14 Remedies for Immediate Constipation Relief at Home

What is Constipation?

Passing stool 3 times a day to 3 times a week is considered normal. Our diet, age, activity level, and overall health decide our frequency of passing stool. However, it’s essential to understand that what’s considered normal varies for each person. Some may have daily bowel movements, while others may have them less frequently. This might be due to constipation. Understanding the types of constipation can help in identifying the specific cause and appropriate treatment. To reduce this discomfort, certain constipation home remedies help soften the stools for easy passage. However, for accurate treatment, it’s important to diagnose the cause responsible for constipation.

What Causes Constipation?

The primary reason behind constipation is a low-fibre diet. Fibre, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, adds bulk to stool and aids in its smooth passage. When our diet is scarce of fibre, our stools harden, which becomes difficult to pass. The other causes of constipation include:

1. Slow Transit: When stool moves too slowly through the intestine, it can lead to constipation. This slowness may result from issues with the nerves or muscles in the intestine, causing weakened or sluggish contractions. As a result, the efficient movement of stool through the digestive system is hindered.
2. Outlet Obstruction: It is also known as pelvic floor dysfunction. It occurs when there are problems with how the pelvic floor muscles and anal muscles coordinate during the process of defecation. This can happen due to muscle dysfunction, coordination problems, or abnormalities in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to difficulties in passing stool.
3. Metabolic Disturbances: Sometimes, conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism or high calcium levels can disrupt the normal body’s metabolic processes and contribute to constipation.
4. Medications that cause Constipation: Certain medications, such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, antidepressants, antipsychotics, water pills, and iron supplements, may cause constipation as a side effect.
5. Neurological Disorders: Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Hirschsprung’s disease, and spinal cord lesions can affect the nerves controlling bowel movements, leading to constipation.
6. Myopathic Diseases: Muscle-related conditions like scleroderma, muscular dystrophy, and protein buildup in organs can influence the normal muscle function in the digestive system. It can lead to constipation.
7. Other Medical Conditions: Structural issues like colon cancer, narrowing of the colon, and bulging of the rectum into the vagina can physically obstruct the passage of stool, causing constipation.

Natural Home Remedies For Constipation

Constipation often leads to the formation of hard and dry stools. When the stool remains in the colon for an extended period, excess water is absorbed, resulting in firmer and more difficult-to-pass stools. The other symptoms of constipation include:

• Straining for bowel movements
• Blockage in the anal or rectal area
• Incomplete evacuation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Bloating

Instant Home Remedy for Constipation Naturally

Several nutrients are essential in relieving constipation and promoting digestive health. A well-balanced diet rich in fibre, Potassium, Vitamin C, probiotics, natural sugars, and omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent and relieve constipation. Below are the 14 immediate constipation home remedies that are easy to follow.

1) Psyllium Husk

The use of psyllium husk is one of the most common constipation home remedies. It is a soluble fibre that swells in water, forming a gel-like substance. This adds bulk to stools, softens them, and promotes regular bowel movements. Mix a teaspoon of psyllium husk with a glass of water or add it to your morning smoothie or breakfast cereal. It provides instant constipation relief. Drinking plenty of water when consuming psyllium is essential to aid its effectiveness.

2) Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are one of the easily available constipation home remedies. These are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. It is a natural laxative, softening stools and contributing to overall digestive health. Add ground flaxseeds to your flour or sprinkle ground flaxseed in curd, and salads, or incorporate it into baking recipes. Consuming one to two tablespoons daily can provide a significant fibre boost.

3) Fig or Ficus Carica

In addition to being high in fibre, figs also contain natural sugars, promoting bowel regularity and a gentle laxative effect. It is the best remedy for constipation. Include fresh or dried figs in your daily diet. They can be enjoyed as a snack, or added to cereals for a delicious and nutritious addition.

4) Prune

Prunes contain sorbitol, natural sugar and fibre. It offers a dual action of softening stools and promoting bowel movements. Consume a few prunes daily, either as a snack or added to oatmeal or curd. Prune juice is also a convenient option for those who prefer juices. It can provide immediate constipation relief.

5) Senna or Senai Leaves

Senna leaves have natural laxative properties that stimulate bowel contractions, aiding in the relief of constipation. It is often consumed as a tea. However, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor before regular use, as it can be potent.

6) Revand Chini or Rhubarb

Rhubarb stalk is a natural laxative, enhancing bowel motility and supporting regular bowel movements. You can cook rhubarb stalks, add a sweetener like honey or sugar to improve the taste, as rhubarb can be quite tart. It should be used for short-term management of constipation.

7) Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has soothing properties and acts as a natural laxative, aiding digestive health. Mix aloe vera gel with water or juice in moderation to promote regular bowel movements. Ensure that the aloe vera used is of food-grade quality. It is one of the long-term used constipation home remedies.

8) Pear

Pears are high in fibre and water content, effectively preventing and relieving constipation. Enjoy a seasonal fresh pear as a snack, or add slices to salads and smoothies for a daily fibre boost. Consume it without peeling it.

9) Amla

Amla, or Indian gooseberry, is a rich source of fibre and vitamin C, supporting digestive health and preventing constipation. It exhibits stimulant as well as the bulk laxative effect. Amla can be taken as a long-term treatment for constipation. Include fresh amla in your diet as amla juice, or take it in powdered form with water. Amla can be taken as a pickle or eaten raw.

10) Rhamnus Frangula

Rhamnus frangula, or buckthorn, acts as a natural laxative, stimulating bowel contractions for improved transit. Use buckthorn roots to make tea. Have it in moderation for best results.

11) Dates

Dates contain fibre and natural sugars, acting as a mild laxative to relieve constipation. It can provide immediate constipation relief at home. Include dates in your daily snack routine instead of desserts, or add them to desserts for a tasty and nutritious option. Consuming a few dates regularly can contribute to healthy digestion.

12) Cascara or Rhamnus Purshiana

Cascara is a natural laxative derived from the bark. It stimulates bowel movements and aids in constipation relief. Steep the dried bark into the water and drink it daily to relieve constipation.

13) Plum or Prunus Domestica

Plums, like prunes, contain sorbitol and fibre that effectively prevent and ease constipation. Enjoy fresh plums as a snack or incorporate them as juice to promote regular bowel movement.

14) Acupressure Therapy

Acupressure aids constipation by targeting specific pressure points associated with digestive function. Applying pressure to specific points is believed to stimulate the body’s energy flow, improve bowel movement, and relax abdominal muscles. Seek guidance from a physiotherapist to know the correct points for acupressure.

Besides these constipation home remedies, staying well-hydrated an extremely important part of softening stools and supporting smooth bowel movements. It prevents and relieves constipation. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day, aiming for at least eight glasses. Hydration is essential for the effectiveness of fibre-rich remedies. Regular physical activity also enhances digestive function and helps prevent constipation by promoting bowel regularity. Engage in moderate exercise, such as walking or jogging, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Physical activity supports overall health, including the digestive system. For specific exercises to help with constipation, check out our article on exercise for constipation.

Takeaway

Constipation is a common digestive concern. Lack of insuffecient fibre in diet can lead to the formation of hard and dry stools which can be difficult-to-pass. Besides fibre, certain medications, health issues such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia and intestinal cancer can also cause constipation. Constipation home remedies are the most effective and natural way to treating constipation. Incorporating foods rich in fibre, natural sugars act as natural laxatives to relieve constipation. The most commonly available ones include Psyllium husk, Flaxseed, dates, prunes, figs, plums, amla and aloe vera. Applying acupressure on certain body areas can also promote bowel regularity and alleviate discomfort. If your symptoms are not improving even after using these home remedies, consider taking laxatives after consulting your doctor. Laxatives or stool softeners can provide relief if natural remedies do not improve constipation. Follow your doctor’s prescription and recommendations for the appropriate use of laxatives or stool softeners. Ensure you use them under guidance to prevent dependency.

References

1. Wang, X., & Yin, J. (2015). Complementary and alternative therapies for chronic constipation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, 2015, 396396. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/396396
2. S. D. (2022). A narrative review on the natural remedies used in the prevention and symptomatic treatment of constipation in the middle east. Herbal Medicines Journal, 7(4), 158–165. https://doi.org/10.22087/hmj.v7i4.879
3. Jani, B., & Marsicano, E. (2018). Constipation: Evaluation and management. Missouri Medicine, 115(3), 236–240.