One of the most frequent gastrointestinal complaints is constipation. Many people suffer from this ailment without attempting to find a cure or a natural therapy. What they don’t realize is that they are only prolonging their suffering and aggravating their predicament. If given the option, home treatments for constipation can be adopted for their benefits and convenience. Poor diet, according to experts, is the leading cause. Our food has a significant impact on our overall health, and if we don’t get enough important nutrients, our bodies will gradually stop functioning properly. As an acupuncturist and herbalist I can say wholeheartedly that hydration is absolutely key for maintain a healthy body mind, alongside managing stress levels. But to note that stress leads to dehydration and dehydration leads to further stress its very important to break that cycle and ensure calm and good hydration are optimum states of being. Constipation is also caused by a lack of fiber in the body, which is needed to aid the digestive system’s functioning. Many people ignore constipation, believing it to be a normal state. Can you believe some people will not go to the bathroom and pass a motion for days, even more than a week?! A medical examination is recommended to give an accurate prognosis. However, even if constipation is the only digestive condition, it is crucial to treat it. Our bodies require frequent bowel movements to eliminate wastes that have been collected over time. If constipation is not relieved it can lead to a very toxic dried out body, dried out cells and a great deal of imbalance. An impacted colon can also lead to a dangerous situation and twisting of the intestines which can be fatal. It’s crucial to eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables for healthier digestion. Drinking plenty of water to also aid stool softening. Thankfully most cases of constipation can also be treated with a variety of herbal and home remedies.
Here are some examples:
1. Aloe Vera
You may be familiar with aloe vera’s usage as a topical treatment for sunburn, but it’s also a natural laxative. Aloe vera juice or gel capsules can be ingested daily. To get rid of constipation, mix 2 teaspoons of fresh aloe vera gel with fruit juice and drink the concoction. Aloe vera has the potential to be a real superfood. A gel comprising at least 75 nutrients, 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids, and 200 active enzymes is put into the leaf. Aloe vera has various health benefits in addition to being an effective natural remedy for constipation. Here are a few examples: balancing acid and alkaline levels in the stomach, reducing gastric irritation, forming a lining throughout the colon to prevent toxic waste from entering the body (and as an addition you can even use it to replace creams and lotions as a general moisturizer for dry skin, and so on).
2. Flax Seed
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Okay, it’s from a fruit not a herb but hey, it’s great so it had to be included! Apple cider vinegar has been used as a natural cure for various health issues, including constipation, for a long time. It is naturally acidic, and so for those with low stomach acidity, using ACV may help raise stomach acid levels to aid digestion. In theory, this could prevent gas and bloating, which a slow digestion can cause. It is also an antimicrobial substance, and therefore may help kill bacteria in the stomach or intestines. Potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, copper, and fluorine are all found in apple cider vinegar and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, and E bioflavonoid, and pectin.
- Drink it: A capful in water in the morning, daily will help keep you regular.
- Eat it: Apple cider vinegar is currently utilized in food as a salad dressing and to make pickles. It is frequently used in everyday life due to its significant effects in a variety of areas.
- Weight loss: Apple cider vinegar has been used as a weight-loss aid for centuries, and studies have shown that it works! It works by breaking down fats so your body can use them instead of storing them.
- Skincare: Congested bowels will often lead to congested skin so use it both internally and topically. Mix with water, to help clear congestion, help tighten and brighten skin. It can also help in the removal of freckles and dark spots.
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most useful, inexpensive, and adaptable supplements for your general health and I recommend you make it a pantry staple
4. Green Tea
The functionalgutclinic.com states ‘Consumption of green tea has been linked to improving gut health by populating healthy bacteria in the intestines. Research has been conducted in Ohio State University that has found evidence proving that green tea can encourage the growth of good gut bacteria, leading to a litany of benefits, including lowering the risk of obesity’. ‘A study by Yan and colleagues reveals that green tea is rich in polyphenols, helping the body improve its digestive process. It’s no wonder green tea is such a popular ingredient in a variety of other health and wellness beverages. Regular consumption of green tea can help you ease the process of digestion, which contributes to the improvement of your gut health as well.
Clearly Green tea can be used as part of your general good gut health protocol. So in my humble opinion another pantry staple. Green tea, on the other hand, is a well-known herbal remedy for weight loss in everyday life so if you’re not planning on losing weight just drink in moderation, as it has a huge amount of other benefits too. On the market nowadays, there are a plethora of green tea beverages. Furthermore, because green tea is a rich source of strong antioxidants, it stands to reason that it could help you avoid chronic illness and it has been said that it may help to prevent cancer.
5. Prune Juice
Prunes are a sweet fruit with a deep flavor and a sticky, chewy texture that is delicious and beneficial. Another home treatment for rapid constipation relief is prune juice. In everyday life, a prune is a pretty infrequent fruit but if you’re suffering from constipation, try this simple home treatment right now. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are all susceptible to constipation. Many cultures worldwide have utilized herbs to treat constipation and gain and retain good gut health for thousands of years. It is one of the natural cures with high success rates. Let’s not forget good pre and probiotics and also hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and of course, reduce stress levels.