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.
Prune Juice
Posted by Rob (Kentucky) on 02/18/2021
★★★★★
A classic cure for constipation is prune juice. The fruit works as a natural laxative because it has high amounts of fiber, and contains sorbitol. Sorbitol softens stools because it is a natural carbohydrate that is not easily ingested, causing it to draw a lot of water as it passes through the intestines and adding bulk to stool. Be careful though-too much and sorbitol can cause gas and make stool too soft.
Drink one glass of prune juice (8oz) in the morning and one at night to relieve constipation. It should start working within a few hours, so it's important to let one glass pass through your intestines before attempting to drink another or else you risk diarrhea. You can also eat several prunes instead of drinking the juice if you prefer.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 02/14/2021
Hi Jessica,
On the issue of constipation treatment....
Liquorice / licorice is defined in my dictionary as: "The dried, black root of a Mediterranean plant used as a laxative and in confectionery". Also "A chewy black sweet with a strong flavor".
I seldom get constipated but if I do, I go straight for a couple of sticks of Licorice (which I rarely eat because of the sugar content! ). Also, increase the water intake, especially in summer and more walking/ activity really helps.
Seems to work fine for me.
Not too good for persons with high blood pressure though!
On another (related) matter:
I have recently given up cheese and butter in favor of coconut oil spread on bread in an attempt to ease sinus congestion but even after five weeks there is no discernible result. Pity, but I intend to stick with the CO as I think it is beneficial on a number of fronts anyway.
Readers could do worse than research the multiple benefits claimed for CO.
Cheers from Down Under (where the drought seems to finally have broken! )
Michael
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jessica (California) on 02/13/2021
★★★★★
I have been struggling with constipation since switching to a more carnivore diet due to a health issue I'm working on. Often, it will be 3 to 4 days before I have a BM. I've tried drinking more water, adding lemon juice to the water, using Cascara Sagrada or psyllium periodically. Laxatives work but they take time and I don't want to rely on them. After reading the post about the coconut oil suppository I decided to try it after several days of not eliminating.
I used coconut oil that was solid at room temperature. Since it was wintertime it was not liquid like in the summer. I simply carved a few pieces of oil totaling about 1 tablespoon. I inserted about 2-3 pieces easily into the rectum. They melt a little as they are being inserted so it is not uncomfortable. Within 5 minutes I had a bowel movement. I did it again the next day because I could tell I wasn't going to go that day. In 5 minutes it worked again. I told a friend who had been having similar issues. It worked for her in 5 minutes. My goal is to try some spore probiotics which I've read can help correct the problem. But it's a godsend to know I can use this cure if I can't go for several days. I used a quality, organic coconut oil from the health food store. I now keep my coconut oil in the frig so it always stays solid. I used refined coconut oil but I don't think it matters if it's refined or unrefined.
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.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin C
Posted by Nita (Mineola, Tx) on 03/04/2020
★★★★★
For Constipation:
2 Tbs of Bragg apple cider vinegar, 1 packet of Emergent C, half glass of water, every morning for years now. Works.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, Canada) on 08/31/2019
Awesome Robert! I notice that your typical meal has only two eggs, no bread and no dairy.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Robert (London, UK) on 07/23/2019
★★★★★
Since switching to a low-carb vegetarian diet for health reasons, I've had issues with mild constipation. I found the suggestions on the Earth Clinic website very helpful and I started trying them. My constipation has now gone, I am able to have an easy bowel movement every morning which is soft and moist.
I previously found that I couldn't eat egg yolks because they would block me up, but this is no longer the case.
The remedies the worked for me are as follows, starting with the most effective and proceeding in order down to the least effective: - 1/4 tsp of bicarbonate soda dissolved in 1/4 cup of water 1 hour after each meal. This is one of the remedies recommended by Parhatsathid Nabadalung (aka Ted from Bangkok, Thailand) in his book pH Balanced for Life! The Easiest Way to Alkalize. -
1 tbsp of olive oil dissolved in 1/4 cup of water every morning, after my bowel movement and before my first meal. - Before each bowel movement, drink 1/2 tsp pink Himalayan salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water. - Eat some cucumber with every meal. I tried lots of other things including abdominal massage and eating coconut oil, but the above four worked the best for me. If anyone is interested in my diet, a typical meal for is 3 cups of vegetables with 2 boiled eggs, plenty of healthy fat (avocados, olive oil, coconut oil), and spices (garlic, ginger, turmeric etc). I drink plenty of plain water - I don't take other liquids.
Thank you to the people who run this site. You've helped me find a natural cure to my problem, which was causing me a lot of stress. I'm going to make a donation by way of thanks.
Castor Oil
Posted by Milos (MA) on 12/12/2020
★★★★★
Wow, this, for me, has been the best method. I have tried all the previously mentioned methods to no avail. And you are right -- stay close to the commode. lol. Castor oil is best. I did 4 tablespoons today and will reduce to maybe 2 tomorrow.
Probiotics
Posted by Rituparn (India, Delhi) on 09/25/2020
Thank you for helping people with your insights.
Probiotics
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/24/2020
★★★★★
I finally cured my constipation when a friend gave me some probiotic capsules to try. They were 80 billion strength and after taking one a day for five days I noticed a marked improvement in my bowel movements. Every movement was smooth and made without effort. Doing some research I discovered that taking anti-biotics can sometimes knock out your natural gut bacteria which aids in the digestive process and that is what happened to me when I was given anti-biotics for a bladder infection. Probiotics help to grow gut bacteria to replace that which was destroyed by the antibiotics. I understand that yogurt contains probiotics but not enough to make a difference. It is only necessary to take the probiotics for seven days in order to get the gut bacteria re-established then put them away. If constipation returns then do another seven days of one capsule per day.
MSM
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, Usa) on 09/08/2020 523 posts
★★★★★
You can't beat MSM for constipation but it's probably actually caused by dehydration as the body has to steal water from the colon when it doesn't get enough as everything but plain old water is processed as food.
Plus, I think it makes my water taste like good old fashioned well water. Yummy!
I use about 1/4 tsp in every 20 oz glass of water I drink but there are days I get dehydrated because I drink so much coffee. Then I set the timer on my phone to go off every 2 hours and drink 8 oz when it goes off. That's about 10 good gulps.
Rhubarb
Posted by Zara (Batley) on 07/23/2020
★★★★★
Rhubarb root is a cure for chronic constipation.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Gord 235 (Vancouver, Canada) on 03/24/2019
★★★★★
I've used epson salt as a remedy for constipation. I mixed 1 tsp. with a cup of warm water, stirred and then drank it, then followed up with two more cups of warm water. I found it to be very effective but it's wise to be near a toilet after taking as it can produce a fairly rapid response.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver) on 08/31/2019
★★★★☆
I've spent a lot of years taking various things for constipation but recently found a video that describes what not to take; in other words things to eliminate from your diet. The author of the video said to eliminate grains, eggs and dairy and to start the day with a cup of warm lemon water. I tried this and it worked within 24 hrs. Basically I cut out bread and eggs but still had a bit of butter on my cooked veggies. I have since found that I can tolerate one or two eggs and bread slices per day. For dinner I have beef, pork or chicken with vegetables and fresh fruit for dessert. This has largely eliminated any constipation issues. I find it interesting that the solution was so simple.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Cathy (UK) on 05/05/2020
★★★★★
I'm usually very regular, owing to a wholefoods vegetarian diet. However I have been suffering from constipation for about 4 days...I'd been eating badly and not drinking enough water. I knew I was becoming impacted and a very painful BM was on the horizon. I took a tablespoon of solid coconut oil, formed it into a suppository shape and put in in the freezer to firm up for a few minutes. I then went to the bathroom and inserted it rectally. I held it there for a few moments and, to my surprise, it took effect instantly. Everything expelled smoothly and painlessly...I felt much better and lighter straight away.
Celery
Posted by Don (Michigan, USA) on 12/23/2019
★★★★★
This Holiday Season you may become “irregular“ from festive meals. Don't waste money on harsh chemicals like Miralax which is pretty much antifreeze. First thing in the morning on a empty stomach juice, blend or eat 2-3 ribs of celery with a large glass of water and in no time you will be your regular self.
Quit Caffeine
Posted by Jennifer (Napa, Ca) on 06/23/2018
★★★★★
Re a post about caffeine curing constipation -
Just the opposite! Quitting caffeine CURES constipation. If you stop drinking all forms of caffeine, you will cure your dreaded constipation. Being an avid coffee drinker for 20 years, I always believed coffee was the only thing that would make me “go”, albeit only 2 times per week(so unhealthy). I read about curing constipation by eliminating all forms of caffeine, which I swore I would never do, but then I read about so many other healthy side effects like deeper sleep, clearer skin, in addition to bowel movement regularity, and decided it was more than worth a try after dealing with constipation for as long as I can remember. I weened myself off caffeine and by Day 4 I started having regular bowel movements every day. I also slept better than I have my entire life by Day 6.
Looking back to my teenage years and in my twenties, I drank a lot of Diet Coke and had no idea how that caffeine was effecting my health. When I stop to think about all the things constipation kept me from doing all these years, it sickens me. Getting off caffeine takes a couple weeks but it's so worth the effort. I used to have dark circles under my eyes and they are now gone, and I've only been off caffeine for a month! Another awesome side effect? No more nasty hangovers!
That's right, I work in the wine industry and always thought the wine was giving me hangovers, until I quit caffeine and discovered I could drink wine and feel fine the next day! It was the caffeine withdrawal that compounded the dehydration that always caused my hangover, not to mention the pesticides in coffee, etc.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 04/30/2018
★★★★★
I take one heaping teaspoon mixed into one large cup of warm water, then sit back and wait. Within an hour I can feel my bowels starting to rumble and once I feel my sphincter starting to tighten I make sure I am positioned on the toilet. Soon there is a big woosh and relief arrives; maybe a couple of wooshes but in any event the problem is gone. I have tried several of the common fibre laxatives and have found Epsom salts to be the cheapest, fastest and best solution. It is great for those times when you long for a total evacuation after a few days of not going. I purchase it at my local drugstore, store it in the cupboard and only use it when the usual remedies don't work. Caution: make sure you are close to a toilet when using.
Epsom Salt
Posted by David (Chadron, Nebraska) on 04/06/2018
Respectfully, for internal use you'll find clear instructions given on virtually all Epsom Salt packages.
Epsom Salt
Posted by Kcc (California) on 04/04/2018
How is the epsom salt taken? Mixed in water? Used as a foot soak or in a bath? If you drink it, how much to what amount of liquid?
Epsom Salt
Posted by Lightbelly (Uk) on 02/12/2018
★★★★★
Hi- am reporting in that Epsom salts (ES) are the stars - had tried Senna tea, fibre, flax seed, water, lemon etc etc but to no avail. Had trouble locating it - pharmacies in the UK don't seem to sell the raw ingredients any more, and when it finally arrived (ebay) I tried it and nearly threw up. This was probably from having done maybe too many liver cleanses and developing an aversion to the taste. Thanks to EC - someone had suggested putting some lemon juice to hide the taste (why didn't I think of that?! ) and it really did the trick - a few drops of lime juice and no ew before bedtime. The morning relief is amazing, I'm sleeping again and the tension has gone, I feel lighter, more vital and ready to take action!
Brazil Nuts
Posted by Ninegps (Atlanta, Ga.) on 02/02/2018
★★★★★
I have suffered from constipation for many many years throughout much of my 40s fore sure. I am stunned that Earth Clinic does not have Brazil Nuts as the number one remedy for constipation. I have tried apple cider vinegar I use magnesium on a regular basis and they do not work for me. I have a very clean diet I eat lots of fruit and vegetables and high fiber every day. I do not, however, drink as much water as I should. One day I was watching a physician show on a major television networks and one of the doctors said that we must have a balanced amount of selenium in our diet. Who knew? He mentioned Brazil nuts. I immediately went to Whole Foods and grabbed a bag. They work but you must be careful about how many you consume. They can be toxic. I only eat 3 a day.
Coconut
Posted by Rw (Southwest Virginia) on 12/17/2017
P.S. Just be aware that if you have candida, this can kill the candida and cause unpleasant die-off detox symptoms. Maybe go slow with it until you know and if you have symptoms, back off a little.
Coconut
Posted by Rw (Southwest Virginia) on 12/13/2017
★★★★★
I'm on a low carb diet to keep blood sugar down and I make this concoction when I want something sweet. I discovered it cured constipation--I think it's the coconut that does it. I take about a Tablespoon of natural peanut butter (the kind that's runny), mix 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut, some stevia, and add a few chopped pecans (optional). You have to smush it with a spoon and it's like a cross between sort of a granola and fudge--sort of. Well when you're not allowed sweets you lower your standards.
