Best Natural Remedies for Constipation

As per medical terms, constipation is a condition of incomplete and irregular emptying of stools.

Precisely, passage of stools at least once in two days is considered normal. If not, it is constipation.

This constipation leads to accumulation of toxin in the body and cause health issues, like hormonal imbalance, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorhoids, acidity, abdominal pain, etc.

The use of modern medicine can be harsh on your gut and can even lead to loose stool or diarrhea.

So, if you have a frequent or long-term constipation, it is essential to change your lifestyle and food habits.

Regular physical exercise and having a fibrous diet can avoid symptoms of constipation.

Below, we cover a list of options to relieve constipation in adults, the elderly, as well as in children.

The natural remedies for constipation

Constipation is a common disorders of the digestive system and one can avoid it if there is regular physical activity, sufficient water and fiborus food intake.

For this one need to avoids a sedentary lifestyle by walking, and following few exercise to keep the gut flexible.

For mild constipation, one can eat fibrous foods like fruits, vegetables, and cereals like wheat and rice; to enhance bulk, retain moisture, and empty the bowels.

Drugs in Modern medicine for Constipation

You doctor would advice any of the following for constipation

1. Laxatives
2. Purgatives.

Laxatives are commonly prescribed drugs for mild constipation. They help in clearing the bowels in a day or two. The stools are normally-formed and evacuated without much strain.

Purgatives are prescribed if you have severe constipation or need to undergo surgical procedures. They are harsh on the gut and cause pain in the intestine and loose motions.

But for longterm and self medication, the natural drugs are most suitable.

Ispaghula

• It is a mucilage material obtained from the seeds of Plantago ovata. You will find the small brownish seeds to consume with water.

• Even if left in a glass of water for 24 hours, you will notice clear swelling of the material. Once taken, it swells in the gut by absorption of water.

• It is not digested in the gut and remains as such. 

• It increases the bulk and also the weight of stools and helps in the complete clearance of stools in a day or two.

• It is one of the safest ways to relieve constipation. It also adsorbs any irritants in the gut and relieves pain.

• Also, as a precaution, have sufficient water at regular intervals to enhance overall body hydration.

• Even, if you have hemorrhoids, it should be preferred to avoid further pain, bleeding and complications.

Check out the ispaghula sample, as it safe with no side effects.

Castro oil

• Castor oil is a traditional medicine used for the treatment of constipation.

• It is extracted from castor seed and has ricinoleic acid, which stimulates the intestine, causing bowel movement for easy clearance.

• Adults can take pure castor oil of 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30ml), and children 1 to 2 teaspoons (5–10 ml).

• One can have it with juice to avoid the pungent taste.

• If the constipation is mild, one can apply a drop or two in the navel before bed at night. This simple application clears your bowels in the morning.

• However, pregnant women and children should be careful with its use and should consult a doctor.

Triphala churna

• Among natural medicines, the Triphala formulation is the gold standard for constipation.

• It is a combination of 3 medicinal fruits: Emblica Officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica.

• It is good for relieving constipation, acidity, gut inflammation and other gastric problems.

• Triphala churna also cleans up the gut and the body as a whole.

• The powder form of it would be difficult to swallow with a glass of water due to its pungent taste.

• So, one can even take tablets instead. If you are leading a sedentary life or fasting, you tend to suffer from constipation.

In such cases, use Triphala tablets.

Lactulose

• This is a sugar extracted from the milk. It is not absorbed into the blood from the digestive system.

• However, it works well to increase the bulk of stools and evacuate them easily.

• I feel this is the best bet for those who often have constipation.

• One should start with 20 to 30ml of lactulose syrup on the first day, and then on the next day, you could go with 15 to 20ml.

• Since the first dose itself, the effects can be seen.

Liquid paraffin

• This is a mineral oil, which is not absorbed in the gut when taken orally.

• It comes out as is and, in doing so, will lubricate the stools and intestine.

• It is also most commonly prescribed drug for constipation. But the taste will be bland and there could be abdominal discomfort.

Fruits

• Firbours rice Fruits are natural foods that help in relieving constipation.

• They can do so because of their shorter transit time in the gut.

• Some fruits like mango and guava are very good for relief from constipation.

• Due to high fiber content, they tend to absorb water and enhance bulk, triggering bowel evacuation.

• Unlike other foodstuffs, their transit time in the intestine is very low. Due to this, they are expelled faster, leading to gut clearance.

• They not only relieve constipation but also provide good nutrition to the body. Further, fruits can be consumed by children, elders, and adults.

Yoga

• Few yoga postures are aimed explicitly at relieving constipation, like

• Headstand (Sirsasana), Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana), and a few breathing techniques like alternating nostril breathing help relieve constipation naturally.

• You can practice yourself at home with the book light on yoga. If you are averse to taking medicines for constipation, this could be the right choice.

• Also, keep a watch on your water intake. Especially during summers and winters, there are chances of constipation. In these times, less water intake is also a contributing factor.

• Of the four natural remedies for constipation, I would prefer to go with lactulose or ispaghula first and then Triphala churna. The last resort would be liquid paraffin.

• The first two help in decreasing the risk of other diseases like obesity, heart problems, gastric problems, etc. While the third one, besides relieving constipation, also helps clear the gut and body from impurities.

• Even if you suffer from piles, the first step would be to get rid of constipation. For this, lactulose or liquid paraffin would be better as it does not increase the load and keeps the anus smooth.

Also, read how to manage hemorrhoids

Frequently asked questions and answers

References:

• Castor Oil-constipation
• Fruits and their impact on the gut microbiota, gut motility and constipation
• Yoga poses to relieve constipation