Home remedies to treat and prevent constipation

Irregular bowel movements and hard, painful stools are uncomfortably common in today's world — but harsh laxatives shouldn't be necessary. Natural cures can treat constipation and get things moving again.

When irregularity strikes, there's nothing better than the North American pioneer gold standard: 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of castor oil to dispel stubborn constipation. Here are some additional tips to help you out.

Keep these tips in mind to prevent constipation.

• Consume only moderate amounts of fats and sugars, which slow down the intestines.
• Make room in your daily diet for additional digestion-regulating fibres, such as wheat or oat bran and flaxseeds. Sprinkle them on your cereal.
• It is important to combine a diet high in fibre with ample fluid intake.
• Avoid the tannins contained in dark chocolate, cacao, black tea and red wine as they disable your digestive muscles. Stay away from these foods if you have a tendency toward constipation.
• To get your sluggish intestine going, get some exercise; many times a bike ride, a regular walk or an evening jog is all it takes.
• Take a probiotic. Good bacteria keeps things humming along nicely. Yogurt containing acidophilus or a supplement may help.
• Relax and take your time. Being pressed for time on the toilet doesn't help.

In addition to castol oil, there are other home remedies that can help. Here are some to consider:

• Drink a glass of prune or elderberry juice, diluted fruit vinegar or warm water with honey in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Dissolve five millilitres (one teaspoon) of sea salt in 500 millilitres (two cups) of warm water and drink. This should soften the stool.
• Try a German cure. For centuries Germans have touted the curative effects of sauerkraut. In fact, this sausage-topper is rich in lactobacilli bacteria, which helps soften stool and keeps your intestinal flora healthy.
• Give yourself a daily stomach massage with a cold washcloth (in a clockwise direction) to stimulate your sluggish intestine.
• If your constipation fails to respond to any of these remedies, try a warm water enema (enema devices and instructions are available in pharmacies).

These medicinal herbs regulate digestion.

What you need: 

• 50 g (1.5 oz) senna leaves
• 15 g (1/2 oz) fennel seeds, ground
• 15 g (1/2 oz) elderflowers
• 10 g (1/3 oz) chamomile flowers

Home remedies to treat and prevent constipation

1. Mix the ingredients together.
2. Pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water over five millilitres (one teaspoon) of the mixture.
3. Let steep for five minutes, then strain.
4. Drink a freshly prepared cup three times a day.