Natural Laxatives: A Home Remedy for Constipation

Laxatives, also known as purgatives, are forms of drugs, compounds, or foods that have the ability to induce bowel movements. Therefore, these are used by individuals affected by constipation. They may also be used for cleansing the colon. Some foods that display laxative properties may also be combined to speed up or improve their effectiveness.

Laxatives can either be consumed or delivered in suppository form (inserted into the body through the rectum). Natural laxatives come in the form of vegetables, fruits, and other compounds. They work by loosening the stool. It must be noted that if consumed in high doses, these could cause diarrhea. Thus, excessive use of laxatives should be avoided.

◆ Castor oil is one of the best known natural laxative ever. Having a teaspoon of castor oil on an empty stomach in the morning is a good way to promote bowel movements. Thus, it can be used for treating constipation.

◆ Mix a teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Drink this solution twice a day to relieve constipation.

◆ Mix half cup orange juice with half cup olive oil. Take this mixture twice a day.

◆ Drinking aloe vera juice, once in the morning and once in the evening, can produce an effective laxative effect in case of constipation.

◆ Add the juice of half a lemon in a glass of warm water. Drinking this solution will help relieve constipation.

◆ Add one teaspoon of corn syrup to a glass of water. This is a very good laxative and colon cleanser.

◆ Add psyllium husk in water or warm milk. Drinking this solution will ease bowel movements.

◆ Bael fruit, especially a ripe one, is considered to be a good laxative. You can consume the fruit itself, or you can drink its juice.

◆ Mix ¼ cup of carrot juice with 1 cup tomato juice and ½ cup sauerkraut juice. Consume this thrice a day.

◆ Cranberry and prune juice are very good laxatives and natural colon cleansers. Drink either of the juices in the morning.

◆ An early morning cup of tea or coffee may work as a good laxative for some. However, getting habituated to this is not a very good option.

◆ Mix a teaspoon of honey or castor oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Have it on an empty stomach.

◆ For babies affected by constipation, make a mixture of raisin juice with a little butter. Feed it to the baby thrice a day. This will work as a mild laxative, which best suits the baby's underdeveloped digestive system.

◆ Prepare some date pulp by soaking two dates overnight in a glass of water. The next morning, mash the dates. Consume the pulp thrice a day.

◆ For children affected by constipation, you can prepare a suppository by mixing castor oil with betel leaf stalk. Provide enema to the child until constipation is cured.

◆ Juice extracted from papayas, bananas, apples, avocados, and figs has a good laxative effect.

◆ Pear juice is a great laxative and colon cleanser.

◆ Yogurt works as a good natural laxative for some people.

◆ Bran cereals are known to have good laxative properties. Consuming bran cereal in the morning, or as an evening snack is a good way to prevent constipation.

On a concluding note, these naturally available laxatives will help relieve constipation and its associated symptoms. However, the best thing to do would be to prevent this digestive disorder. Follow a healthy low fat and a high fiber diet. Staying physically active will also prove beneficial.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.