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.