10 Best Natural Home Remedies for Constipation, Including "The Bomb"

How Can I Quickly Relieve Constipation?

Constipation is a subject that is usually too embarrassing to talk about, or even mention. That is to say, unless you're like my sister—she can just blurt out "Don't mess with me today, I'm constipated!"

Constipation makes some people cranky, to say the least. Who can blame them? Being constipated is very uncomfortable, and for some, it is rather painful. Imagine being all stopped up for days, or heaven forbid weeks. Unthinkable! But it happens.

Instead of reaching for your usual Ex-lax, Metamucil, or any other over-the-counter laxatives, why not try a natural fix? Natural home remedies have been proven to be very effective, and some are even better than over-the-counter medications. Of course, some may be effective for others, but not for you. And vice versa. You just have to give each one a try to see which works for you.

10 Best Natural Home Remedies

1. Prunes and hot water: Prunes are natural laxatives; they are high in fiber and are rich in potassium and vitamin A, thus making them a preferred food for constipation relief. Eat 10 pieces of prunes, and then drink a glass (8 oz.) of hot water. This has been known to have fast relief, but if you have not moved after 15 minutes, drink another glass of hot water. Hot water is also known to stimulate bowel movement.
2. Prune juice super mix: Heat 6-8 oz. of prune juice (45 seconds in microwave, or about 5 minutes on medium heat on stovetop). Add one tbsp of butter or mineral oil, and then heat for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Give it a good stir, then allow to cool just enough to be able to drink. Drink it straight up, or within five minutes. This is super fast relief, so be ready.
3. Honey: Honey can help relieve and prevent constipation. Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey in 1/2 cup of warm water, and stir. Drink this mixture two to three times a day to relieve constipation.
4. Lemon or lime: Heat a glass (8 oz.) of water. Squeeze half of a lemon or lime and add in hot water. Drink before eating breakfast or drinking anything else in the morning. Aside from cleansing your system, this mixture will relieve your constipation in no time.
5. Olive oil: Mix together one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice. Take this every morning before breakfast. This can relieve constipation very quickly. Be ready as you might need to go to the washroom even before you finish breakfast.
6. Apple or apple cider vinegar: Apples contain pectin which will both add bulk to your stools and have a laxative effect. Apple cider vinegar is fermented apples and has most of the same beneficial properties of an apple. Eat an apple a day, or take two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar twice a day with a glass of water. Both methods are proven to relieve constipation.
7. Spinach or spinach juice: Spinach is the most important food for your entire digestive tract. Raw spinach cleans, reconstructs, and regenerates your intestinal tract. A perfect constipation treatment! Eat spinach either raw or cooked, both ways will relieve constipation. But even more powerful is to drink about 3.5 oz. (seven tablespoons) raw spinach juice mixed with the same amount of water or apple juice. Drink it two times a day, and in a few days' time, it will cure even the most stubborn cases of constipation.
8. Prune juice, applesauce, and unprocessed wheat bran mix: Take 3/4 cup of prune juice, and mix it with one cup of applesauce and one cup of coarse bran. Eat one or two tablespoons, and drink lots of water. Store the leftover mixture in the fridge for later use. This mixture is very powerful for relieving constipation.
9. Castor oil: I know, castor oil is revolting. But it works! Oils, in general, are known to help relieve constipation. The most powerful oil is the infamous castor oil. It not only empties the large intestine; it empties both small and large intestines. It is important to note that because of this ability, a person may not have another bowel movement for 2-3 days after using castor oil. So, use this oil with caution; follow the directions on the label, or ask your pharmacist. Mostly the dosage is two to four teaspoons, and drink lots of water. Results usually occur in about 3-5 hours.
10. A step stool and applying pressure: After my C-section, I had a bad case of constipation. I was taking a stool softener, but it didn't seem to help. I couldn't strain much because I was petrified that my incisions might open. My nurse, bless her heart, gave me a little step stool and told me to try the following: sit on the toilet with my feet on the step stool. This raises the legs reducing strain. With the bowel movement started but not moving when you strain, place your fingers above or beside the anus and apply pressure to change the shape or help force out the hard feces. To my absolute relief, it worked. This might sound gross, but if you are all stopped up because of medication or you just had surgery, you might want to give this a try.

Constipation Bomb Recipe

I used to work in a nursing home. Nurses in nursing homes swear by this remedy and have nicknamed it, "The Bomb" because of its explosive effect. BOOM! "The Bomb" is not completely natural because one of its ingredients is milk of magnesia. However, it is a constipation remedy you can make at home that has been proven to be very, very effective. If all else fails, you might give "The Bomb" a try. Actually, if you are in dire need of fast relief right now, "The Bomb" might just be what you need.

Milk of Magnesia and Prune Juice Bomb

• 1 cup prune juice
• 1 cup of coffee
• 30 cc or two tablespoons of milk of magnesia

Mix together the prune juice, coffee, and milk of magnesia. Warm in the microwave for 45 seconds. Drink it straight up, or within 5 minutes. Usually works in 1-3 hours.

If you do not drink coffee, use half an 8 oz. can of lemon-lime instead.

Important Tips to Prevent and Relieve Constipation

• Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses every day. Water flushes your system and helps to digest and dissolve your food.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
• Walking after meals will help the digestion of food. Walk at least 20 minutes a day. A good brisk walk is good exercise and can help relieve constipation.
• Get enough sleep at night, at least six to eight hours of sound sleep.
• Avoid greasy, fried, and sugary foods.
• Stress and anxiety can cause constipation. Relax, give yourself some "me" time, listen to your favorite music, take a soothing bath. Or, take a deep breath, hold it in and say as loud as you can: "I am AWESOME," then exhale. This works for me. Try it.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2011 Rosie Rose

Comments

Michael Roberts from UK on November 27, 2011:

Great, rhanks for the information

Recommended

How to Let Go of Past Mistakes and Move on With Your Life

eye say from Canada on November 26, 2011:

brilliant great info thanks sooo much for sharing!

Rachelle Williams from Paradise Valley, AZ on November 26, 2011:

If I even thought for one minute that I needed "The Bomb," I would be running to somebody's ER for some serious "content removal." Thanks for sharing this most interesting hub... voted up and tweeted.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on November 23, 2011:

This is a very useful hub, Rosie! Constipation can be painful, and you've described some great remedies. Thanks for sharing the very helpful information.

Carolyn Sands from Hollywood Florida on November 23, 2011:

Well you certainly tought me a thing or two. I worked as a R.N. for more than 30 years and a few of these you have listed I never knew about. Numbers 6,7,8, and 10, in addition to the bomb. Great Job.

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 23, 2011:

Hiya Loi-Renee, I've never been to Jamaica, but I've heard, it's beautiful. We have a big population of Jamaicans here in Toronto. Epsom Salt, which is magnesium sulfur, is not popular here in North America, but what little I know about Epsom Salt, it is a good laxative to relieve occasional constipation. When I was pregnant, I needed prunes for occasional constipation. Now, all I need is an orange and coffee in the morning, and I'm as regular as clockwork. lol Take care

Rosie

Loi-Renee from Jamaica on November 23, 2011:

Me again Rosie. Here in Jamaica many people use Epsom Salts to relieve constipation.

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

@Gets - Whoa! What a pleasant surprise! How is my handsome cowboy doing? Long time no see. I hope today is a good day for you. I agree, I think Da Bomb would be too much to handle.. it is rather explosive. LOL Take care and lotsa hugsss

Have a nice day,

Rosie

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

Hiya homesteadbound, I'm glad you found my natural home remedies for constipation useful.. and yes, you never know when it will attack. lol I am regular so far (crossing fingers here). I'd been busy, so I am running behind in my 30 in 30. You, on the other hand, are on the roll.. good for you. Take care and cheers!

Have a nice day,

Rosie

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

@cheatliereport - Milk of Magnesia is magnesium hydroxide. It is not known whether magnesium hydroxide will be harmful to an unborn baby. So, do not take magnesium hydroxide without first talking to your doctor. You can read more about Milk of Magnesia at www.drugs.com/mtm/milk-of-magnesia. Take care

Rosie

Gets on November 22, 2011:

Think I'll pass on the bomb....not sure I could handle it....lol

Cindy Murdoch from Texas on November 22, 2011:

I am going to have to bookmark this one. No probs now, but you never know.

cheatlierepeat from Canada on November 22, 2011:

Me again... Do you know if milk of magnesia is safe to take in pregnancy? I think I need The Bomb!

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

Hiya writer20, thanks for dropping by. I'm glad you found my natural home remedies for constipation hub informative, interesting and useful. Thank you so much for all the votes. Cheers!

Have a nice day,

Rosie

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

@cheatliereport - Lots of women these days are having their first baby after 40. In your case, this is your second.. it might be easier. I wish you all the best and I hope every goes well with you. Take care.

Rosie

Joyce Haragsim from Southern Nevada on November 22, 2011:

Great information thank you so much. Voted up, useful and interesting.

cheatlierepeat from Canada on November 22, 2011:

I have a 10 year old as well. This one is a completely different experience (being 40 brings new challenges) This hub was great for me....prunes are my recent best friend :)

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

Hiya cheatliereport, I love your profile name! Thanks for dropping by. Congratulations! Is it your first pregnancy? I hope one the above natural home remedies works for you when the time comes. Cheers!

Have a nice day,

Rosie

Rosie Rose (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 22, 2011:

Hiya Loi-Renee, thanks for dropping by. I'm glad you found my list of natural home remedies for constipation useful. Yes, try it you'll find out why it's nicknamed "The Bomb". lol Thanks so much for the vote up. Cheers!

Have a nice day,

Rosie

cheatlierepeat from Canada on November 22, 2011:

Ah yes, definitely a pregnancy concern for me... thanks for sharing, very useful information

Loi-Renee from Jamaica on November 22, 2011:

The Bomb sounds like some serious stuff.

Thanks for sharing all this useful information.

Voted up and useful