Constipation is a condition that many people suffer from, but few openly talk about. However, it’s more common than you might think. In fact, most healthy individuals typically have bowel movements once or twice a day. In some cases, even having a bowel movement every other day can still be considered normal, depending on the individual’s body and habits.
Constipation is usually defined as the delay or difficulty in passing stool that lasts for 48 hours or more. However, it’s important to understand that this definition can vary from person to person. What might be normal for one person could be unusual for another. That’s why constipation is often described as a relative and individual issue.
The main cause of constipation is the prolonged retention of fecal matter in the rectum, which leads to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. It’s not only physically uncomfortable, but it can also affect your mental well-being. People suffering from constipation often feel bloated, heavy, and are constantly preoccupied with the urge or inability to have a bowel movement.
Normally, a healthy person should excrete about 150 to 160 grams of stool per day. The fecal matter should neither be too loose nor too hard. After every bowel movement, a person should feel satisfied and comfortable.
Common symptoms of constipation include:
- Reduced bowel movement frequency
- The need to strain during defecation
- Hard or small-sized stools
- A feeling of incomplete emptying
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
I’ve personally struggled with constipation for as long as I can remember. At one point, I was only able to go to the bathroom once a week, and even then, it was only possible with the help of laxatives or enemas. Eventually, I decided to try natural remedies, and to my surprise, I discovered several that were truly effective.
I’d love to share these natural recipes in hopes that they might help others too:
1. Buckthorn Bark Tea
Take 20 grams of crushed buckthorn bark.
Pour one cup of boiling water over it.
Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
Cover the pot and let it steep for 30 minutes.
Strain the tea.
Drink ½ cup before bed.
2. Grapes or Grape Juice
Eat one cup of fresh grapes or drink one cup of natural grape juice, three times a day:
- First in the morning on an empty stomach
- Second time, one hour before lunch
- And third time, in the evening
3. Yogurt and Herbal Oil Mixture
Take 180 grams of plain yogurt.
Whisk in 10 grams of herbal oil (like flaxseed or olive oil).
Consume slowly by the spoonful before bed.
In the morning, dissolve one tablespoon of honey in a glass of cold water (room temperature),
and drink it slowly in small sips.
4. Aloe Vera and Honey
Mix 150 grams of aloe vera juice with 300 grams of honey.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator.
Take one tablespoon twice a day — once in the morning before breakfast, and again before bed.
Drink some water afterward.
5. Raw Potato Juice and Sauerkraut Juice
Drink ¼ to 1 full glass of raw potato juice to relieve constipation.
Sauerkraut juice also acts as a natural laxative.
Consume ½ glass, warm, once a day.
All of the remedies listed above are made from natural ingredients and pose no risk to your health. They are safe, simple, and effective alternatives to synthetic laxatives, which can sometimes cause dependency or irritation in the digestive system.
If you, like me, have been suffering in silence, I encourage you to try these gentle and natural solutions. You may find relief without the need for harsh medications or invasive treatments. Always remember — regular digestion is a key part of a healthy life!
