Constipation Home Remedies

Constipation can be easily remedied with herbal ingredients like aloe vera, dates, chicory, triphala, fennel and castor oil. Normally, intestinal waste travels through the digestive tract in a predictable, regular cycle, usually taking between six to twenty-four hours to pass. Sometimes, however, waste matter passes through the large intestine too slowly, and the result is called constipation. When the bowels are constipated, it maybe difficult or impossible to pass stools and the urge to defecate maybe absent altogether. Constipation is accompanied by a host of uncomfortable symptoms like a distended abdomen or painfully hard stools.

The root causes for constipation are a diet that is low in fiber and moisture, stress, inactivity, medications, intestinal parasites, lack of beneficial intestinal flora, laxative or enema abuse, magnesium deficiency, colitis, under active thyroid and liver problems. Even over the counter and prescription drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, iron supplements, antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure drugs can cause constipation.

Constipation Symptoms

The symptoms are difficulty passing stools, loss of appetite, decreased frequency passing stools, flatulence, bloated, tender abdomen and malaise.

Constipation Lifestyle Choices

• Don't strain to relieve yourself, you may end up with hemorrhoids or anal fissures. This can actually make constipation worse by narrowing the anal opening. Straining too much can also raise your blood pressure and lower your heartbeat.
• Many of us condition ourselves to use the toilet not when nature calls, but to isolated times of the day. Our bowels do not function on schedule and restricting it to a routine can lead to constipation. Do go when nature calls!
• Exercise is a great aid for constipation, it helps to stimulate intestinal contractions and move food faster through the bowels.

Constipation Diet

• Fats slow travel time through the intestines. Avoid foods that are fried or high in saturated fat.
• A lukewarm decoction of lemon and water first thing in the morning works as a gentle laxative. Hot liquids or warm breakfasts can stimulate contractions of the lower intestine.
• Eat food rich in dietary fiber. Eat foods that have whole grains, raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables; and beans, nuts and seeds.
• Avoid mucus-forming foods like dairy products, fried and processed foods, refined flours and chocolate. Mucus forming foods slow the transit time of waste matter.

Constipation Herbal Remedies

• Psyllium Husks Adds Fiber

  For stubborn constipation, try to add fiber in the form of supplements like psyllium husks. Psyllium husks act as bulk-forming laxatives. Take one to three teaspoons daily stirred with a glass of warm water or as suggested on the container. Make sure you consume plenty of water.

• Laxating Cascara Sagrada

  Cascara sagrada is belived to be derived from Chitticom, in Chinook Jargon - it literally means "shit come". The presence of cascara glycosides or anthroquinones makes it an excellent laxative. Make a herbal tea infusion with some ginger and fennel or simply add a few drops of the extract in water and consume. This herb should not be taken continuously as it may become habit forming.

• Licorice Sticks Alleviate Constipation

  Licorice sticks are natural laxatives. The sweetness in licorice makes it a palatable natural remedy for children. Sucking on them will relieve constipation. Alternatively, a tea can be made by using 1-1. 5g (1/2tsp) of licorice root.

• Triphala For Constipation

  Triphala is an herbal compound made from the fruits of Indian Gooseberry or Amla, Chebulic Myrobalan and Bellirica Myrobalan. Triphala aids digestion, regulates bowel movements and relieves constipation, it is a popular Ayurvedic laxative.

• Chicory Contains Inulin

  Dried and fresh chicory leaves act as a natural laxative and is useful for chronic constipation. The presence of Inulin, a dietary fibre helps create bulk and pass stools easily. In addition to helping with constipation, it corrects other digestive disorders as well. The compounds intybin and chicoriin present in chicory encourage the growth of the helpful lacto bicilli and bifido bacteria in the gut. In Ayurvedic terms, it can pacify both kapha and pitta symptoms. It cleansens the colon and can eliminate toxins present in the circulatory system. Read other Chicory Home Remedies.

• Castor Oil, a Strong Laxative

  Castor oil is a very strong laxative, and very effective against constipation. Add a few drops of the oil in your favorite juice to mask the taste and have it first thing in the morning. But, be sure to not take it over three days as it may cause a secondary constipation. Read other Castor Oil Home Remedies.

• Banana Smoothens Bowel Movements

  Banans are high in soluble fiber and they also contain an enzyme producing compound called fructooligosaccharide which aids in digestion. From an Ayurvedic perspective, if you have a tendency for pitta dosha, banana is a good antidote for constipation. A ripe banana with hot milk when you are retiring for the night or first thing in the morning should help with this condition. Read other Banana Home Remedies.

• Ash Gourd For Constipation

  Consume ash gourd juice or fruit pieces cooked in ghee. It treats constipation and makes a good detoxifying agent. Read other Ash Gourd Home Remedies.

• Dates Provide Constipation Relief

  Dates are highly beneficial in treating constipation as the roughage provided by them stimulate sluggish bowels. They should be immersed in water at night and consumed early in the morning. Read other Dates Home Remedies.

• Aloe Vera Makes It Easy

  The dried latex from the inner lining of the leaf is used by some people as an oral laxative. The dried latex contain a chemical called anthroquinone glycosides and it stimulates the bile flow and repair the digestive system. Doctors caution against using Aloe juice for constipation as it can cause diarrhea and stomach contractions in some individuals. Read other Aloe Home Remedies.

• Fennel Adds Roughage

  Fennel contains roughage that acts as a laxative and helps in digestion and the clearing of the bowels. It is also an anti-flatulent and help process the heaviest of meals. Read other Fennel Home Remedies.

Constipation, Healing With Supplements

• Magnesium

  People with constipation often have a magnesium deficiency. Green, leafy vegetables are high in this mineral. Magnesium improves gut mobility and retains water in the colon. If you are supplementing with magnesium, use it only on a short term basis as it can lead to electrolyte imbalance and mal absorption. More on Magnesium