Constipation Remedies

What is constipation

Nothing’s moving, even though you know you have to move your bowels. Everything in your body is sending you that signal. You feel bloated and uncomfortable pressure, but when you try to go, nothing happens. Or if you do finally go, it hurts.
Constipation occurs for many different reasons. Stress, lack of exercise, certain medications, artificial sweeteners, and a diet that’s lacking fiber or fluids can each be the culprit. Certain medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, and cancer also can cause constipation. Even age is a factor. The older we get, the more prone we are to the problem.

Here are some natural home remedies

Apples– Apples contain pectin which will add bulk to your stools and their cleansing action will encourage bowel movements.
Apple cider vinegar– As a fermented version of apples they have some of the same beneficial properties. Take two teaspoons twice a day with a glass of water.
Bananas -Bananas are high in fiber and can help restore normal bowel function.
Bran– Put at least 1/3 cup of bran on your cereal each morning.
Flaxseed oil -Flaxseed oil is a traditional folk remedy.
Beets– Take two small beets, scrub them clean, and eat them in the morning.
Brewer’s Yeast/Wheat Germ– Take half a teaspoonful each of brewer’s yeast and wheat germ with all meals.
Carrot juice– The essential oils in carrot juice have an effect on the mucous membranes in the stomach and help get the bowels functioning properly. This is good for children, too.
Dates– Soak six dates in a glass of hot water; when cool, drink the water and eat the dates.
Elderflower– Drink an infusion of elderflower once daily, as needed.
Epsom or Rochelle salts– Drink a mixture of one teaspoonful in a half glass of water before bed. This is very bitter, but very efficient.
Fruit– Eat at least three raw fruits daily. The citrus helps promote regularity. Strawberries, prunes and spinach are laxatives.
Garlic -Garlic is effective for three reasons: it soothes, cleanses and reduces inflammation.
Honey -Honey has mild laxative properties.
Licorice -Licorice is a laxative.
Molasses -Add 1 to 2 tablespoons a day to hot cereal or mix with warm water and drink it.
Olive oil -Take one tablespoonful of olive oil in the morning and one tablespoonful an hour after dinner.
Pepper -Make a massage oil of black pepper, marjoram and rosemary (one drop of each in a light carrier oil) and rub into the abdominal area.
Psyllium -Mix one or two rounded teaspoons of psyllium seed husks in a glass of water and take after meals. This is a safe laxative.
Rhubarb -helps with regularity because it is a good source of water and fiber.
Sauerkraut -Drink an 8 ounce glass of warm sauerkraut juice followed immediately by an 8 ounce glass of grapefruit juice (unsweetened).
Senna -Drink an infusion of senna once daily, as needed. Not recommended for use by pregnant women. Senna contains anthraquinone which may increase the risk of uterine contractions.
Spinach -Drinking a pint of spinach juice daily has often corrected constipation in a short period of time.
Sunflower seeds -Sunflower seeds promote regularity.
Triphala, or “three fruits” -in Ayurvedic, has been used for centuries as a mild laxative, digestive tract toner and bowel cleanser.