Natural Home Remedies For Constipation

'A healthy stomach is a healthy body.' Many diseases have their roots in the digestive system.

Constipation is a very common problem affecting a lot of people. Wrong eating habits, sedentary lifestyle & sluggish intestines are the main reasons. If the stomach is not cleared well, it leads to a lot of problems such as headaches, gas etc. However, use of laxatives should be discouraged as it is habit forming and also harmful in the long run. Here are some tips to relieve you of your problem. (It will take some time but be persistent and you will surely benefit)

• Take a hot glass of water with 1 teaspoon honey and juice of ½ a lemon first thing in the morning.
• Drink one litre (4 glasses) of water first thing in the morning.
• Soak 6-8 dates (khajoor) in a cup of water at night. Churn in the mixer in the morning & drink first thing in the morning.
• Consume approx. 250-300 gms fresh grapes (angoor) every day. When grapes are not in season, soak 12-15 raisins (kishmish) in water and have them. Raisins should be soaked for 24-48 hours and eaten early in the morning. The water in which they are soaked should also be drunk.
• Simply eat a few liquorice (mulathi) sticks. One of its many properties is that it is a natural laxative.

For small children:

• Soak 6-8 raisins (kishmish) in hot water (depending on the age). When cool, crush well and strain. When given routinely even to little infants, it helps to regulate bowel movement (however care should be taken - so as not to give too much otherwise the child might get loose motions.)
• Consumption of 6-8 apricots (khurmani) a day or 2-3 cucumbers (kheera) a day or 1-2 bananas a day is also very useful.
• Bulk forming vegetables like carrots, radish, spinach, cabbage or roughage creating things should be consumed. Instead of juice always opt for eating the fruit.
• Whole wheat flour should be used and processed foods (maida, cheese, confectionery) should be avoided.
• Taking 2-3 teaspoons of isabgol in milk or warm water either first thing in the morning or at bed time is very beneficial.
• Mix ½ teaspoon honey to ½ - 1 cup warm water and have it 2-3 times a day.