Natural Remedies for Constipation

The main causes of constipation are insufficient dietary fiber and fluids and lack of exercise.  Eating more whole grains, exercising and drinking water are the best natural remedies for constipation.  However, if you need fast relief there are also natural remedies to help.


Natural Remedies for Constipation - Herbal Constipation Relief

Cascara Sagrada is an effective, gentle herbal intestinal stimulant and makes for one of the best natural remedies for constipation.  Ginger and fennel disguise the bitter taste of the herb and help relieve gas and cramps associated with constipation.  

Ingredients:
2 cups boiling water

1 teaspoon dried cascara sagrada

½ teaspoon ginger root, fresh or dried

½ teaspoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon honey, optional
 

Directions:

Pour the boiling water over the herbs and allow the mixture to steep for twenty minutes.
Strain the tea and add honey to sweeten, if desired. Drink one cup before bed and a second cup upon waking in the morning if needed.



Natural Remedies for Constipation - Lemon Constipation Remedy

Lemon is one of the best natural remedies for mild constipation.  For a severe case of constipation, you may want to try one of the natural remedies listed above.  

Ingredients:

1 cup warm water

½ fresh lemon
 

Directions:
Combine the juice of the lemon with the warm water.

Drink first thing in the morning for relief from constipation.

This treatment can be repeated throughout the day, if needed.



Natural Remedies for Constipation - Gypsy Constipation Cure

Several different laxative substances are combined with herbs to create one of the most effective natural remedies for constipation.  There are no strong laxatives, which make this safe for regular use. 

Ingredients:
½ handful rosemary leaves

1 handful black elderberries

1 pint extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon flax seeds

2 tablespoons valerian root
 

Directions:

Combine the rosemary, black elderberries and virgin olive oil.
Shake well and store in a cool, dry place for 3 days. Crush the flax seeds in a coffee grinder.  Place the seeds in a bowl and add the herb/olive oil mixture. Crush the valerian root and add to the mixture. Place the entire mixture in a jar, shake well and store for 7 days, shaking twice a day. Strain the oil through cheesecloth and store in a cool, dark place. Take one tablespoon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.  If needed, take another tablespoon before dinner.  



Natural Remedies for Constipation - Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are known in Amish and Chinese folk medicine as one of the best natural remedies for constipation.  Because they contain 55 percent oil, the moisten the intestines in those suffering from dry constipation.  

Ingredients:

½ ounce sesame seeds
 

Directions:
Grind the sesame seeds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on food.

Eat daily to treat and prevent constipation.




Natural Remedies for Constipation - Boneset Tea

Boneset is one of the best natural remedies for constipation and can be traced all the way back to the Mohawk Indians.  Its use is still popular today to treat constipation.  

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dried boneset leaves

1 cup boiling water
 

Directions:

Pour boiling water over the dried boneset leaves.
Cover and allow the mixture to steep until cooled to room temperature. Drink ¼ cup three times daily for up to five days.  

CAUTION: Do not exceed the recommended dosage because large amounts of boneset can cause nausea and/or vomiting.  Also, make sure you only use the dried leaves, never fresh.




Natural Remedies for Constipation - Links

Fiber: The Natural Home Remedy for Constipation
This article suggest fiber and fiber supplements as natural remedies for constipation.

The Health Benefits of Holy Thistle
Holy thistle is presented as one of the natural remedies for constipation.

How to Cure Constipation through Fruit

This article suggests different fruits as natural remedies for constipation.