Constipation is a general problem among people. It is a condition of less frequency in the excretion of bowel from the body. It mostly occurs due to less water content in the digestive system. It can be chronic or acute. Constipation can be really troublesome if the problem persists for a longer period of time. But, it can be treated easily with some home remedies that work best in order to cure this problem.
Causes
The causes of constipation are:
- Improper intake of fiber-rich foods
- Inadequate intake of water and other fluids
- Irregular habits of defecation
- Excess intake of dairy products
- Traveling, which causes disruption in the regular diet
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Less physical activity
- Over-use of stool-softeners or laxatives
- Hypothyroidism
- Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis
- Too much intake of strong pain relievers or other drugs
- Pregnancy
- Colon cancer
Symptoms
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it indicates that you are prone to constipation.
- Difficulty in having a bowel movement
- Hard faeces
- Heart burn
- Abdominal pain
- Straining when passing a stool
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Intestinal pain
- Vomiting
- Sensation of fullness after a bowel movement
Home Remedies for Constipation
1. Lemon Juice
Just add a teaspoon of lemon juice in a glass of lukewarm water with a pinch of salt, and drink it on an empty stomach after waking up in the morning. Lemon is a natural cleansing agent for the intestines, whereas salt facilitates the smooth passage for stools.
2. Amla Powder
This is a great home remedy to cure constipation. Amla really works well in improving the digestion as it is a natural laxative. Have a teaspoon of amla powder along with a glass of lukewarm water. Take this mixture before taking breakfast in the morning or before going to bed at night.
3. Olive Oil
Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice and have it regularly in order to get relief from constipation. Olive oil is a good home remedy to take for constipation as it helps in stimulating the digestive system while improving the bowel movements.
4. Raisins
Soak some raisins in water for a night and have them the next morning on an empty stomach. Raisins are rich in fiber as well as they also act as laxatives. Raisins are especially useful during pregnancy as they don’t have any side effects. You can also eat grapes to avoid constipation.
5. Castor Oil
Add a tablespoon of castor oil into a glass of warm milk. Drink it before going to bed at night. Castor oil is one of the most effective home remedies for constipation in adults.
You can also simply swallow 1-2 tsp of castor oil in the morning on an empty stomach, followed by plenty of water. This remedy will provide you immense improvement.
6. Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses are one of the easiest methods that cure constipation. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses in a cup of lukewarm water and drink this mixture. It is rich in certain vitamins and minerals, especially magnesium, and therefore, gives relief from constipation.
7. Figs
Take a few figs and boil them in some milk. Take this mixture before sleeping at night. You need to make sure that you warm the mixture before drinking.
8. Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which is proved to be a natural stimulant for the digestive system. Therefore, sipping a cup of coffee every day gives you relief from chronic constipation.
9. Guavas
Guava seeds are very effective in treating constipation as they have high fiber content. This is one of the fast home remedies used for constipation.
10. Aloe Vera
Take 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and mix it in fruit juice. Drink this mixture in order to get rid of constipation. Aloe vera is highly laxative, and therefore, gives instant relief from bad constipation.
Note- Aloe vera should be used with caution as it can also cause diarrhea.
11. Spinach
This is one of the best home remedies for constipation as it helps in cleaning up the intestinal passage. Drink 100 ml of spinach juice mixed with equal parts of water. Drink it at least 2 times a day. Else, eat it either cooked or raw.
12. Baking Soda
Baking soda is good for treating constipation as it is bicarbonate and also gives relief from stomach ache. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in ¼ cup of lukewarm water. Drink this mixture to get relief from constipation.
13. Oranges
Eat at least 2 oranges in a day. Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C and rich in fiber too. Therefore, it can give respite from constipation.
14. Cabbage
Include cabbage in your regular diet. Cabbage is rich in fiber, and so, helps in cleaning the intestine. You can also try cabbage juice.
15. Hot Milk with Ghee
Add a spoon of pure ghee to a glass of hot milk and drink it before you go to bed at night. This is a proven old remedy for treating constipation.
16. Isabgol
Mix a spoonful of isabgol in warm water and drink it. Isabgol is a useful home remedy to treat the problem of bad constipation.
17. Prune Juice
Prune juice is another home remedy to get fast relief from constipation. Prune is highly laxative and rich in fiber, therefore, it helps to relieve constipation quickly. Have a glass of prune juice in the morning and drink another glass at night to get instant relief from constipation.
To give your infant relief from constipation, fill your baby’s feeding bottle with water, leaving 3/4th of it empty. Now, put prune juice to fill the remaining space in the bottle. This is one of the good home remedies for infant constipation.
18. Dandelion Tea
A cup of dandelion tea will keep you away from the problem of constipation. Dandelion is laxative in nature and a good detoxifying agent, and therefore, gives relief from constipation.
19. Figs (Anjeer)
Take few figs and boil them in a glass of milk. Drink it warm at night, before going to bed. This remedy will definitely provide you relief from constipation.
20. Beans
Beans, like garbanzo beans, navy beans, black beans, lima beans and red beans are a good source of fibers and help in eliminating the problem of constipation.
Note- To prevent gassiness, cook beans properly.
21. Sesame Seeds
Eat ½ ounce of sesame seeds on the daily basis to make elimination easier. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. You can also sprinkle them on your food or salad.
Note- Don’t consume more than ½ ounce of sesame seeds on the daily basis.
22. Epsom Salt
Take 1 cup of fruit juice or water and add 2 tsp of Epsom salt to it. Stir well and drink it. Take another dose, if there is no indication of bowel movement within 4 hours.
Note- Give only ½ tsp to children.
23. Yoghurt
The probiotics present in the yoghurt also aids in improving the digestive system while helping out the good bacteria present in our body. So, have at least 1 cup of yoghurt every day in order to keep your intestinal tract clean and get rid of hard stools.
24. Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is good for treating constipation.
25. Bael Fruit
Bael fruit is regarded as one of the best remedies for curing constipation as it is an excellent laxative and cleans up the intestine completely. Its regular usage will throw away the digestion problems. Only 60 grams of bael fruit is sufficient for an adult.
26. Papaya
Papaya is also a natural laxative, and therefore, helps in constipation.
27. Pear
Eat a pear every day. It will help you to remove constipation problem.
28. Hot Water
Drinking a glass of hot water daily is a good home remedy to do for constipation.
29. Linseed
Swallow a teaspoon of linseed along with water before having meals. Linseed works quite well for reducing constipation.
30. Apple Juice
Drink apple juice at least 2-3 times a day in order to get relief from constipation.
31. Coconut
Coconut is highly laxative. Drink coconut water or coconut milk to relieve constipation. Coconut oil also works wonder for constipation. You can use coconut oil for cooking food.
32. Flaxseeds
It is one of the best solutions for constipation. Have some flaxseeds along with lukewarm water in the morning. Flaxseeds are rich in fiber content, and hence, help a lot in curing the constipation.
33. Senna
Senna is highly laxative and is one of the top home remedies for constipation. But, it should be used in limited content as it can also cause cramping.
34. Fenugreek
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water for a night. Drink this water, the next morning. It will help ease up the constipation. It’s also an effective herbal remedy.
35. Homemade Herbal Mixture
Mix together few flaxseeds, 2-3 sunflower seeds, few sesame seeds, and some almonds. Grind them into a fine powder. A tablespoon of this mixture daily will help in getting relief from constipation.
36. Psyllium Seeds
Psyllium seeds are also very helpful for treating constipation.
37. Cascara Bark
It is a mild stimulating herb, which gives relief from constipation.
38. Warm Water Bath
Give your baby a soothing and warm water bath. Add some baking soda to the warm water. Let your baby soak in this water for about 10 minutes. It is a good baby constipation remedy.
39. Exercise or Physical Activity
Exercise daily or keep doing a little bit of physical activity every day as this also helps in improving the regular bowel movement.
40. Milk of Magnesia
Mix a teaspoon of milk of magnesia to your infant’s bottle of milk. Now, feed this milk to your baby. Do this twice a day in order to cure the constipation.
41. Karo Syrup
Mix a teaspoon of Karo Syrup to your baby’s milk. This is one of the most effective constipation remedies for newborns.
42. Glycerine Suppositories
Place glycerine suppositories into your baby’s anus, if he/she is suffering from chronic constipation.
43. Vaseline
You can also rub Vaseline on your baby’s anus to help ease out the constipation.
Homeopathic Remedies for Constipation in Adults
Here are the mostly used homeopathic remedies for curing constipation in adults.
1. Argentum nitricum : This remedy is useful if constipation occurs due to the overuse of laxatives.
2. Bryonia : It is helpful to treat constipation, caused due to indigestion.
3. Nux vomica : It is helpful in treating spasmodic constipation, bloating as well as tummy cramps.
4. Vaccinum vitis idaea : It is useful in treating insufficient mucous secretion of the intestine in adults as well as adolescents.
5. Lycopodium : It is useful to treat constipation in infants and children.
Other homeopathic remedies for constipation are Baryta carbonica, Collinsonia, Graphites, Silicea, Hepar sulphur, and Chelidonium.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Constipation
- Drink lots of water.
- Eat fibre-rich diet, including grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.
- Do exercise regularly.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid overeating.
- Avoid overuse of laxatives.
- Practice meditation to get rid of stress.
- Avoid usage of Pepto Bismol (an over-the-counter drug) as it also causes constipation.