The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Plum Juice
Posted by Leigh Ann F. (Abilene, Tx) on 05/13/2017
★★★★★
I've learned from 94 yrs old lady to drink plum juice. I drank whole container from grocery store. Wait a while n true enough it flush bowel movement. More importantly, make sure to eat enough fiber foods to keep your stomach digest well. If not enough fiber then it constipated like flour, meat, sugar, n anything junkie.
MSM
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 07/16/2016 524 posts
My friend also reminded me that you have to snip the end of the nozzle off so that the stream is a bit bigger - otherwise it's just tiny.
MSM
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 07/16/2016 524 posts
A friend purchased a "set" of wash bottles and uses the largest for plain water and puts a stronger, soap/water/ACV mixture in the next smaller size.
She is using Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap because she read something about using cold sitz baths and since I have some peppermint, I tried it with her stronger peppermint/acv mixture and WOW! THAT would be refreshing on a hot day!! It's like a big dose of air conditioning, all OVER!! I'm going to have to put on a sweater!! ROFL! AWESOME!! That is SO cool!! Literally! Holy moly!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tom (Livingston, Tx) on 05/26/2016 64 posts
★★★★★
I stirred the baking soda into a half glass or 6 oz of water and drank it at least a half hour before breakfast or supplements. Water is the only thing that doesn't foam with baking soda. The second dose was I think was at least 2 hours after lunch or in the evening. A person should probably start with taking the baking soda because the baking soda was the main thing that got me regular again, partly I think because baking soda is slick when wet so I think it lubricates the bowels. Also, I think baking soda cleanses the bowels. So after the baking soda gets things moving in a few days or weeks, then the fiber and supplements can be added because a bulk of 8 grams of fiber helps keep thinks moving. The rye flour is 2 grams of fiber for an eighth level cup. The cellulose fiber is 4 grams of fiber for 2 level or slightly rounded teaspoons. The apple pectin is about 1.8 grams for 6 of the 300 mg capsules. So that is almost 8 grams of fiber.
Ginger, Coconut Oil, Baking Soda
Posted by Anna (Vienna, Va) on 10/23/2015
★★★★★
Thank you all for your posts.
I read from Bill somewhere this web site about fat + baking soda = soap. I had this stomach pain very early in the morning together with my recent problem of constipation. So with empty stomach, I got up making 1/2 glass of ginger tea warm plus 1tbs of coconut oil, then immediate half glass of water with 1/4 tsp of baking soda (I feel all my nutrients were washed out of my body from baking soda).
Amazingly, the pain is gone. I have been taking these two glasses for about a week now. I plan to stop at 7th or 10th day. I also learned from the same section to take 1 tsp of blackstrap molasses which also seemed to help with my constipation.
I am thankful for the posts and this web site. God bless.
Glycerin
Posted by Marcia (Utah) on 10/15/2015
★★★★★
Glycerin suppositories are the best remedy for constipation. They work within minutes. I can eat constipating foods like dairy or meat and still have a good bowel movement with the glycerin suppositories. I do one in the mornings if I have been eating constipating foods. Otherwise I don't need one. My friend who is 60 has been using them for 30 years with no negative side effects.
Glycerin
Posted by Jillybeans (somewhere in the south) on 02/07/2021 86 posts
I have gotten dependent on glycerine suppositories... like I cannot use the bathroom hardly at all even after using them. I think they might be fine here and there for me but every day might be too much for some ppl.
Herbs
Posted by Nat (Brooklyn NY) on 08/18/2022
Senna leaf is only for very short-term use, or for use from time to time.
To a lesser extent, the same applies to Magnesium Citrate and other supplements that have a stimulant action on the body.
When people use senna leaf over a long period of time, they will keep needing more and more of it. And then it will stop working. (This could take even a year. First, they won't notice how they keep needing more and more of it. and then they will suddenly notice that it is no longer effective.) And when they stop using it, their constipation will be worse than ever. For natural peristaltic action will no longer work. The same thing happens with long-term use of magnesium citrate and other supplements that have a stimulant action on the body.
Cabbage
Posted by Dawn (Calgary, CA) on 02/02/2015
★★★★★
I suffered from constipation for a long time until I found a home remedy. I made fermented cabbage drink at home which I drank 2 glasses everyday which by the way is probiotic drink. Now I also eat probiotic yogurt everyday, I was also lactose intolerant, not anymore. Lactose intolerant people should try cabbage drink first then slowly introduce yogurt to your system. For cabbage drink, one can find recipe on the you tube, it is basically chopping 1 cup of cabbage and add 6 cups of water and leave to ferment for 2 days in an air tight jar. It tastes a bit sour. I wish I had known about this earlier, I suffered for many years.
Herbs
Posted by Man (Sojournor In America) on 01/03/2014
★★★★★
If speeding up your bowels is the issue then I know what to tell you here. You will need Cayenne pepper, distilled water. Take a small amount of cayenne pepper and put it in a bottle of distilled water. Drink it all day long. Shake up the bottle each time you take a swig. And by the end of the week of doing that you should be running well. I would also consider Extra virgin Olive oil with turmeric to take once in a while too as necessary.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Nat (Brooklyn, Ny) on 09/10/2013
★★★★★
Avoid High Animal Protein Diet-especially Milk Protein And Red Meat For Constipation Relief:
High protein weight loss diets often cause constipation. In reverse, lowering animal protein, especially milk protein (including yogurt) and red meat may help constipation. In children intolerance to milk protein is a major cause of constipation. Also, avoid flour kneaded in fat, such as crackers and cookies.
Castor Oil
Posted by beverly (Texas) on 12/25/2022
Castor oil has been around for a very long time but use with caution and do not overuse. Castor beans and the leaves are very toxic and poisonous to animals.
Dry Mustard in Water
Posted by KT (The Usa) on 05/30/2013
★★★★★
Constipation: I had read an old "grandma" recipe of 1/2 tsp of dry mustard in 1/2 Cup cool water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, before breakfast, would get things moving. It worked great for me and I thought I had posted that here, on EC, but could not locate it so I'm posting it again hoping it will help someone else.
Chia Seeds
Posted by Loiz (Ireland) on 04/03/2014
Yes chia seeds also cause low blood pressure for me
Chia Seeds
Posted by Jillybeans (somewhere in the south) on 02/07/2021 86 posts
I like seeing that you noted a general improvement and documented it. We all work differently and we must keep this in mind for how our bodies react to remedies.
Herbs
Posted by Sweet Pea (Somewhere, USA) on 01/27/2013
★★★★★
You may really want to try Cascara Sagrada for your constipation. It's an aged bark that the Indians used. I couldn't believe my relults when I first used it. It worked overnight with no cramping at all. In fact, when I headed to the bathroom I didn't even know I was going to "go"! You can get it on the internet or at a health food store and it's not expensive. Make sure you read the whole label. Hope this helps you!
EC: Cascara Sagrada, sacred bark, is evidently a species of buckthorn, Rhamnus purshiana, from the Western US and Canada.
Herbs
Posted by Tigerlil (Lead Hill, Ar) on 03/02/2013
Have used cascara for years. Works well, but after seeing a program on laxative abuse, I thought I would do a little more research. It is in fact a stimulate laxative. It is not to be used by someone with U.C. or Crohns, or IBD. Well, guess what, I have some of these issues. And have been trying very hard to find ways to help myself. So I will be trying other remedies as this may actually be working against me.
Recommended to use it only occasionally. And not longer that 7 days. I have used it by itself or in formulas since the 1980s!
Also it can turn the lining of colon dark. It can and does! Some varying opinions as to whether or not this can later cause a problem.
Water
Posted by Renee (Bergen Co., Nj) on 01/06/2012
★★★★★
I also drink several glasses of water on an empty stomach in the morning with much success. (32-48 ounces usually). It's a great daily habit. Water on an empty stomach causes the colon to spasm and move the contents, as I understand it. You're also rehydrating your body after sleeping all night. I usually have a successful bathroom visit in 30 minutes or less. I eat breakfast about 30 minutes to an hour later. To resolve a more severe case of constipation, I have had success by adding several other remedies listed here to the water remedy (e.g., sea salt cleanse, eating a cucumber, magnesium oxide).
Position
Posted by Olivia (Minnesota) on 02/27/2016
★★★★★
Proper positioning has helped me in combination with taking enzymes. It looks like I was not digesting fats very well. I sit in this kneeling position in the mornings and it helps get things going...
Glucomannan Root
Posted by Pamm (Birmingham, Alabama) on 08/31/2011
★★★★★
I have had several stomach surgeries that has caused me to have Chronic Constipation, and I have been a big fan of Earth Clinic since 2007 and I have tried all your remedies, the only one that helped me a few times were Apple Cider vinegar with Baking Soda and that isn't a guarantee each time. I have spent so much money getting colonics. I was watching Dr. Oz Show and found a natural Fiber that you can buy & I was so skeptical, however after buying it and trying it, I can honestly say it works if you take it before you eat & drink lots of water.
Glucomannan Root Is The Awesome & I highly Recommend it, Its a Natural Fiber you can find it anywhere and its inexpensive! I was so surprised how fast it worked and how gently it worked. You must follow directions for it to work. But I am now a believer.
Ginger
Posted by Morganism (Granite Bay, California) on 06/21/2011
★★★★★
For constipation I would suggest 1) yoga 2) Ginger tea I like the yogi brand because it has a great flavore and other stimulating herbs that help the digestive tract. I've delt with constipation my whole life and I accidentally bought the Ginger teas and found that within an hour of drinking I'm ready to no longer be constipated. Try a few different organic brands from health food stores until you find one you like, they aren't all the same. Also if you like raw Ginger you can try eating it but be careful if your pregnant or intend to be because too much Ginger can cause miscarriage.
Flaxseed and Prune Juice
Posted by Keith (Richmond, Virginia) on 09/15/2010
★★★★★
I've been taking Antibiotics for the last month and its been killing the bad bacteria and good bacteria in my stomach. This has made for bad constipation. I finally out about found whole Golden Flaxseed. Its works quite well and is cheap to buy. My local health store sells GOLDEN WHOLE Flaxseed for $1.99-$2.49 LB. At 4 TSBP's day = 11 days servings per LB. I take 2 TBSP in morning with juice, 2 at night.
Also, Prune Juice - Not from Concentrate - with Pulp, has worked for well me. I found it just before Flaxseed. Its not as complete a bowel movement as Flaxseed but its worked very well and quickly where other supplements did not. I had 4-6 BM's first day just from the PJ.
Curezone dot com posts:
1) "The very best way I know to induce regular bowel movements - at least two every day - is by eating 4 TBSP's of fresh-ground, organic flaxseed. You must grind it yourself, and then add it to juice or food. Flaxseed oil does not work nearly as well. I've recommended this solution to dozens of constipated friends. And so far, ALL of them became VERY regular within 36 hours. "
2) "You want golden, organic flaxseed, NOT the dark-colored seeds that some stores sell. Don't buy it already ground. Flaxseed loses much of its nutritive power if it has been sitting around for awhile. "
3) "As of 3 weeks ago, I began using ground flax seed and the change from the prune juice is mind boggling. I'm having regular movements, several times a day (avg 5 or so) and for the first time in nearly a year, I'm feeling "clean", like I don't have waste within me. I don't have the urgent feeling that prune juice would induce and I just feel "normal" again. It's great. It only took half a day for the flax seed to take effect for me.
Taking Owen's advice, I've purchased golden organic flax seed and a coffee grinder. Every day, I take two ground tablespoons in the morning with some cranberry juice for a mini breakfast and then three more tablespoons at night, a bit before bed. I also drink a lot of water throughout the day (10 glasses at the very least) as that is essential to regular bowel movements as well as good health in general. I've found that ground flax seed with just water is bad tasting but when mixed with a fruit juice, it takes on a nutty flavour, which I like very much.
Triphala Churna
Posted by Wfc (Hb, Ca) on 06/27/2010
★★★★★
My GF was very constipated and I bought her a bottle of Triphala. It worked right away and as long as she takes 4 caps a day, 2 in the AM and 2 before bed.
Triphala Churna
Posted by Vetta (Northeast, Usa) on 10/04/2010
★★★★★
I have had very good luck with Triphala to normalize bowels. I take 3 capsules every night before retiring and it keeps me regular without the cramps, gas, etc. from laxatives. No fear about leaving the house the next day!
Triphala Churna
Posted by Jennifer (Sunrise, Florida) on 02/28/2011
★★★★★
I've had terrible constipation since I was young... I would have a bowel movement maybe every 2 weeks. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago, which made the problem much worse. Typical remedies like laxatives, prunes, and fiber have absolutely no effect on me. Triphala has been a miracle for me. It's not a laxative, but it encourages regular bowel movements because it acts like a tonic for your colon and digestive system. It's extremely gentle but very powerful. I have a bowel movement almost every day, without any pain or discomfort. It completely regulates my digestive system and makes me feel great. As an added bonus, it has a ton of antioxidants, which is great for your body! I use a very good-quality brand, because some lower quality brands have little to no effect on me. Look for brands that have guaranteed potency.
Fermented Food
Posted by Jens (Vancouver, Bc, British Columbia Canada) on 11/24/2009
★★★★★
It would seem internal healing of the digestive system/gut, is the key and I've been greatly helped by bringing fermented foods into my diet. I had used coffee in the a.m. for years as my "motivator". Finally caught up with me. It's a horrible crutch that requires always having access to coffee and cream wherever I went. It stopped working and I went through 10 days of being a human sewage lagoon. In my web research I came across this site and the saltwater remedy got me going although I had to gag it down. I realized a new and longterm solution was required. My naturopath suggested introducing fermented foods into my diet as a long term solution.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bonnie (Fort Lauderdale, Fl) on 11/01/2009
★★★★★
I found that I cured my constipation by eliminating dairy. I have been constipated since I was a baby. I eliminated dairy to consider it a possibility for fibroids but to my surprise I was cured of constipated. I have never been without constipation for 21 days without any aids.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Eddi (Houston, Texas, USA) on 05/28/2009
★★★★★
Hi everyone, ACV does work and it has helped me in various situations. I mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in honey and I take one or two teaspoonfuls before or after meal once or twice a day. It clears my sore throat, soothes my tummy aches, made me lose weight, opened my sinuses during cold. Please do not overtake acv. Be moderate. I've been constipated and I've had two difficult b-movements ending in harsh stool and slight bleeding due to stretching of tissue. When I eat pumpkin pitas, I go next morning and stool is softened. Pumpkin is good, but not too much bread. Pumpkin pitas are found at Spanish and Mexican bakeries. It's a great snack and heals prostate problems, bladder, low in calories, high in betas, rich in potassium. It's no wonder, I always feel good after I eat pumpkin pitas. God bless and take care.:)
