 Constipation has many causes but is often related to unbalanced diet, lack of exercise or inadequate water intake. Anyone suffering from the condition knows how draining it can be.
Treatment with over the counter medications is effective but best avoided other than in cases of severe constipation. Repeated or frequent usage of laxatives can cause lazy colon syndrome, where defecation becomes impossible without the use of artificial stimulants. To rid yourself of the condition it is therefore best to use natural remedies for constipation. Chronic constipation is often due to a lack of fibre in the diet. Simply including fibre rich foods like fresh fruits and cereals in your diet will help treating constipation. So, as a first attempt, eat soft fruits like kiwis and plums. Also make sure that you drink about 2 litres of liquid (excluding stimulants like coffee or alcohol).
If eating fruit does not sort it out, there are some natural remedies such as linseed and psyllium seed that contain high amounts of fibre. It is very important you drink plenty of water when taking linseed or psyllium because the fibre soaks up water from your digestive system. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day. Linseed (flax) acts as a laxative. It has a pleasant, nutty flavour. To take linseed, soak one or two tablespoons of linseed in a cup of warm water for 8 hours, preferably overnight. Drink both the liquid and the seeds in the morning. Psyllium seed is an intestinal cleanser. It is odourless and has almost no taste. Psyllium makes the stool softer which helps relieve constipation. Add one teaspoon of psyllium seed to one cup of warm water. Mix well, then drink immediately before it becomes too thick to swallow comfortably. Psyllium will thicken quickly if mixed with water therefore don’t leave it too long. Drink once a day. Dandelion root tea is another natural cure for constipation. Dandelion root stimulates the liver to produce more bile which improves digestion of fatty foods. The tea has a bitter taste. Caution is needed if you are allergic to plants of the daisy family. Drink one or two cups per day (only one cup for pregnant women). Yellow dock tincture also has mild laxative properties and can be used to treat constipation. You can buy the tincture ready made from herbal shops or make your own. Dilute 2ml of the tincture (tincture strength 1:5) in water and take up to three times a day. Children should take a lower dose. Breastfeeding mothers should not use yellow dock as it may cause diarrhea in the baby. Herbal colon cleansing supplements are another option. They are not expensive and can be taken on the go. Finally, constipation can also be treated by using complementary therapies such as reflexology. Constipation emanates from the intestines and the colon and a skilled reflexologist can gently stimulate these areas which in turn can bring about a bowel movement. Results can be achieved in as little as one hour. These natural healing remedies for constipation will cure the condition gently but effectively. | 
