Many people have experienced the unpleasant and annoying condition of constipation at some point in their lives. Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal problem that can impact individuals of any age—rare bowel movements, troubles with passing stools, and a sense of incomplete emptying mark it. While occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation can lead to discomfort and other health problems.
Thankfully, there are a number of efficient home remedies for constipation that can lessen this frequent problem. You can encourage regular bowel movements and enhance digestive health by making small dietary changes, drinking more water, and using natural therapies. These treatments, which address the underlying causes of constipation and promote general well-being, frequently call for readily available solutions and lifestyle modifications. Investigating these options can provide comfort and support the upkeep of a healthy, balanced digestive system.
Read along to learn about 22 home remedies for constipation and how to get immediate relief for adults.
Table Of Contents
1. What Can Provide Immediate Constipation Relief In Adults?
2. 22 Home Remedies For Immediate Relief Of Constipation
3. Dietitian’s Recommendation
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
What Can Provide Immediate Constipation Relief In Adults?
Hydration, physical activity, and natural laxatives can immediately relieve constipation in adults. A big glass of warm water can help induce bowel motions since it hydrates the intestines and facilitates the passage of faeces. Light exercise, like walking, can also help by increasing intestinal activity.
Over-the-counter remedies like magnesium citrate can work for a more direct approach within a few hours. The role of magnesium in constipation is that it pulls water into the intestines, softens the stool and stimulates bowel movements. Additionally, consuming a spoonful of olive or castor oil can act as a natural laxative by lubricating the intestines and promoting movement.
Apart from this, you can also take ToneOp Care’s Isab Go+ sachets, which contain ispaghula husk with lactitol monohydrate. They help soften the stools and make bowel movements smooth and regular. Further, this can help prevent piles and fissures, which are common conditions among people afflicted with chronic constipation.
22 Home Remedies For Immediate Relief Of Constipation
Here are some effective home remedies for constipation:
Ingredient
Description
How to Use
Triphala Churna
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation made from three fruits: Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki.
The powdered form of Triphala is well known for its ability to facilitate digestion and clear the digestive system.
It also works as a gentle laxative, helping to regulate bowel movements.
Mix one teaspoon of Triphala churna in warm water and consume it before bedtime.
This helps stimulate the digestive system and promotes a smooth bowel movement in the morning.
Isabgol (Psyllium Husk)
Isabgol, or psyllium husk, is a popular remedy for constipation in India. It is a naturally occurring source of soluble fibre, which gives the stool more volume and absorbs water to facilitate passage.
Depending on the dosage, isabgol is often used to relieve constipation and diarrhoea.
Before bed, dissolve one or two teaspoons of Isabgol in warm water or milk.
To stay hydrated, drink enough water throughout the day.
Ghee and Warm Milk
Ghee, known for its lubricating properties, is a staple in many Indian households.
It contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that supports gut health and improves digestion.
When mixed with warm milk, ghee acts as a natural laxative due to its ability to coat the intestines, helping to relieve constipation.
Mix one or two teaspoons of ghee with a glass of warm milk before bed.
This remedy helps lubricate the intestines and promotes a smooth bowel movement the following morning.
Ajwain
(Carom Seeds)
Ajwain, or carom seeds, is celebrated for its digestive benefits.
It contains thymol, which stimulates the production of gastric juices and digestive enzymes.
This enhances digestion and reduces symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion, which can contribute to constipation.
Roast a teaspoon of Ajwain seeds and consume them with a pinch of black salt and warm water.
An alternative is to boil the Ajwain seeds in water, filter the resulting liquid, and then sip it as tea.
Fennel Seeds (Saunf)
Fennel seeds are rich in anethole, a compound known for its carminative properties that help relieve bloating and gas.
They promote digestion by relaxing the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, making them particularly beneficial for those suffering from gas-related constipation.
After eating, chew one teaspoon of fennel seeds or steep the seeds in water to produce fennel tea, then filter and drink the beverage.
Sesame Seeds (Til)
Sesame seeds are high in fibre and healthy fats, which help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.
Sesame seeds' oil lubricates the intestines, facilitating smoother stool passage and making them an effective remedy for constipation.
You can consume a teaspoon of roasted sesame seeds daily or sprinkle them on salads, yoghurt, or other dishes.
Sesame oil can also be used as a supplement or utilised in cooking.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla is packed with vitamin C and dietary fibre, which are essential for digestive health.
Its high fibre content helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to stool, while its antioxidant properties protect the gut lining from inflammation.
Amla can be consumed fresh, dried, or as a juice.
Consuming fresh amla daily or having a tablespoon of amla juice mixed with warm water in the morning can prevent constipation.
Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
Cumin seeds contain compounds like cumin aldehyde that stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes.
This enhances digestion and helps alleviate common gut problems, including constipation, by promoting regular bowel movements.
One teaspoon of cumin seeds should be boiled in water, strained, and then consumed as tea.
You can also dry roast cumin seeds, grind them into a powder, and add it to buttermilk or yoghurt.
Ginger (Adrak)
Spices like ginger are very adaptable and have many health benefits, especially for your digestive system.
They help reduce bloating, stimulate digestion, and promote bowel movements.
Ginger can be especially effective for constipation caused by colds or sluggish digestion.
One way to consume ginger tea is to boil fresh ginger slices in water or incorporate ginger into your dishes.
Alternatively, mix ginger juice with a teaspoon of honey before meals.
Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which is known for its strong laxative effects.
It stimulates the intestines and promotes bowel movement, making it among the best home remedies for constipation in India.
Take one to two teaspoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. It usually works within a few hours, so staying near a bathroom is best.
However, castor oil should be used sparingly rather than as a long-term solution, as it can lead to dependency.
Tamarind (Imli)
Tamarind is rich in tartaric acid and dietary fibre, which contribute to its natural laxative properties.
It helps stimulate bowel movements and is often used in Indian cooking for its tangy flavour and digestive benefits.
Soak tamarind pulp in water, strain it, and drink the water.
Alternatively, you can consume tamarind chutney or include tamarind in your cooking.
Bael Fruit (Wood Apple)
Bael, also known as wood apple, is another traditional remedy for constipation in India.
It is rich in fibre and has natural laxative properties that help cleanse the intestines and promote regular bowel movements.
Scoop out the pulp of the bael fruit, mix it with water or milk, and consume it.
Bael fruit juice is also a popular option.
Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit widely available in India and known for its digestive benefits.
Papain, an enzyme in it, facilitates digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Papaya is also fibre-rich, making it an excellent choice for promoting regular bowel movements.
Eat a bowl of ripe papaya daily, preferably in the morning, to help regulate your bowel movements.
Gond Katira (Tragacanth Gum)
Gond katira, or tragacanth gum, is a natural gum derived from the sap of certain plants.
Due to its high fibre content, it is commonly used in Indian traditional medicine to treat constipation.
Soak gond katira in water overnight.
The gum will swell and form a gel-like consistency.
Drink the gel with milk or water in the morning to help relieve constipation.
Black Raisins (Munakka)
Black raisins, or munakka, are dried grapes known for their natural laxative properties.
They are rich in fibre and help stimulate bowel movements, making them an effective remedy for constipation.
Soak a handful of black raisins in water overnight.
The next morning, eat them on an empty stomach and also drink the water they were soaked in.
Buttermilk (Chas)
Buttermilk, or chas, is a traditional Indian beverage made from yoghurt.
It is an excellent probiotic that promotes gut health and aids digestion.
By stimulating the digestive system, buttermilk also helps prevent and relieve constipation.
Drink a glass of buttermilk after meals.
Mix in some chopped coriander leaves, roasted cumin powder, and a teaspoon of black salt for extra taste and digestive advantages.
Black Salt (Kala Namak)
Black salt, popularly known as kala namak, is rock salt commonly used in Indian cooking.
It has laxative properties and helps relieve gas and bloating, which can contribute to constipation.
Sprinkle black salt on fruits like papaya or mix it in buttermilk or lemon water to enhance its digestive benefits.
Indian Blackberry (Jamun)
Jamun, or Indian blackberry, is a seasonal fruit that is rich in fibre and astringent.
It aids in enhancing digestion and alleviating constipation.
Eat a handful of fresh jamun during its season, or consume jamun juice or powder with water.
Banana
Bananas are widely consumed in India and are known for their digestive benefits.
They are rich in fibre and help in regulating bowel movements.
Ripe bananas, in particular, are effective in relieving constipation.
Eat a ripe banana daily, preferably in the morning, to help maintain regular bowel movements.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, renowned for its healing qualities, is a well-liked plant in India.
It has natural laxative effects and can help relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements.
Fresh aloe vera gel should be taken and combined with water or juice.
Drink this concoction first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal effects.
Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana)
Fenugreek seeds, or methi dana, are commonly used in Indian cooking and are known for their high fibre content.
They help soften stool and encourage consistent bowel movements.
For one night, soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water.
In the morning, consume the seeds and water on an empty stomach.
Dates (Khajur)
Dates, or khajur, are a natural source of fibre and have been used in India for centuries to treat constipation.
They help promote digestion and ease bowel movements.
A few dates should be soaked in water overnight and eaten the next morning.
You can also consume dates as a snack throughout the day.
Apart from the above-mentioned home remedies for constipation, you can include soaked chia seeds in your daily diet. Rich in soluble fibre, chia seeds absorb water in the intestines to create a gel-like consistency. This helps soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements.
Soak a tablespoon of chia seeds in water overnight and consume them in the morning, either on their own or mixed into yoghurt or smoothies. This treatment boosts antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids for general health while relieving constipation.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
Constipation is a common issue that can often be managed with simple home remedies. Indian home remedies for constipation offer natural and effective relief, such as consuming Triphala churna and ghee with warm milk and increasing fibre intake with foods like Isabgol.
Hydration, physical activity, and stress management are crucial in maintaining regular bowel movements. Incorporating these home remedies for constipation into your everyday life can help prevent it and support long-term digestive health. However, while these home remedies provide relief if constipation persists, you should see a doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
FAQs
1. How can I get immediate relief from severe constipation?
For immediate relief from severe constipation, drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice, which stimulates digestion. You can also try a quick-acting laxative like magnesium citrate or take a tablespoon of castor oil to induce a bowel movement. Physical activity, such as brisk walking, can further help stimulate your bowels.
2. How do you stimulate a bowel movement quickly?
To stimulate a bowel movement quickly, drink a glass of warm water, engage in light exercise like walking, and try natural laxatives such as prunes or flaxseeds. Over-the-counter options like glycerine suppositories or magnesium supplements can also be effective. Gentle abdominal massage can help trigger the intestines to move.
3. What is the quickest drink for constipation?
The quickest drink for constipation is warm water mixed with a tablespoon of magnesium citrate or Epsom salt, which draws water into the intestines and softens the stool. Alternatively, prune juice is effective due to its natural laxative properties, often providing relief within a few hours.
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