Natural Constipation Remedies

Find Natural Constipation Remedies that Work...

Soothe your stomach!

Find gentle and effective, natural remedies for constipation.

Natural health remedies really work! Learn more ....

Constipation is very common – but it can also be very uncomfortable, and even painful….

From time to time we must all have suffered constipation…

• headache
• fullness
• loss of appetite
• furred tongue
• even depression

Persistent constipation can lead to piles (hemorrhoids) and possibly even appendicitis or more serious bowel conditions.

Constipation can be a little embarrassing - so it is good to know that there are plenty of natural constipation remedies that you can make at home, and obtain quite simply…

You can avoid the embarrassment of having to visit a chemist or doctor, for this relatively minor ailment.

If your constipation is frequent, or lasts longer than 2 weeks, you should consult your doctor to rule out more serious causes.

Always remember to consult your healthcare provider before taking any decisions regarding your health.

Why You Get Constipation...

• The main cause of constipation is diet.
• The typical western diet does not contain enough fiber or fluid, and it is this which is the most common cause of constipation.
• Other possible causes might be:
  • IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
  • other bowel conditions
  • food allergies
  • too much meat or dairy in the diet
  • lack of exercise
  • holding it in, when you really need to go
  • pregnancy
  • stress and anxiety
  • side effect of many medications
  • dependence on laxatives

Conventional Treatments for Constipation

• Quite surprisingly for conventional treatments, laxatives actually have very few side effects!
• Many are actually based around herbs and natural remedies for constipation.
• But you should still take care when using stronger ‘stimulant laxatives’ – as these can cause:
  • cramps
  • diarrhea
  • salt imbalance
• Frequent use and dependence on laxatives can actually make your constipation worse in the long run – as it seems you begin to not be able to function without the laxatives.
• Thankfully, natural constipation remedies are very effective, and are gentle on the body.

Diet and Lifestyle as Natural Constipation Remedies

• Of course, the most effective natural remedy for constipation is to change your diet, and take a look at the lifestyle factors which could be contributing to your condition.
• Here are some easy natural remedies for constipation, which are a good idea to fit into your life anyway!
• They will improve your general level of health no end – while helping greatly with any constipation problem.
  • Include plenty of fiber in your diet. Swap white bread to whole grain bread. Choose whole wheat pasta and brown rice.
  • Avoid pre-packaged biscuits, cakes, pies, pastries etc
  • Eat plenty of fresh fruit and leafy green veg.
  • Some foods are natural remedies for constipation. They should be included in your diet everyday (in small quantities) to keep you regular:
    • figs
    • prunes
    • apricots
    • stewed rhubarb
  • Squeeze half a lemon into a cup and top up with hot water. Drink a cupful of this every morning, first thing, before breakfast.
  • Drink plenty of water. Avoid too much alcohol, caffeine or milk.
• Do some moderate exercise every day – even walking counts!
• Relax and de-stress - try yoga!

As well as this general lifestyle advice to help avoid constipation, there are other natural constipation remedies, which you will find very helpful, if you need to get things moving again…

Most of the natural remedies for constipation can be made easily from products you already have in your kitchen…

More Natural Constipation Remedies to Try….

Cabbage

• Crush some cabbage leaves, and boil them in some water.
• Then strain, and drink the water.

Return to the list of natural remedies

Milk and Garlic

• Place some chopped, raw garlic cloves in a pan with some milk.
• Heat gently, strain and drink

Return to the list of natural remedies

Herbal Teas

• Try either Camomile or Lemon Balm as a natural remedy for constipation.
• They both work by soothing and relaxing the stomach, so making it easier to go.

Return to the list of natural remedies

Psyllium Husks

• These are a great source of fiber – which makes them an excellent natural remedy for constipation.
• They can be used long term to add natural fiber to the diet.
• Or can be used to help relieve a single episode of constipation.
• Psyllium husks are quite widely available in capsules, or commercial drinks.
• You can also buy powdered Psyllium husks, and add water to make into a drink. This makes a very effective constipation natural remedy:
  • Use 1 tablespoon of the husks in a large glass of water and drink immediately.
  • You should also drink at least one more glass of plain water, immediately after the first.

Return to the list of natural remedies

Flaxseeds

• These are very effective natural constipation remedies, because of all the fiber they contain.
• They are best used daily, to keep yourself ‘regular’.
• You can add the seeds to food after cooking, or sprinkle over salads, or cereals.
• You can also make a drink, to help you when you are actually suffering from constipation:
  • Use 1 teaspoon of ground seeds, in a cupful of water
  • Drink up to 3 times a day

Return to the list of natural remedies

Massaging the Abdomen

• I find that one of the most effective natural constipation remedies, is actually one of the most simple.
• A gentle massage of the abdomen will help most cases of constipation.
• Use the following essential oils, in a base of olive oil, or almond oil:
  • lavender
  • rosemary
  • fennel
• Placing a hot water bottle over the abdomen can really help too – or one of those heated lavender pillows.

Return to the list of natural remedies

Senna

• Senna is one of the strongest natural remedies for constipation.
• You should save it for those really stubborn cases of constipation, and not just reach for it as a matter of course.
• It really works (within about 8 hours) – but it can cause griping and pains. You can use fennel seeds to relieve this.
• Add
  • a quarter of a teaspoon of Ginger
  • a slice of lemon
  • a teaspoon of honey
  • 20 leaves of Senna
  to a cup of hot water
• This will give you a very effective laxative, that actually tastes quite pleasant.
• Senna leaves are quite safe to use, but the pods can be quite potent. It is best to consult a doctor or qualified medical herbalist before using Senna.
• Caution
  • Do not use Senna if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Do not use Senna with liquorice, heart medication, steroids or diuretics.

Return to the list of natural remedies

Cascara

• Cascara sagrada is another strong natural laxative.
• Again, this should be for occasional use only.
• Take capsules and follow the dosages carefully.
• Again, you may feel some griping pains as it works – fennel seeds can help with this.
• Caution Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Return to the list of natural remedies

Homeopathy

• Homeopathic natural remedies for constipation can also help.
• It is best to consult a qualified homeopath, who can advise you on the best remedies and concentrations for you.
• Try:
  • Alumina: for dry motions, and constipation of several days standing
  • Nux vomica: for straining to go, or laxative dependency
  • Plumbum metallicum: for long term constipation and pain in the stomach
  • Collinsonia Canadensis: for hard motions, and piles

Return to the list of natural remedies

Reflexology and Acupuncture

• Reflexology and Acupuncture are both very effective natural constipation remedies.
• They work best if seen as long term remedies, so expect several sessions with a qualified practitioner.
• Both therapies work to release and balance energies in the body – so freeing the body of any blockages in its workings.

Return to the list of natural remedies

So, you see, there are plenty of options to find effective natural constipation remedies, at home, in the supermarket or natural health store.

You should always be able to find something to help, close at hand, whenever you need it.

Save the stronger remedies – Senna and cascara – for occasional use only – for the times when you really need it!

Try to concentrate, instead, on lifestyle and diet changes, which should prevent you ever getting constipation in the first place!

But if you ever do …. You know that these simple and natural constipation remedies are effective and right to hand…

Return to the main page for holistic remedies for stomach problems – for more natural health remedies to soothe and tone your digestive system.

What works for you?

Do you have any tips and experiences in finding natural constipation remedies, to share? Tell us about your experiences...

Have you got your free subscription to 'Natural Healings' yet? Receive your free, monthly, e-mail newsletter, full of my latest natural health remedies information, and holistic healing guidance, straight to your inbox.

Custom Search