Updated: 6/13/2019

Constipation is known as a common digestive disorder condition, which affects people of all ages. Constipation can be caused by laxative abuse, intake of certain medications, hemorrhoids, stress, weakness of abdominal muscles, lack of physical activity, irregular defecation habit, insufficient water intake, and poor diet. Neurological disorders such as pelvic floor dysfunction and Parkinson's disease and spinal cord lesions can also cause constipation.

This condition can cause symptoms such as mouth ulcers, difficulty passing stools, abdominal pain, bloating, depression, acne, bad breath, headache, loss of appetite, acidity, abnormally large or small stools, and bloated abdomen. Treatments and medicines can have lots of side effects on your body. It is best to try natural remedies to prevent and treat constipation. In this article, we reveal to you the top 26 fast home remedies for constipation in adults. Continue reading this post to discover these home remedies in more detail!

Top 26 Natural Home Remedies For Constipation Fast In Adults

There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly to know if a remedy is working for you.

1. Olive Oil & Lemon Juice

It can also help your stool hold in more water, thereby keeping it softer. According to a study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition, daily doses of olive oil may help improve most symptoms of constipation in people experiencing hemodialysis for kidney disease [2].

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon of pure olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (optional)

Step by step directions:

• Consume the pure olive oil in the morning when having an empty stomach.
• You can also add the lemon juice to the pure olive oil to lighten the flavor
• Consume this mixture in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Lemon 

The juice from lemons may help you treat constipation, stimulate the digestive system and get things moving. The citric acid, a natural laxative found in lemon can fight the toxins in the digestive tract. It further works as a stimulant and rids your body of toxins, providing quick relief. The soluble fiber housed in lemons may help improve digestive health [3], [4]. Drinking lemon juice is one of the most effective and simplest home remedies for constipation that you should try at home.

• Take a half of a lemon and extract the juice from it.
• Add the juice to a glass of warm water.
• You can also add to this water ½ tsp of table salt or a little of rock salt together with a little honey.
• Drink this mixture in the morning when having an empty stomach.
• Alternatively, you can drink it in the evening.
• You should follow this solution daily to get the best results within a few days.

3. Soaked Raisins

Eating raisins is a great alternative medicine for treating constipation since they are rich in fiber. Fiber softens and increases the size and weight of your stool, thus aiding your digestion [5]. Bulky stool is easy to pass and may help prevent constipation. Raisins may also improve colon function while reducing the risk of colon cancer [6].

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of the regular raisins
• A bowl
• 1 ½ cups of fresh water

Detailed directions:

• You soak the raisins overnight
• Eat in the morning.
• Then you drink the water that raisins were soaked in.
• You should repeat this way daily as needed

4. Honey

Honey is useful for treating constipation because it works like a mild laxative [8]. It additionally contains enzymes and minerals, all of which are beneficial for a healthy digestive system.

• You consume 2 teaspoons of honey about 3 times per day until you see the improvements.
• Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice with honey into a glass of warm water.
• Have this water every morning with an empty stomach.

5. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds have many medicinal properties due to their omega-3 fatty acids and fiber contents. In addition, flaxseeds have a laxative property that may help you treat constipation from mild to serious cases [9]. They are also rich in both insoluble and soluble dietary fiber, which make them an ideal digestive aid.

• Add 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds into a glass of water
• Let it rest for about 2 to 3 hours.
• Drink this water daily before you go to bed.
• Just follow this solution for a few days and your bowel movement can be much better.
• Or, simply you eat 2 to 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds and drink a glass of water

6. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seed is useful for treating digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation because it encourages the smooth muscle movement inside the digestive tract [11]. Apart from being full of vitamins such as A, C, and D, fennel seeds have many antioxidant agents, which help enhance the digestive functioning. They also contain estragole, anethole, and fenchone, which contribute to antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory abilities of the plant.

• Take 1 cup of the fennel seeds
• Then, you dry roast them.
• Grind them and sieve the mixture.
• You store this digestive and tasty powder into a jar.
• Finally, you take ½ teaspoon of this powder per day with warm water.

7. Figs

Fig is rich in fiber and works as a natural laxative, too. People with chronic constipation can add figs to their daily diet. Fig paste may help increase stool weight and lower intestinal transit time [12]. Figs also have an enzyme called ficain that may contribute to positive impacts on bowel function and its high fiber content. If fresh figs are available in your kitchen, you can consume them with the skin on because their skin is packed with most of the calcium and fiber. To deal with constipation with figs, here are detailed directions you can follow at home:

• Take about 2 to 3 almonds and dried figs.
• Soak them in cool water for some hours.
• You peel these almonds
• Grind all these ingredients together.
• You eat this paste along with 1 tablespoon of honey at night.
• Follow this solution for a few days to get the best results.

8. Castor Oil

Castor oil is a stimulant laxative that can help stimulate the large and small intestines and improve the bowel movement. When taken on an empty stomach, castor oil will be useful for softening your stool and relieving constipation within several hours [13]. For this remedy, swallow 2 teaspoons of castor oil when having an empty stomach. In addition, you can consume the castor oil with your favorite fruit juice to improve the taste. Applying this solution within a couple of hours, you will see a significant improvement in your digestive problem. However, you should not repeat this solution for a prolonged period because it may cause side effects.

9. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses has high doses of potassium and magnesium that are two powerful contenders in the battle against the problem of constipation [14]. It is also alkaline that is helpful in regulating digestion.

Method 1:

Ingredients 

• 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses
• Tea or warm water (optional)

Step by step directions:

• Consume 1 teaspoon of blackstrap molasses.
• Alternatively, you can add blackstrap molasses to a cup of tea or warm water to help dilute the taste.

Method 2:

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 cups of cold water
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 or 2 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses
• 1/4 cup of pitted prunes and cut in half

Step by step directions:

• Place all these ingredients into a pot on the stove
• Bring it to a simmer.
• Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes
• You stir occasionally.
• Remove the prunes with a slotted spoon.

Make fresh and drink once a day.

10. Flaxseed Oil & Orange Juice

Flaxseed oil is one of the best home remedies for constipation [1]. It will help increase the number of bowel movements that you are having. According to a recent animal study, flaxseed oil works as a laxative to stimulate regularity, all while functioning as an anti-diarrheal agent [15]. Orange-juice enriched with fiber has been shown to be an effective treatment in irregular bowel movements [16]. This juice also enhances peristaltic activity, thus promoting bowel movement.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of flaxseed oil
• A glass (8 oz) of the orange juice with pulp

Directions:

• You mix the flaxseed oil with the orange juice with pulp.
• Drink as needed.

11. Pure Aloe Gel Or Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe juice can have a soothing effect when taken internally. Juice with aloe latex containing anthraquinones, or natural laxatives, may help with constipation. Constipation and diarrhea are common problems aloe vera is famous for helping with. Constipation and diarrhea are also two common troubles that may result from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) [17]. So, it is known as one of the easy yet effective home remedies for constipation you should give a try.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of aloe vera juice
• Or 2 tbsp of pure aloe gel

Directions

• Mix the pure gel with the fruit juice
• Drink it in the morning or you can drink 1 cup of aloe vera juice when needed.

12. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt helps to increase the amount of water in the intestines that soften the stool while making it easier to pass [18]. It has a potent laxative effect through the release of neurotransmitters and digestive hormones esides, the magnesium found in the salt can promote the contraction of bowel muscles that makes it pass easier.

Ingredients

• ½ tsp of Epsom salt for children or 2 tsp of Epsom salt for adults
• 1 cup of fruit juice or water

Directions

• Dissolve the Epsom salt into the fruit juice or water
• Drink the liquid

13. Prune Juice

Prune juice works as a laxative since it possesses magnesium, potassium, and sorbitol, all of which help improve bowel function [19], [20]. Sorbitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps soften stools. However, too much sorbitol may cause gas and make stool too soft.

Ingredients

• 2 glasses (8oz) of prune juice

Directions

• At night, drink 1 glass of prune juice.
• In the next morning, you drink 1 glass of the juice to relieve constipation
• You can also consume several prunes instead of taking the prune juice if you prefer.

14. Dandelion Leaves

Dandelion leaf works as a gentle laxative and an effective detoxifier. Traditional herbal medicine often uses dandelion to deal with constipation together with other symptoms of impaired digestion. Dandelion root is also enriched with prebiotic fiber inulin. Research shows that inulin contains a strong ability to increase intestinal movement and decrease constipation [21].

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 tsp of dried dandelion leaves
• About 1 cup of the hot water

Directions

• You put the dried dandelion leaves to a mug
• Pour the hot water onto them.
• You cover and let steep for about 6 to10 minutes.
• Drink up to three times a day.

15. Plain Yogurt

Yogurt contains microorganisms known as probiotics. Probiotics are called “good” bacteria, which may help to soften stools and improve gut health. Using unflavored probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and polydextrose may help treat constipation [22], [23], [24].

Ingredients

• 1 to 3 cups of plain yogurt

Directions

• Consume a cup of plain yogurt with your breakfast
• You can also eat it with snacks during the day.

16. Sesame Seeds

Sesame seed are a natural laxative and are also rich in fiber that can improve your digestive and relieve your constipation [25]. Consuming this remedy regularly will ensure that you will not have any serious problem with bowel movement and intestines. The high amounts of important vitamins and minerals make these seeds not only a useful way to soothe constipation but also beneficial organic treatment for health issues.

To use sesame seeds properly for treating constipation, here are step by step instructions:

• You consume about 1/2 ounce of sesame seeds daily
• Then, you drink a lot of cold water when you take the sesame seeds.
• In addition, you can sprinkle these seeds over your salads and other foods (no more than a half of an ounce).

17. Triphala Powder Or Triphala Churna

Triphala powder or triphala churna consists of 3 fruits including Indian gooseberry or Amla, Haritaki (Chebulic Myrobalan), and Bibhitaki (Bellirica Myrobalan). This remedy is a good laxative that can help you in regulating digestion and bowel movements. Being an ancient Ayurveda remedy, it can improve digestion by encouraging the release of digestive enzymes and enhancing muscle contractions. Along with that, it functions as a natural laxative and aids in fighting constipation [26].

• You mix 1 tsp of triphala powder with a glass of warm water
• Consume it in the morning when having an empty stomach
• Or, you can mix this powder with honey and eat it in the morning or before sleeping when having an empty stomach.
• You do this solution once a day for about 7 days

18. Papaya

Papaya is one of the easiest home remedies for relieving constipation in adults [27]. Papaya is enriched with the digestive enzymes chymopapain and papain that facilitate protein digestion. In addition, it is a high source of fiber, so it is effective in treating severe constipation. Here are some simple ways to use papaya for treating constipation:

• You boil some raw papaya pieces in water
• Then, you have them together with your main meals.
• Another option is eating a bowl of the ripened, chopped papaya daily to promote the smooth bowel movement.

Tips For Constipation

1. Eat Fruits And Vegetables

To treat constipation with fruits and vegetables, you should eat at least 5 servings per day. You need to choose a variety, involving apples, berries, sweet potatoes, apricots, pears, oranges, peaches, prunes, carrots, tomatoes, corn, peas, spinach, cauliflower, and broccoli. In addition, you should choose the whole produce rather than juice becausej of the fiber content. A glass of orange juice provides just 0.1 g of fiber, for instance, while consuming an orange supplies you about 2.9 g of fiber. Here are some simple ways to use fruits and vegetables properly for treating constipation:

• Apples: You should eat an hour after your main meal to help prevent constipation.
• Apple Juice & Apple Cider Vinegar: These foods are natural laxatives, so you should drink up and enjoy!
• Bananas: This fruit will help relieve constipation, so you should try consuming 2 ripe bananas between your meals. However, you need to avoid green bananas as they will make your constipation problem worse.
• Raisins: You can eat a handful of raisins daily, and eat them an hour after your meal.
• Rhubarb: This food is a natural laxative, so you can cook it and consume it while mixing with honey. In addition, you can bake rhubarb in a pie. Moreover, you can make a drink with pureed, cooked rhubarb, honey, and apple juice.

2. Cut Back On Refined Foods

One of the most effective home remedies for constipation is reducing the intake of refined foods and increasing your intake of fiber. In addition, you should keep a healthy diet including foods such as whole-grain cereal, less-cooked vegetables, and whole-grain products. A serving of the brown rice contains 2.4 grams of fiber, while a serving of the white rice is packed with just 0.5 grams of fiber. And a serving of potato chips contains only 0.6 g of fiber, while a serving of the popcorn has 2.5 g of fiber.

3. Try Gentle Exercise

Taking a short walk daily can help. You should increase your time of walking gradually till you can walk for at least 30 minutes. You should keep in mind that you need to wait 60 minutes after your big meals before exercising.

4. Drink Enough Fluids

Adequate fluid intake is one of the other healthy home remedies for constipation [28]. Most adults need to drink about 8 to10 glasses of non-caffeinated beverages or cool water daily. However, you need to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and caffeine that can increase the dehydration. If you have kidney failure and heart failure, you should talk to your doctor about your condition and ask him or her how many glasses of water are ideal for you.

5. Eat 6 Ounces Of Grain Products Each Day

Grain products include bread, cereals, and starchy vegetables (for example corn, green peas, potatoes, and lima beans). It is best to choose whole grains including whole-grain cereal and whole-wheat bread. To get a big amount of fiber daily, you should have breakfast with high-fiber cereal. However, you should check the labels written on cereal boxes; any food with over 5 or 6 g of fiber per serving qualifies as high fiber. If you do not like high-fiber cereals, you can try mixing them into your usual cereal and then you can increase the amount of the high-fiber cereal in the future.

6. Establish A Routine

Potty schedules are not just for puppies.  They are also a great way to reduce and avoid constipation in humans. You can regulate the timing of going to the bathroom to regulate the bowel movement. For example, you can set aside around 15 minutes from 1 to 3 times per day anywhere and you take your time, even though nothing happens. In addition, you should make sure that you stay relaxed, and sooner or later, the body will catch on.

7. Drink Coffee

Caffeine is known as one of the natural stimulants for the digestive system [29]; therefore, you can indulge in a cup of coffee to help get you up and then run in a toilet. Regular taking 1 to 2 cups of coffee is fine, but you need to make sure that you do not overdo it too much because this actually can have opposite effects. If you drink coffee an excess, it may cause constipation because it will dehydrate your body and draw out water, which normally would soften your stool.

After reading this article, hope that it can help you get the best remedy to treat and prevent this condition easily. However, it is for informational purposes only and thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any at home remedy. If you have any questions or you know other fast home remedies for constipation, please leave them below.

References:

Reviewed By Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Rachelle Caves, RDN, CNSC, CPT [Link]