The oily composition of sesame seeds works to moisturize the intestines, which can help if dry stools are a problem. Add the seeds to cereals or salads for crunch, or pulverize them in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on food like a seasoning. This home remedy for constipation is a favorite of Amish and Chinese folk healers.
One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses before bed should help ease your constipation by morning. Blackstrap molasses is boiled and concentrated three times, so it has significant vitamins and minerals; magnesium in particular will help relieve your constipation.
Fiber acts like a pipe cleaner, scrubbing food and waste particles from your digestive tract and soaking up water. It adds bulk to your stool, giving the muscles of your GI tract something to grab on to, so they can keep food moving along. Aim for 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day to stay regular. Foods particularly high in fiber include bran cereals, beans, lentils, oatmeal, almonds, barley, many vegetables, and fresh and dried fruits. If you’re constipated and taking in additional fiber, be sure to drink more water than usual to keep your stool soft and easy to pass.
Mint and ginger are both proven home remedies to help alleviate a slew of digestive problems. Peppermint contains menthol, which has an antispasmodic effect that relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Ginger is a “warming” herb that causes the inside of the body to generate more heat; herbalists say this can help speed up sluggish digestion. In tea, the hot water will also stimulate digestion and help relieve constipation. Dandelion tea is also a gentle laxative and detoxifier.
flaxseed, fenugreek or barley work as bulk forming laxatives and are excellent chronic constipation cures. They contain soluble fiber that helps soften stools and reduces discomfort during bowel movements. Studies have supported some of these claims and defatted flaxseed meal was found to help in the treatment of constipation.
Dried or fresh figs, prunes and prune juice and fresh papaya are other fruits that are used to treat constipation.
Raw spinach helps cleanse the digestive tract and cures constipation. Drink raw spinach juice mixed with water twice a day for the most effective treatment.
Aloe vera juice is a popular home treatment for constipation. Dilute aloe vera juice in water and drink first thing in the morning and last thing at night for regular bowel movements. Some people may experience cramping or diarrhea with aloe vera juice so proceed with caution.
Pears and pear juice if consumed at breakfast and dinner time can help relieve constipation symptoms. If the constipation is severe, a fruit only diet for a few days will go a long ways towards clearing up the condition.
Guava eaten raw with the seeds provides enough roughage to relieve constipation and soften stools naturally. For the best results eat one or two whole guavas every day.
Drink a glass of hot water with half a teaspoon of salt and the juice of half a lime added to it. Do this as soon as you wake up before consuming any other food or beverages. This is believed to help regularize bowel movements.
Senna is another herb that functions as a natural stimulant laxative. It causes the walls of the intestines to contract and encourages a bowel movement. Senna should not be used for long periods of time and as with any herbal treatment should be taken under the supervision of a trained specialist.
Grapes contain organic acid and cellulose that makes them a natural laxative. Grape juice can help tone the internal muscles of the stomach and prevent chronic constipation. If fresh grapes are unavailable, raisins soaked overnight in water are the next best alternative.
Oranges stimulate the bowels and encourage regular bowel movements. Oranges also help prevent the accumulation of waste matter in the colon and reduces the chances of constipation.
High fiber foods – Include high fiber foods like raw fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, ancient grains and seeds in your daily diet. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists the following foods as some of the best sources of dietary fiber: all beans, pulses or legumes, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, berries, prunes, avocado, chia and flax seeds, 100 percent unprocessed grains, broccoli, cooked greens and winter squash.
Warm liquids – Warm or room temperature liquids (as opposed to very cold drinks), especially when consumed first thing in the morning, tend to stimulate digestion. Try some herbal tea, warm water infused with lemon, coffee in moderation or bone broth.
Green leafy vegetables – Green vegetables not only contain fiber, they are also a good source of magnesium that can help improve constipation. Because they are very low in calories, have a high water content and are nutrient-dense, they should ideally be consumed daily.
Prunes and figs – These fruits are high in fiber and tend to have a laxative effect. Several a day can help relieve constipation, but in general be careful not to go overboard with dried fruit since it contains a decent amount of sugar given the small size.
Honey is highly beneficial in relieving constipation as it acts as a mild laxative. You can have it daily to prevent as well as treat constipation.
Lemon Juice can treat constipation as it stimulates the digestive system and gets things moving.
Flax seed has many medicinal properties along with tons of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, flaxseed has a laxative property, which can be very useful in curing mild to very serious cases of constipation.
Fennel seeds are useful in treating issues like indigestion, bloating, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome as they encourage smooth muscle movement in the digestive tract.
Spinach is really good for the digestive tract, especially when you are suffering from constipation. Raw spinach has various components that can cleanse, reconstruct and regenerate the whole intestinal tract.
Figs are very high in fiber and act as a natural laxative. Those suffering from chronic constipation should include figs in their diet. For the treatment of constipation, both fresh and dried figs can be used. When fresh figs are available, eat them with their skin on. The skin contains most of the fiber and calcium.
Grapes contain insoluble fiber that helps produce regular bowel movements.