Natural Remedies for Constipation

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system which is characterized by hard feces difficult to discharge. Today, it has become a common health problem due many factors ranging from wrong eating habits, not consuming foods rich in fiber, poor intake of water, to side effects of some medicines like diuretics and those that contain iron, calcium and aluminum. The condition may arise because of too much or over absorption of water by the colon due to slow movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to this, indigestion can also be a cause of this disease. In severe cases, defecation may become too difficult and painful, and can lead to bowel obstruction. Constipation can also cause hemorrhoids or piles, which is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the veins of the rectum and anus.

Usual treatment for constipation includes intake of sufficient amount of water, eating food having high fiber content, use of laxatives and enemas. However, overuse of laxative and enemas can result in too much dependence on these products for proper bowel movement. Therefore, it is always advantageous to treat as well as prevent the disease naturally. Natural remedies for constipation mainly dwell on changing the dietary habit by including more fruits, green vegetables, fluid and easily digestible foods, besides reducing heavy, oily and spicy foods from your daily diet.

The fruits that have a beneficial effect in controlling as well as alleviating the problem of constipation include apples, bananas, papayas, guavas, oranges, etc. The bananas are well known for their laxative property and can be taken either after each meal or on an empty stomach in the morning. This is one of the best methods for preventing constipation. Besides bananas, figs, grapes, oranges are also known to have laxative property. Eating an apple daily in the morning is an effective remedy for constipation. Drinking a glass of orange juice in the morning can also be beneficial for curing the disease.

Another effective natural remedy for constipation is to take a spoon of honey along with a glass of warm water just before going to bed. Triphala churna, which is made from three important herbs, Indian gooseberry (amla), chebulic myrobalan (haritaki) and bellerie myrobalan (bibhitaki) is an age-old Indian Ayurvedic medicine that can do miracles not only in constipation but also in any kind of disorder associated with the digestive system. For getting the best result, you can mix the triphala powder with water and keep it for the whole night, and then drink the liquid in the morning. It would definitely provide relief in constipation.

Include green leafy vegetables like spinach, celery and also beets, carrots, radishes and tomatoes in your daily diet. To get the maximum benefits, consume them raw as salads. You can also take a glass of carrot and spinach juice in the night before going to bed. Castor and almond oil are also effective in relieving complications arising out of constipation. Take one or two teaspoon of almond or castor oil with warm milk every night before sleeping. You can also take a chebulic myrobalan, fried in ghee with some black salt, preferably at night along with some warm water. This is one of the best herbal remedies for the disease.

To sum up, nature is said to be best healer and this is very much true in case of constipation. Drink plenty of water; daily eight to ten glasses, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, especially green vegetables, and avoid excess consumption of red meat, oily, dry and spicy foods to get rid of this disease. Besides, reducing the amount of alcohol, caffeine intake is equally important. However, if you are experiencing severe constipation, then always consult an experienced physician.