Looking for old fashioned remedies for constipation? Look no further because, in this post, I am going to show you all the best old home remedies for constipation that were used by our ancestors. It’s interesting when thinking of how in the old days, people relied on herbs and natural ingredients to cure common illnesses.
It’s sad that nowadays, we rely on over-the-counter medications, ointments, and creams to treat common skin and health issues. Well, for this post, we are going back in time and visiting our roots. Continue reading to learn more about some good old fashion remedies!
Old Fashioned Remedies For Constipation
The feeling of constipation is no fun! I know because I’ve had this problem for years and have used everything you can think of to reduce my symptoms. I only found relief when I actually changed my diet and lifestyle which I highly recommend you do too!
These constipation remedies will help you but you should be focusing on getting rid of your symptoms long-term. Anyway, I am not a doctor, I only tell you guys what helps me along with doing a lot of research. That’s why I am always clear about seeing a doctor for any recurring health conditions.
Before we get started with the remedies though, According to UCSF Health, women should take 25 grams of fiber while men consume 30 grams. Getting enough fiber in your diet is essential for emptying your bowels on a regular basis. Here are some ancient home remedies for constipation that you can try.
1. Flaxseed Oil & Dried Flaxseeds
Did you know that flaxseeds work well in relieving constipation? Not only does it contain fiber but it was shown in a study to reduce symptoms faster than olive oil and other mineral oils. Flaxseeds have been used for centuries to treat constipation but they have other amazing health benefits as well.
Add 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil to your smoothies and drink it to help you poop in 12 hours. To use flaxseeds, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed in 1 glass of hot water and drink it before bedtime or 30 minutes after waking up in the morning. Make sure your stomach is empty in the morning before drinking it.
2. Prunes & Prune Juice
Prunes are dried plums that have a laxative effect on the colon. It all started 10 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter, I had a difficult experience with constipation trust me, my Doctor prescribed a ton of different OCT herbal laxatives and nothing worked!
The only way I was able to find relief was by drinking fresh prune juice or eating prunes. Now just 4-5 prunes amount to 4 grams of dietary fiber but what makes them really powerful for constipation is the sorbitol (sugar alcohol) they contain.
Sorbitol is a natural laxative found in stone fruits, ripe bananas, and other very riped high-fiber fruits. A word of caution though, although effective, you will experience gas, bloating, and sometimes, stomach pain so be careful when eating them. I like to drink a glass of hot water after eating prunes, they tend to be stronger.
3. Anise
In many cultures, anise has been used as a herb in cooking to reduce bloating and help improve digestion. That’s because anise has both a carminative and an expectorant on the digestive tract. Drinking a cup of anise tea before or after meals can help you poop.
To make your tea, simply mix 1 teaspoon of anise seeds with 1 cup of boiling water. Let it sit, covered, for 15 minutes and strain it. Drink it right away before it gets cold. I need to add that some people are allergic to anise seeds so if you experience any allergic reactions after drinking it, take allergy medication right away and see a doctor.
4. Blackstrap Molasses
Okay, I know, molasses are extremely high in calories which is bad news for us dieters but they contain a good amount of magnesium which is essential for helping you poop. Blackstrap molasses are made from juice extracted from crushed sugarcane which is then boiled and turned into syrup.
Just 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses contains 100 mg of magnesium which is about 25% of the DRI. Magnesium helps the muscle in the stomach contract and stimulates a bowel movement. Also, the high sugar content of molasses helps you poop as well.
It’s best to mix 1 tablespoon of molasses in 1 glass of hot water and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach to help you poop.
5. Milk & Ghee
Milk mixed with clarified butter (ghee) has been used for centuries to help reduce constipation symptoms. However, I have not found any research or evidence to back this claim, that said, I did try it once and it worked but takes longer than prune juice.
Now, the method is simple, mix 1 tablespoon of ghee in half a glass of very warm milk until it dissolves completely. Drink it while it’s still warm right before bedtime. Please note that this remedy can cause burping and stomach cramps for some people. I didn’t experience any side effects but it was very hard to swallow!
6. Dried Seaweed
So dried seaweed is extremely rich in antioxidants, prebiotic fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as b12, magnesium, and calcium. All of these are great for treating constipation by pulling water into your colon and improving muscle contraction in the gut.
However, seaweed contains a lot of iodine which can be harmful to those with thyroid problems and people on blood thinners. To stay on the safe side, do not consume over 150 micrograms of seaweed more than 3 times per week. Go ahead and sprinkle some dried seaweed over your meals to reduce constipation symptoms.
7. Fennel Seeds
Another effective home remedy for constipation that has been used for ages is fennel seeds. That’s because they contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help relax the stomach muscles and increase gastric enzymes, therefore, reducing constipation.
Fennel seeds are also considered a natural laxative so start by adding 1 teaspoon of dried crushed fennel seeds to 1 cup of semi-hot water and drink it before bedtime to help you poop in the morning.
Conclusion
Now you have 7 old-fashioned remedies for constipation at your fingertips! I highly recommend you stop eating these constipation foods and start adding more high-fiber soups, smoothies, fruits, foods, and vegetables to your diet so that you can get rid of your symptoms long-term. Until next time, stay awesome!
