Constipation affects every age group, and this digestive disorder is characterized by the inability to have more than three weekly bowel movements. Extreme cases may prevent the victim from having more than one weekly bowel movement.

It occurs when the food in the colon lacks enough water, which hardens and dries the stool. There’s usually an intense strain before a successful bowel movement when you’re constipated.

Abdominal cramps, mouth ulcers, acne, acidity, nausea, and abnormally sized stools are other telling signs of constipation. The best natural remedies include:

Lemons

The health benefits of lemons are abundant. They’re not just for lemonade or making food tangy; you can also use them as home remedies for weight loss, skin care, eye care, and respiratory disorders like a cough.

Lemon juice treats constipation, and it’s one of the most accessible and most reliable options for this digestive disorder. This is because of the flavonoids lemon oils have, which stimulate the digestive system and increase the production of bile, acids, and digestive juices.

The ample acids also cleanse the digestive tract. Lemon contains fiber, which relieves the effects of constipation. Squeeze half a lemon into a cup of lukewarm water, and add a pinch of rock salt and some honey.

It should be drunk on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. You can also help yourself to a glass in the evenings, do this for a few days for fast relief.

Figs

Foods high in fiber add bulk to the stool and relieve the effects of constipation. Figs contain anthocyanins and polyphenols, substances that lower blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and help with gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders.

Fresh figs act as a natural laxative, and it’s best to eat them without peeling the skin. Soak two almonds and some dried figs in water for a few hours, then peel the almonds and grind them with the figs. It produces a paste that you can combine with a tablespoon of honey before bed.

Castor oil

Castor oil is another laxative that stimulates the large and small intestines and improves bowel movement. It contains flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, fatty acids, and terpenoids, compounds that are famous for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties.

You can use castor oil to treat many medical conditions like abdominal or muscle pain, arthritis, and constipation.

However, it’s best to use this treatment option only for extreme cases of constipation. Take one or two teaspoons on an empty stomach or dilute it with fruit juice to improve the taste.

Please note that castor oil is toxic when you consume it in an uncontrolled manner. It cramps the stomach while stimulating the bowel movement; avoid relying on it for long-term treatments.

Honey

Honey is a mild laxative that you can use to treat and prevent constipation. Take two teaspoons daily for best results.

Alternatively, you can mix some lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water and drink it in the morning. Another option is to mix a tablespoon of honey and unfiltered apple cider vinegar and drink it fifteen to thirty minutes before eating, this prepares the digestive system for digestion.