Home Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a very common condition characterized by a disturbance of the digestive system. It occurs in the form of infrequent bowel movements, dry hard fecal matter and the bowels not being completely empty even after bowel movement. This may also be painful at times, causing a lot of uneasiness and discomfort. Since, the bowels are not eliminated in time and remain within the body for long, they release toxins into the blood stream which gives rise to other chronic disorders like appendicitis, cancer, cataract, rheumatism and arthritis. This condition also causes a feeling of being bloated and it may also result in loss of appetite and chronic constipation which may be difficult to cure. Home remedies can help cure the condition and help prevent many disorders associated with it.

Causes

Constipation may be caused due to various reasons like insufficient water or fluid intake, low fiber content in the diet, irregular eating habits, over intake of junk foods, holding back stools, improper or incomplete chewing of food, weak abdominal muscles, etc. Stress, lack of exercise and certain medical conditions like diabetes, hyperacidity, cancer and an under active thyroid can cause constipation. Also as one ages, the capacity of the digestive system to break down food, decreases, which may result in constipation.

Natural Remedies

Water
Drinking sufficient water and sometimes a little more than sufficient, can be useful in curing as well as preventing, constipation. Water and other fluids ease the bowel movements and soften the stools, thereby facilitating its elimination from the body. Drinking warm water as soon you wake up in the morning, can be especially helpful.
Garlic
One of the best laxatives ever known, garlic. It can be eaten raw, with cooked onions or consumed with milk.

Fruits
Fruits such as apples, pears, bale fruit, raisins, mangoes, figs, guava, grapes, orange and papaya are very effective in treating constipation when consumed regularly. These are natural laxatives that help ease bowel movements. These can be consumed in the form of fruit juices as well.

Coffee
A cup of steaming hot coffee can help treat constipation. This might not work for all, but can be tried to see if it works.

Barley
Barley is known as a very good natural remedy. Barley seeds should be boiled in water, drained and consumed on an hourly basis to relieve constipation.

Honey
Consuming honey along with some warm water or just as it is, thrice a day after meals also works wonders.

Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation

• Mix half a lime with one glass warm water and have this daily in the morning.
• One teaspoon apple cider vinegar mixed with a tablespoon of honey.
• Consume half cup freshly extracted cabbage juice twice a day, to ease bowel movements.
• Soak 10 grams of Spiegel seeds in a cup of warm milk or warm water and take this every night before going to bed.
• Add half a cup olive oil to half cup orange juice and consume twice a day.
• Consuming 3 teaspoons of psyllium husk with warm water or warm milk.
• Soak a handful of flax seeds in water and consume before going to bed for a smooth bowel movement in the morning.
• Make a herbal powder by mixing some sunflower, sesame, almond, linseed and flax seeds and grinding them together. Take 1 teaspoon of this herbal powder along with meals on a daily basis.
• Consume raw spinach juice or cooked spinach soup twice a day.
• Consume a teaspoon of Castor oil twice a day to get rid of constipation quickly.
• A tablespoon of corn syrup added to water, can be a good natural laxative as well.

Other remedies include daily exercising, inculcating a healthy lifestyle and high fiber diet, avoiding high fat and junk food and consuming as much water as possible. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.