Natural Laxatives as a Cure for Relieving Constipation

Constipation is a common gastrointestinal ailment that affects everyone at least once in their lifetime. It is a condition characterized by incomplete excretion of the bowel or passage of hard and dry feces. A person is considered to be constipated if he/she is having less than three bowel movements per week. Today, it has become a common health problem due many factors ranging from wrong eating habits, not consuming food rich in fiber, poor intake of water, to side effects of medicines like diuretics and those that contain iron, calcium and aluminum.

Most alternative forms of medicine emphasize on proper functioning of intestine as a foundation for good health. A clogged intestine is home to various toxins that can cause nutritional deficiencies and diseases like arthritis, hemorrhoids, appendicitis etc. Natural laxatives help in increasing the peristaltic effect on the large intestine to get rid of the digested residue. Regular colon cleansing therefore is beneficial to improve digestion, absorb nutrients and also raise your energy levels.

• In addition to relieving constipation, it helps strengthen the colon
• They do not cause physical dependency
• Are safe to use over a period of time
• Cause no side effects like stomach cramps or diarrhea
• Do not cause weight gain even if used for a longer time
• Dosage doesn't increase gradually like medicinal purgatives
• It's a holistic way to colon cleansing
• Natural remedies cause no irritation to the intestine, whereas chemical laxatives may lead to a 'cathartic colon.'

Evaluation of causes of reduced bowel movements can help us in choosing the ideal laxative. Roughage diet, exercise, drinking lots of water can help cure constipation immediately. Let's have a look at the various options available.


An inactive lifestyle is a primary contributory factor that increases the risk of constipation. Following a daily exercise routine is the best way in which you can cure constipation. A simple activity like speed-walking for 30 minutes daily is enough to ensure healthy bowel movement.

• Do not eat unless hungry
• Drink lots of water, warm water is more helpful
• Exercise helps proper supply of nutrition and blood circulation to the bowels
• Sleeping during the day or immediately after food consumption should be avoided
• Do not ignore the normal urge of the body to defecate. Suppression of an elimination urge can lead to chronic constipation
• Relaxing the body by ways of meditation, music or humor can help eliminate undue stress and in turn aids proper digestion
• Use of warm water and salt enema as a natural homemade laxative is recommended

A diet low in fiber is the main cause of constipation hence, foods high in insoluble fiber should be included in a daily diet. These insoluble fibers pass through the body, remain unchanged and give stools bulk and soft texture, which enable them to pass easily.

• Roughage diet constituting green salads, veggies and fruits.
• Whole grain bread and unpolished rice
• Cooking foods with spices like ginger, black pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, fennel, asafetida aid digestion.
• A glass of warm milk before bed acts as a mild laxative. Adding castor oil or ghee to it gives a better effect.

The juices are effective as natural colon cleansers and should be used either before bedtime and/or early morning. Fresh fruit juices will not only replenish for the lost water content but also provide body with necessary vitamins and minerals.

• Combination of fresh pear and apple juice
• Combination of orange juice and olive oil
• Prune juice
• Apple cider vinegar juice
• Carrot juice
• Spinach juice
• Grapefruit juice
• Asparagus juice
• Lemon juice and hot water

Fruits and Nuts	Vegetables and Other Foods	Foods to Avoid or Eat in Moderation
Almonds	Beets	Cheese
Apples	Bran	Coffee
Apricots	Broccoli	Fatty meats
Avocados	Cabbage	Fried foods
Bael fruit	Cauliflower	Ice cream
Bananas	Endive	Pastries
Coconut	Flaxseed	Processed foods
Dates	Garlic	Sugar
Figs	Honey	Tea
Grapes	Licorice	White flour, white rice
Mango	Molasses	Whole milk
Papaya	Olive oil	cookies
Pineapple	Parsley	Pasta
Raisins	Persimmon	Snacks
Strawberries	Soybeans	Pizza
Walnuts	Sunflower seeds	Alcohol
Peaches	Turnips	Eggs
Prunes & Plums	Watercress	Meat

Triphala, an Ayurvedic herb is the most common herb used for intestinal cleansing. It consists of three herbs as Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and Bhibitaka (Terminalia bellirica). To get effective results, you can mix triphala powder with water and keep it the whole night, and drink in the morning.

Alfalfa, Aloe gel, Buckthorn Bark, Cassia pulp, Cascara Sagrada, Castor Oil, Dandelion leaves, Guar Gum, Psyllium husks and seeds, Senna Pods, Turkey Rhubarb, are examples of herbs that speed the elimination of waste and toxins.

Laxatives are medications that help soften stools and also increase frequency of defecation. They are easily available in the form of tablets and syrups over-the-counter. However, one can easily get addicted to them to carry out their regular bowel movement. Short-term use of chemical laxatives is advocated only when the symptoms are intense. The use of natural laxatives is the safest and effective bet one can place on while dealing with constipation. So, it's best to stop enduring the discomfort quietly when natural laxatives can help you answer the nature's call.