the quantity of fruits and vegetables that are eaten.Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables. Select a variety, including sweet potatoes, apples, berries, apricots, peaches, pears, oranges, prunes, corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli and cauliflower. And opt for the whole produce over juice as much as possible; a glass of orange juice, for instance, provides 0.1 grams of fiber, while eating an orange gives you 2.9 grams.

6) Cut down refined foods
Stop taking refined foods and try replacing them with high-fiber and less refined foods. Start switching from processed cereals to wholegrain cereals, over cooked vegetables to slightly cooked vegetables and start using whole wheat grains as a substitute to white flour. Doing this will help you enhance fiber intake.

7) Eat fiber rich grains

Eat 6 ounces of grain products each day. Grain products include cereals, breads and starchy vegetables (such as corn, green peas, potatoes and lima beans). Whenever possible, choose whole grains such as whole-wheat bread and whole-grain cereal. To get a big dose of fiber early in the day, eat high-fiber cereal for breakfast.

8) Oil makes it going.

Pure olive oil helps relieve constipation. It stimulates your digestive system, which helps get things moving through your colon, and taken regularly it can prevent constipation as well. In the morning consume one tablespoon of olive oil. It works best on an empty stomach, so have it before you eat anything else.

9) Lemon juice

The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a stimulant for your digestive system, and can also help flush out toxins and undigested material that may have built up along the walls of the colon. Mixing the juice with water not only lessens the intensity of the lemon flavor, but helps get you the fluids you need to get everything moving normally again. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into 1 cup of warm water. Drink or sip until finished completely.

10) Try Molasses

Consume one teaspoon of black strap molasses. You can add it to a cup of warm water or tea to dilute the taste. If you find that a teaspoon has not been effective, you can go as high as 1-2 tablespoons, but try less at first.

11) Flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil is a pretty simple home remedy for constipation. It sort of coats the walls of the intestine, as well as stool, and increases the number of bowel movements you are having. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil with 1 glass of orange juice. Drink as needed, but give it time (up to 5 hourse) to start working so you don’t overdo it.

12) Aloe vera 

Aloe vera can sooth your tummy. It’s best to use pure aloe vera gel from the plant. The gel straight from the plant is more concentrated than commercial aloe juice so don’t use more than 2 tablespoons. If you don’t have an aloe plant, than drinking aloe juice can accomplish similar results.

13) Baking soda

Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with ¼ cup of warm water. Drink all of the mixture-the quicker you finish it, the better it seems to work. Baking soda works incredibly well for constipation (and tummy aches in general) because it is a bicarbonate, which will encourage air to come out of you one way or another, and relieve pain from pressure. It also re-alkalizes the stomach, neutralizing the acid a little bit and helping things pass through your gut. 

14) Epsom salt
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of Epsom salt in one cup of water or fruit juice and drink all of it. If within 4 more hours there is no sign of bowel movement, you may take one more dose. Only use ½ teaspoon for children. Epsom salt is an effective home remedy for constipation for two main reasons. First, the salt draws water from its surroundings, softening up stool and making it easier to pass. Second, the magnesium that is present in the salt promotes contraction of the bowel muscles, which also makes passing easier.

15) Dandelion
The constituents of dandelions make it a gentle laxative as well as an effective detoxifier, and a cup of dandelion tea will be enormously beneficial to those who are suffering from constipation due to in-activeness or the consumption of a lot of processed foods. Put 1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves into a mug, and pour hot water over them. Cover and let steep for 6-10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day.

16) Prune juice

Drink one glass of prune juice in the morning and one at night to relieve constipation. It is a natural laxative because it has high amounts of fiber, and contains sorbitol. It should start working within a few hours, so it’s important to let one glass pass through your intestines before attempting to drink another-or else you risk diarrhea. You can also eat several prunes instead of drinking the juice if you prefer.

17)  Psyllium seeds

Mix one to two teaspoons of psyllium seeds into a cup of hot water. Let it sit for two hours, add lemon and honey, then drink.

18) Dried grapes

Soak 5-6 black dried grapes (munnaka). Soak in the water and leave it overnight. Eat them early morning.

19) Spinach tomato juice

Take 15 leaves of spinach and two tomatoes, grind them. Extract the juice and drink first thing in the morning. It acts as laxative. This relieves the bowels.

20) Fig and prune juice

This is very simple and effective. Mix one glass of 50 percent fig juice and 50 percent prune juice. Drink this first thing in the morning. This powerful home remedy will help to get rid of constipation

21) Coconut oil

Try a tablespoon of unrefined, virgin, or extra virgin coconut oil...up to 3 a day. Usually gets things moving again pretty quickly.

22) Psyllium seed husk (Isabgol)

Before going to bed take 2 table spoon full of psyllium seed husk with a glass of water or milk. see the result in the morning. It works partly by lubrication and partly by increasing the bulk of the intestinal contents, which stimulates bowel movement.

23) Use a cup of coffe

Caffeine is a natural stimulant for the digestive system, taking a cup can relieve constipation. 1-2 cups is fine, but make sure you don’t overdo it-too much can actually have the opposite effect. Coffee is a diuretic and makes you urinate more frequently, and if you drink it an excess, it can cause constipation by dehydrating your body and drawing out water that would normally soften your stool.

24) Honey
Honey can also be used as a very mild laxative. Take 1 tbsp of raw honey twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, you can also mix it with warm water. If it is not working then try mixing it with blackstrap molasses or 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar of same quantity. Since honey is also high in calories, better you it occasionally.

25) Fennel seeds
Natural home remedy using fennel seed powder: Take 1 glass warm water. Add ½ tsp fennel seed powder. Mix well. Drink at bedtime

26) Raisins (kishmish) 

Raisins are packed with fiber and act as great natural laxatives. Soak a handful in water overnight and have them first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This remedy also works wonders for pregnant woman, without the side effects of medication.

27) Guavas 

It has soluble fibre in the pulp and insoluble fiber content in the seeds. They also help with the mucus production in the anus and with peristalsis (a series of contractions within the intestinal lining that helps the passage of food in the stomach). 

28) Figs (Anjeer), 

Either dried or ripe, are packed with fiber. For relief from constipation, boil a few figs in a glass of milk, drink this mixture at night before bed. Make sure the mixture is warm when you drink it. Using a whole fruit for this purpose is much better as compared to syrups that are available commercially.

29) Flax seeds (Alsi) 

These are known for their fiber content, and can very well help you when it comes to constipation. You can mix flax seeds in your cereal every morning or just have a handful with warm water early in the morning.

30) Castor oil 

It has been used for centuries as a sure shot remedy for constipation and has properties that can kill intestinal worms. If drinking a spoon of castor oil alone is not something you’d like to do, you could add a tablespoon of it in a warm glass of milk. Have this mixture at night before bed to relieve constipation.

31) Spinach 

It have properties that cleanse, rebuild and renew the intestinal tract. You can have about 100 ml of spinach juice mixed with an equal quantity of water twice daily. This home remedy is the most effective method to cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.

32) Oranges 

These are not only a great source of Vitamin C but also have a large amount of fiber content. Eating two oranges every day, once in the morning and once in the evening can provide great relief from constipation.

33) Seed mixtures 

2-3 sunflower seeds, a few flax seeds, til or sesame seeds and almonds ground together to a fine powder can help relieve constipation. Have one tablespoon of this mixture everyday, for a week. You can add it to your salad or cereal every morning. This mixture not only provides the necessary fiber content to relieve constipation but it also helps in rejuvenating the intestinal walls.

34) Agarwood tea

A great home remedy to cure constipation is agarwood leaves. Drinking a cup of agarwood tea every night before going to sleep may promote a healthy bowel movement the next morning. It detoxifies the body and flushes out the toxins and improves overall health. Agarwood tea is caffeine free and contains no preservatives and additives thus it will not have an adverse allergic reaction for patients already afflicted with constipation.

35) Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil 2 table spoons everyday in the morning with coffee. Don't eat until it works for a colon flush.

36) Flax Seeds and Apple Cider Vinegar Mix
Place 1 tablespoonful of flax seeds into boiling water and simmer until the substance will become jelly like. Once it cools down add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Drink in the morning.

37) Flax seeds and oat bran Mix
Place 1 tablespoonful of flax seeds and 1 tablespoonful of oat bran into little bowl, cover the mixture with filtrated water and leave overnight. Eat this mixture in the morning half an hour before your breakfast. Do not forget to drink lots of water!

38) Apple juice

Get some 100% PURE apple juice (not from concentrate!). Drink 2 glasses in the morning and you will have relief by evening.

39) Papaya

It's super simple. Cut up papaya and eat it. I guarantee that it'll completely unclog your pipes.

40) Dill Pickles

Eat 2 or 3 dill pickles, or just drink the juice. It will work in about 15 minutes

41) Eat Pears

This is as simple as cutting up a pear. Take the pear out of the fridge, and leave it out for an hour. Eat it at room temperature. It is a very quick remedy for constipation. Works every time.

42) Dried apricots

Take 10 dried apricots at bed time, It contains magnesium which helps sooth your tummy. 

43) Yogurt

Healthy gut flora is vital to keep our digestive system working properly. There are a number of ways to go about helping your bacteria flourish, one simple method is to enjoy a cup of yogurt, which is filled with probiotics, with breakfast and during the day.

44) Eat beans

Dried beans and legumes, whether they're pinto beans, red beans, Lima beans, black beans, navy beans or garbanzo beans, are excellent sources of fiber. Many people don't like them because of the gassiness they may cause. Cooking beans properly, however, can ease this problem considerably. Plus, if you add beans to your diet gradually, you'll minimize gassiness.

45) Sauerkraut

Take 1/2 a cup of sauerkraut with your dinner. It contains acetylcholine, which encourages affeciant working of intestine muscles that allows movement of stools through the body for excretion and hence it is vital that this is working effectively to prevent build-up and constipation. It also contains natural probiotics, which help to keep our digestive system in order.

46) Ginger
It contains chemicals that stimulate your digestive system by increasing the wave like contractions (called peristalsis) that move food through your intestines. It promotes good intestinal health and relives constipation and bloating. You can have a ginger tea first thing in the morning or any other way you like

47) Dates

Dates have gentle laxative properties. For that purpose, take warm water in a bowl soak 5 or 6 overnight or during the day. They should be chewed well and followed with the remaining water. Do this morning and night.

48) Eat Kiwis

Kiwi fruit contains rich source of dietary fibers, This amazing fruit also contains a lot of natural digestive enzymes and phenols that can speed up and improve the body’s metabolic process. Furthermore, kiwi fruits are also the richest source of prebiotics, which are needed by the body to ensure a healthy good bacteria population in the gut at all times. Having 2 kiwis before your breakfast will keep you regular, in addition it will give you your daily intake of vitamin C.

49) Blueberries

It's as easy as it sounds - eat fresh blueberries. It works within only hours. Blueberries are a good source of fiber. A 1-cup serving of raw blueberries, at just 84 calories, contains 4 g of fiber, or over 15 percent of the recommended daily intake. The soluble fiber present in blueberries can absorb 10 to 15 times its own weight in water, drawing fluid into your gut and increasing bowel movements.

50) Relive stress

Mood can affect constipation. Depression or anxiety can have a meaningful effect on constipation. Try to relieve your stress or lighten your depression by whatever means work for you. Meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and/or relaxation techniques can all be effective anxiety reducers. Acupressure, shiatsu massage, or massaging the abdomen may also help cure constipation caused by depression or anxiety.

Are you suffering from constipation? have you tied any of the above natural remedies before? Please share your home remedy that works for you in the comment section.