Quick Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation

Constipation is difficulty or discomfort when having a bowel movement. Some people may experience small, hard stools or the need to strain while passing stool. Others may not have a bowel movement for days. Constipation can result from stress, anxiety, depression, poor dietary habits or lack of exercise. You can use simple home remedies to ease constipation.

Heat

• Place a warm, moist pack on the lower abdomen to relax the muscles in the area and relieve the discomfort of constipation.

Massage

• Using a natural oil or lotion, very gently massage around the lower abdomen in a clockwise motion. Start below the belly button and moving to the right, then around under the ribs, to the left and down and around again.

Herbal Teas

• Drink warm tea---chamomile, valerian or passionflower---to ease anxiety and stress, relax muscles and help move stool out of the body.

Exercise

• Do some mild stretching exercises, such as yoga, to stretch and relax muscles, helping to relieve the abdominal pain associated with constipation.

Supplements

• If all else fails, try a dietary supplement containing senna or cascara sagrada---both natural laxatives. Remember that laxatives should only be used for occasional constipation. Never take them every day.