Natural laxatives to treat stubborn chaps

Constipation or constipation is a condition when you have difficulty defecating. Even though it's not a serious illness, symptoms of constipation will certainly make you uncomfortable. It is not surprising that many people try various ways to treat constipation and one of them is natural laxatives. So, what can be used as a natural constipation medicine?

Natural laxatives to treat constipation

There are many things that cause constipation and it is usually triggered by a lack of consumption of fibrous foods and rarely exercising. By knowing what causes constipation, you can take advantage of the natural constipation remedies below according to your condition.

Natural constipation medications are widely used instead of over-the-counter laxatives because they can cause side effects in some people. In addition, many worry about dependence on the drug if constipation recurs.

That is why, consumption of certain foods, drinks, and spices can be a way to launch natural defecation. Here are some natural laxatives that you can use to treat constipation.

The causes of constipation are very diverse, which are generally triggered by less consumption of fibrous foods and less exercise. From the causes of this constipation, you can determine the treatment that directs you to natural laxatives.

1. Water

One of the causes of constipation is the lack of body fluids to soften the stool so that the stool becomes smooth. That is why drinking water is the most effective natural laxative.

You see, the movement of stool during constipation will move more slowly as it passes through the intestine. This causes the intestines to absorb more fluid from the stool. As a result, the stool is getting denser and drier.

To keep bowel movements hard, you need more fluids and one of the best sources is plain water. That way, the stool will be softer and easier to pass through the intestine, and stimulate faster bowel movements.

2.Epsom salt

Apart from being known as a food flavoring, certain types of salt such as English salt or Epsom are also often used as natural laxatives. How can?

Research from journals Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology reported that the magnesium sulfate content of English salt has a strong laxative effect.

This medication helps stimulate the release of digestive hormones and draws more fluid into the intestines. This fluid can help stretch the intestines and soften the stool, so that you are free from hard bowel movements.

Don't forget to make sure the salt is safe to drink, not the English salt that is used for soaking or for plant fertilizer. So you need to pay close attention to packaging.

3. Fruits

Not only water, other natural laxatives that can be used are fruits. Some fruits that can treat constipation are bananas, apples, and pears. These fruits contain water which can increase your body fluid intake.

In fact, the three fruits also contain nutrients that can help smooth bowel movements. For example, bananas are high in fiber and potassium, so they can help soften stool and smooth the digestive tract.

This natural constipation remedy also contains probiotic bacteria, both called fructooligosaccharides, which can help relieve other symptoms of constipation. Meanwhile, apples contain pectin and fiber which can stimulate the abdominal organs and excrete feces.

In the intestine, pectin is quickly eaten by intestinal bacteria and mixes with feces, so that the texture becomes softer. Pectin can also speed up bowel movements, making constipation even better.

If not apples or bananas, you can choose pears as another constipation herbal remedy. The reason is, this fruit is rich in fiber, nutrients, and water which is good for the digestive system.

4. Castor oil (castor oil)

For those of you who have never heard of the name castor oil (castor oil), this oil is a vegetable oil that comes from the castor tree. Castor oil is usually yellow in color and is readily available at supermarkets and local pharmacies.

Apart from being used as an ingredient in soaps, plastics, castor oil can also be used as a natural laxative. This oil works like a laxative, able to stimulate the digestive organs and make waste easier to pass.

If you want to treat constipation with castor oil, all you have to do is drink it. When the oil is in the stomach, it will push the feces out.

The way it works is almost similar to stimulant laxatives, which is to increase bowel movement. Its use is almost the same, which is used when constipation cannot be treated with other laxatives.

This is because stimulant laxatives such as castor oil can cause the intestines to lose control of their own movements.

Castor oil can be categorized as a safe herbal remedy for difficult bowel movements. However, pregnant women who experience constipation and people who experience appendicitis and vomiting are not recommended to use castor oil.

5. Herbal teas

Herbal teas are a natural way to deal with constipation, and are believed to have minimal side effects. Certain types of herbal teas are even thought to be useful for relaxing the intestinal muscles so that stool movement is smoother.

Senna tea

Senna tea is a tea that comes from the dry leaves of a shrub called Senna alexandrina. This herb contains glycoside compounds which are said to have a natural laxative effect that can help relax the muscles of the digestive system.

This can make it easier for the stool to move along the intestine until it passes through the anus. The taste is quite bitter, making senna tea need to be added with honey as a sweetener to make it taste more friendly.

Black and green tea

Not only senna tea, you can also use black and green tea as a natural laxative. The reason is, both contain caffeine which has a laxative effect to stimulate bowel movements and smooth bowel movements.

This laxative effect usually feels more pronounced when taken in the morning on an empty stomach. However, those of you who are sensitive to caffeine should look for other tea alternatives, including:

peppermint,
dandelion, and
chamomile.

Although relatively safe, herbal teas are natural laxatives that can only be used for a short period of time. It is feared that drinking herbal tea regularly triggers the risk of liver damage and is not good for pregnant women.

6. Essential oil

Essential oils are known to have a myriad of properties that are good for health, including your digestive system. Even so, there are only a few types of essential oils that can be used as natural constipation remedies.

Ginger oil

Ginger oil is commonly used to improve digestive system function and reduce nausea. In fact, this one oil can also help treat constipation.

This is probably because ginger oil stimulates the digestive system by increasing gastric and bowel movements.

You can drizzle three to five drops of ginger oil in coconut or grapeseed oil. Then, apply the oil mixture on the stomach and massage gently.

Lemon oil

The antioxidant content in lemon oil can actually be used as a herbal constipation remedy. The reason is, antioxidants can help the digestive system work and reduce inflammation.

That way, the digestive system will be much better and can relieve symptoms of constipation.

Just like other oils, you can use this one oil by diluting it then massaging it into the skin and inhaling it through a diffuser. Avoid direct sunlight when applying lemon oil.

Chamomile oil

Besides being known as a tea that can calm the mind, chamomile can also be processed into an oil that can help overcome constipation. Generally, chamomile oil can increase bowel movements, which can push stool out and relieve flatulence.

You can mix chamomile oil with lavender oil to relax the muscles in the abdominal area.

How to use the same way, dilute chamomile oil with coconut oil then apply to the stomach. Massage the abdominal area in a clockwise motion and repeat three times a day.

7. Coffee

For some people drinking coffee can trigger heartburn because it activates the movement of the intestinal muscles. This initial can be a signal for you to launch your bowel movements.

Coffee also contains a small amount of fiber which can help balance gut bacteria. On the other hand, coffee has a diuretic effect that makes you urinate more often. Make sure to drink enough water when drinking coffee.

8. Psyllium supplements

Psyllium is a natural fiber laxative. Psyllium can help you have more frequent bowel movements. This supplement is also often used to treat chronic constipation and can be combined with other laxatives.

To use psyllium, dissolve the psyllium powder in a 8 ounce glass of liquid (this can be water or unsweetened fruit juice). Drink it immediately after mixing, while the psyllium capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Keep in mind that you still have to eat foods that are good for digestion, drink lots of water, and do light exercise. Apart from speeding up healing, it also helps prevent constipation from recurring.

It's a good idea to consult a doctor before trying the natural laxatives mentioned above. This is because everyone's body can trigger different reactions depending on their health condition.

If you have further questions, discuss with your doctor to find the right solution.