This type forms a slippery substance when combined with water that helps waste to "slip" out of your colon. These herbs can both help to relieve constipation and keep you regular over time. There are also herbs that simply help to improve your digestion as a whole.

They aren't as effective for immediate relief but can help you to digest food better and avoid more episodes of constipation in the long run. There are three things that will help most people get rid of constipation or a sluggish digestion: consuming more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising regularly.

All three of these practices are key to regularity. Fiber and water are both essential for moving and eliminating waste out of your colon.

Exercise, particularly the aerobic kind, also gets your digestion moving. As you consider using herbs for constipation, see if you can improve any of these three areas as well. However, there are always exceptions to any guidelines. Food intolerances, an underlying disease, nutrient deficiency, and stress can also cause constipation, even if you are getting enough water, fiber, etc.

Try to find the root cause as you work at relieving your symptoms. If nothing seems to work, try a combination of vitamin C and magnesium taken to bowel tolerance, then back off once they start working. Slippery elm bark is one of the best herbs for constipation because it forms a slippery, mucilaginous mixture when combined with water.

It tastes a lot better than it sounds! This mixture contains soluble fiber that helps your digestive system to keep moving and also acts as a prebiotic to improve gut health over time. Perhaps more importantly, the slipperiness can help relieve mild to moderate constipation relatively quickly.

Use It : Put teaspoons of powdered slippery elm into a mug with a little honey if desired. Add a little hot water and whisk to get a very thick mixture.

Then, add enough cool water to make it drinkable. Marshmallow root is similar to slippery elm in that it has a high mucilage content and forms a slippery mixture when water is added. It soothes inflammation in the digestive tract and helps waste to keep moving.

For the most relief, be sure to make a cold infusion , not a hot one see below. The mucilage is best extracted this way. Use It : Make a cold infusion by pouring 8 ounces of room temperature water over 1 tablespoon of marshmallow root.

Let it steep on the counter or in the refrigerator overnight before using. Psyllium is one of the best fiber-rich herbs to use for constipation or a sluggish digestion.

It comes from a specific type of plantain and adds bulk to your stool to help it pass through your digestion more quickly. Psyllium also has mucilaginous properties that pull moisture in. For maximum fiber, use psyllium husks. If your digestion is more on the sensitive side, try psyllium seeds the inner part beneath the husk , which are a little gentler.

Use It : Psyllium can be mixed with any type of liquid, including smoothies. Be sure to always take it with at least 8 ounces of water or another liquid. Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formula that consists of three herbs: amla Indian gooseberry , haritake, and bibhitaki.

It's most frequently used to tone the digestive system and can be very effective for constipation. Triphala does have a mild laxative effect, but it's most useful for getting your system regular rather than simply clearing it out.

Use It : Triphala is typically taken in powdered form by adding it to juice or water. The best time of day to take it is right before bed.

If you can't manage the rather intense flavor, you can take it in something like these Colon Motility capsules. Yellow dock is a cleansing herb that stimulates digestion and promotes the production of digestive enzymes.

It contains compounds known as anthraquinone glycosides that give it mild laxative properties without the force of a true stimulant laxative.

Yellow dock also helps to tone digestive tissues, which makes it a good herb to consume regularly if you struggle with a sluggish digestion.

Use It : Combine tablespoons of dried yellow dock root with a quart of water in a saucepan. Simmer for minutes before straining and drinking the tea. Peppermint has many benefits for digestion and can also be one of the best herbs for constipation.

It doesn't have an immediate effect on bowel movements, but it does work to improve digestion long-term. Some studies have even found that peppermint can be helpful for various symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS , including constipation.

Use It : Steep dried peppermint leaf in hot water to make a tea. Steep for 8 hours or overnight to make a stronger herbal infusion. Ginger is particularly stimulating for a slow digestion because of its spicy nature. It helps with general indigestion and can also speed up stomach emptying.

Taking it before a meal helps to get your digestive tract ready for food. Like peppermint, ginger doesn't necessarily offer immediate relief for constipation, but it can "fire up" your digestion if you consume it regularly.

Use It : Try consuming a little raw ginger with lemon juice and salt before a meal to stimulate your digestive fire an Ayurvedic technique. Or simmer fresh ginger root in water to make a tea and drink as needed.

Fennel seeds are another great digestive tonic that help your digestive system to function better as a whole. They can ease gas and indigestion and also help to stimulate digestive juices, particularly when consumed before a meal.

Use It : Fennel seeds can be chewed whole before or after a meal to aid digestion and freshen your breath. Or you can use fennel seeds to make a tea and drink it as often as needed.

Digestive bitters are probably one of the best combinations of herbs for constipation and a sluggish digestion. They are a made up of herbs- usually extracted in alcohol- containing bitter compounds that stimulate bile production and digestion. Again, digestive bitters are not for immediate constipation relief, but they can work wonders in the long run if you use them daily.

Use It : Common herbs in a digestive bitters formula include dandelion, gentian, angelica, and ginger.

You can make your own or buy a ready-made version and take it before or after meals. If you need immediate relief and not much else is working, you can turn to stimulant laxative herbs.

Chronic constipation is associated with infrequent bowel movements when you pass stools less than three times a week for more than three months.

Difficulty in expelling hard stools during bowel movements for a longer period is another sign of constipation. Constipation usually strikes due to lack of a healthy diet, inadequate physical activity, intake of certain medications, insufficient water intake and irregular defecation habits.

It is not a serious disorder; however, if not treated promptly, it can cause severe health problems. Try these simple natural remedies for constipation to relieve your discomfort, and prevent it from reoccurring.

Not only are these remedies simple to follow, but their regular application can help prevent constipation. The list above contains some of the popular constipation remedies.

Buy constipation tablets. See a doctor if your constipation lasts longer than 3 weeks and if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, blood in the stool or weight loss.

Natural constipation relief remedies include drinking warm liquids, taking probiotics, drinking aloe vera juice and so much more. Continue reading for a number of beneficial constipation home remedies and to learn what may be causing your trouble in the bathroom.

Constipation is defined as having difficulty emptying the bowels, usually associated with hardened feces. In other words, it causes slower than normal movement of food waste stool through the digestive tract. The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK considers someone to have constipation when they produce fewer than three bowel movements a week, or have hard, dry and small bowel movements that are painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation is usually caused by a combination of different factors, including those related to your diet, level of movement and also your stress levels. There are also foods that cause constipation, with factors like eating a low fiber diet and being dehydrated playing major roles in your digestive regularity.

Having unusual amounts of emotional stress can also lead to chronic constipation. When constipation occurs, several things often take place within the GI tract: There is slowed movement of stool passing through the colon or not enough stool is being formed, there is delayed emptying of the colon from the pelvis, or a combination of both.

Do you suffer from IBS symptoms? If so, irritable bowel syndrome IBS could be the cause of severe constipation. The abnormal digestive occurrences described above are often attributed to functional digestive disorders including IBS, which can cause persistent constipation along with other symptoms.

Functional GI disorders are considered those that cause the digestive system to work an abnormal way, yet without evidence of damage due to a disease.

The risk factors listed below also contribute to IBS and functional digestive disorders. Here are several factors that might be contributing to your constipation, according to research published by the American College of Gastroenterology:.

Combine this with supplements and mind-body practices, and your gut will thank you. The most common ways to relieve constipation include taking fiber supplements and using over-the-counter laxatives. Some people also get prescribed constipation medications to help control bowel movements and regulate digestive functioning, although this is much less common than using inexpensive, widely-available laxatives.

Although laxative teas, solutions and tablets might temporarily help relieve constipation, they can also be overused and cause many side effects.

You can also occasionally try tactics like a salt water flush which serves as an enema for constipation or bone broth fast to help clear things out and get them moving again.

Laxatives work by causing the muscles of the GI tract to contract, increasing water absorption or bulking stool so it can move quickly through the colon. The problem is that this often interferes with the renin-aldosterone part of the digestive system, causes abnormal loss of fluid and ultimately weakens muscles needed for bowel movements.

The body rebounds after taking laxatives by holding on to all of the available water it can get, which leads to edema water retention or bloating.

Popular Posts All Time This Week {position} Detox Your Liver: A 6-Step Liver Cleanse. More Health Dr. If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet and emptying your bowels, there are a number of non-medical methods to encourage a dormant gut to relieve you of constipation.

In this article, we cover some ideas you can try at home to remedy constipation and encourage bowel movements. If you make a few simple changes, you are likely to find yourself getting back to normal habits. As a rule, eating more high-fibre foods can prevent constipation.

Be aware though, that if constipation is a result of Colitis or Crohns disease , increasing fibre intake could have a detrimental effect — if in doubt, speak to your GP before making any changes to your diet.

There are two different types of fibre; soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in the intestines to form a gel-like substance which helps food move along the digestive tract. Insoluble fibre is not dissolvable and moves through the intestines without being absorbed, and adds bulk to bowel movements and helps to relieve constipation.

You may also find it helpful to read the resources below to help you manage your bowel movements. How to Encourage a Bowel Movement when Constipated If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet and emptying your bowels, there are a number of non-medical methods to encourage a dormant gut to relieve you of constipation.

Natural Constipation Remedies to Empty Your Bowels Lemon juice — a cleansing way to encourage bowel movements is to try taking a glass of water mixed with the juice of half a lemon before bed and when you wake up.

You may want to drink with a straw as you could find your teeth becoming sensitive after a regular course of lemon water. Olive oil — consuming a teaspoon of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach can encourage stool to flow through the gut.

It also softens up the stool, making it easier to empty your bowels completely. Prune juice lacks the fibre of the dried fruit, but both are high in sorbitol content.

Sorbitol passes through the gut undigested and draws water into the gut, which bulks up the stool and stimulates a bowel movement. Stewed apricots — a flavoursome favourite to help relieve constipation.

De-stone and chop a punnet of apricots in half. Put in a saucepan with tablespoons of brown sugar, add two tablespoons of water and turn to a low-medium heat. Stew until they begin to soften then take off the heat and leave with a lid on to cool.

These are delicious for breakfast and go fantastically with yoghurt and granola. Aiming for 2. A mug of hot water is great for settling the stomach and encouraging the peristaltic process. Hot beverages — Whilst we all tend to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as a refreshment or pick-me-up, they do have a diuretic effect.

Diuretics increase the production of urine, meaning we have to visit the loo more than usual. Bear this in mind when drinking coffee to help encourage a bowel movement. Tea and Coffee work in a similar way to hot water in that the heat helps to break down solids. A particularly good option for constipation relief is Senna tea which is a stimulant laxative that helps the digestive tract contract.

Avoid foods with a high-fat content — The body has a hard time processing fat. Especially with Western diets, the bile-producing gallbladder the material that helps break down fat is stretched to its limit. Ginger — A popular natural food in many kitchens. Ginger helps with constipation because it reduces the pressure on the lower intestines.

It can also help decrease other symptoms that often accompany constipation, such as cramping, bloating and nausea.

Slippery elm bark is one of the best herbs for constipation because it forms a slippery, mucilaginous mixture when combined with water.

It tastes a lot better than it sounds! This mixture contains soluble fiber that helps your digestive system to keep moving and also acts as a prebiotic to improve gut health over time. Perhaps more importantly, the slipperiness can help relieve mild to moderate constipation relatively quickly.

Use It : Put teaspoons of powdered slippery elm into a mug with a little honey if desired. Add a little hot water and whisk to get a very thick mixture. Then, add enough cool water to make it drinkable. Marshmallow root is similar to slippery elm in that it has a high mucilage content and forms a slippery mixture when water is added.

It soothes inflammation in the digestive tract and helps waste to keep moving. For the most relief, be sure to make a cold infusion , not a hot one see below.

The mucilage is best extracted this way. Use It : Make a cold infusion by pouring 8 ounces of room temperature water over 1 tablespoon of marshmallow root.

Let it steep on the counter or in the refrigerator overnight before using. Psyllium is one of the best fiber-rich herbs to use for constipation or a sluggish digestion.

It comes from a specific type of plantain and adds bulk to your stool to help it pass through your digestion more quickly. Psyllium also has mucilaginous properties that pull moisture in. For maximum fiber, use psyllium husks. If your digestion is more on the sensitive side, try psyllium seeds the inner part beneath the husk , which are a little gentler.

Use It : Psyllium can be mixed with any type of liquid, including smoothies. Be sure to always take it with at least 8 ounces of water or another liquid. Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal formula that consists of three herbs: amla Indian gooseberry , haritake, and bibhitaki.

It's most frequently used to tone the digestive system and can be very effective for constipation. Triphala does have a mild laxative effect, but it's most useful for getting your system regular rather than simply clearing it out.

Use It : Triphala is typically taken in powdered form by adding it to juice or water. The best time of day to take it is right before bed. If you can't manage the rather intense flavor, you can take it in something like these Colon Motility capsules.

Yellow dock is a cleansing herb that stimulates digestion and promotes the production of digestive enzymes. It contains compounds known as anthraquinone glycosides that give it mild laxative properties without the force of a true stimulant laxative.

Yellow dock also helps to tone digestive tissues, which makes it a good herb to consume regularly if you struggle with a sluggish digestion.

Use It : Combine tablespoons of dried yellow dock root with a quart of water in a saucepan. Simmer for minutes before straining and drinking the tea. Peppermint has many benefits for digestion and can also be one of the best herbs for constipation.

It doesn't have an immediate effect on bowel movements, but it does work to improve digestion long-term. Some studies have even found that peppermint can be helpful for various symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome IBS , including constipation. Use It : Steep dried peppermint leaf in hot water to make a tea.

Steep for 8 hours or overnight to make a stronger herbal infusion. Ginger is particularly stimulating for a slow digestion because of its spicy nature. It helps with general indigestion and can also speed up stomach emptying.

Taking it before a meal helps to get your digestive tract ready for food. Like peppermint, ginger doesn't necessarily offer immediate relief for constipation, but it can "fire up" your digestion if you consume it regularly.

Use It : Try consuming a little raw ginger with lemon juice and salt before a meal to stimulate your digestive fire an Ayurvedic technique. Or simmer fresh ginger root in water to make a tea and drink as needed. Fennel seeds are another great digestive tonic that help your digestive system to function better as a whole.

They can ease gas and indigestion and also help to stimulate digestive juices, particularly when consumed before a meal. Use It : Fennel seeds can be chewed whole before or after a meal to aid digestion and freshen your breath. Or you can use fennel seeds to make a tea and drink it as often as needed.

Digestive bitters are probably one of the best combinations of herbs for constipation and a sluggish digestion. They are a made up of herbs- usually extracted in alcohol- containing bitter compounds that stimulate bile production and digestion.

Again, digestive bitters are not for immediate constipation relief, but they can work wonders in the long run if you use them daily.

Use It : Common herbs in a digestive bitters formula include dandelion, gentian, angelica, and ginger. You can make your own or buy a ready-made version and take it before or after meals. If you need immediate relief and not much else is working, you can turn to stimulant laxative herbs.

This specific group of herbs for constipation contains the compounds known as anthraquinones in large enough amounts that they forcibly stimulate your colon.

The most common laxative herbs are senna, cascara sagrada, Turkey rhubarb, and aloe latex. Use It : Laxative herbs can be taken in capsules or as a tea. They typically take about 8 hours to work and are best taken before you go to bed for a bowel movement in the morning.

Before using any type of herb, be sure to do your research on it to find out if there are any specific contraindications. As an example, stimulant laxative herbs are typically contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For the most part, it's best to take the herbs listed here in tea form or with plenty of liquid.

Dehydration can be a direct cause of constipation, so adding in water or another liquid will enhance the effects of the herbs. Constipation can be one of the most frustrating issues to struggle with. Herbs go a long way towards providing support, but don't forget to change other aspects of your lifestyle as well, particularly fiber intake, hydration, and exercise.

Use digestion-supporting herbs regularly for the best results, and don't hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if your symptoms don't go away.

Disclaimer : This post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be substituted for medical advice. The research is mostly based on animal studies, so more investigation is required to better understand how effective ginger may be.

Quercetin has been shown to alleviate diarrhea. Taken as an oral supplement, quercetin seems to have antioxidant capability that improves gut bacteria and metabolic function. Some supplements and herbal preparations are considered effective in treating constipation because they have a laxative effect.

Substances called anthraquinones are organic compounds found in some plants. In addition to having medicinal qualities, anthraquinones are used for dyes. Anthraquinones are powerful laxatives. If used inappropriately, they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. However, research has shown that they can be effective at easing constipation when used correctly.

Sources of anthraquinone that can be used to treat constipation include:. Anthraquinone herbal laxatives should not be used for more than seven days as their extended use may increase the risk of liver toxicity and damage.

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative. Derived from the husks of the psyllium seed, it's a type of soluble fiber. In powder products like Metamucil, psyllium is mixed with water and taken by mouth to treat occasional constipation and maintain regular bowel movements.

Amalaki powder , made from the fruit of the Amalaki tree, is found throughout Asia and is used often in Ayurvedic medicine. It is thought to positively affect overall digestion and some research has shown that it can ease constipation.

Triphala is an herbal preparation made from the fruit of the bibhataki, haritaki, and Amalaki trees.

In addition to its laxative effect, Triphala is thought to reduce abdominal pain and bloating. In addition to specifically helping with bowel movements, some herbs can be used to improve overall digestive health.

Peppermint oil is the only herbal supplement to get the seal of approval from the American College of Gastroenterology due to its effectiveness in reducing abdominal pain.

Peppermint oil appears to relax the muscles of the gut. This can reduce the muscle spasms that contribute to abdominal pain. Slippery elm has a long history of use by Native Americans as a remedy for a variety of health conditions.

In terms of digestive health, slippery elm is thought to calm irritation by coating the lining of the intestinal system. By adding bulk to the stool, it is thought to ease diarrhea.

Slippery elm also softens the stool, thus helping ease constipation. A newer natural remedy to the IBS treatment list, artichoke leaf extract ALE shows some surprising promise.

In a meta-analysis, various studies indicate that it is effective in reducing bowel movements from regular constipation and diarrhea down to "normal.

Aloe vera juice is often marketed as a remedy for IBS. However, the limited research that exists on the subject is contradictory. Some studies have shown it to have no effects on IBS symptoms. At least one double-blind randomized clinical trial trial found it to be effective in relieving constipation, but not abdominal pain.

There is still much debate and more research is needed. Aloe vera can cause a drop in blood sugar hypoglycemia and needs to be used with caution in people on diabetes medications.

Changes in your diet are an important part of managing diarrhea, constipation, and digestive problems. You can also take OTC or prescription medication to ease symptoms.

However, using supplements and herbal remedies is an option to manage your symptoms—or even prevent chronic issues. Choose supplements such as goldenseal to fight infections in the digestive tract and chamomile to reduce inflammation since these conditions can cause diarrhea.

You can also elieve constipation with anthraquinones, fiber, and other natural substances. For other digestive problems, consider using essential oils, extracts, and aloe vera. Talk with your healthcare provider before you begin any treatments with supplements or herbal therapies.

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