A look at some of the different home remedies for constipation used in various countries around the world.
If you’ve ever suffered from the bloating and discomfort of constipation, you know the temptation of shopping for a quick fix from your local pharmacy’s laxative aisle.
Millions of people from around the world have had to deal with constipation at some point in their lives. So what do people in other countries do for relief?
Home remedies for constipation from around the world
Here’s a look at some common sense home remedies for constipation from across the globe.
China
- At bedtime eat boiled sweet potatoes, seasoned with salt or sugar.
- Eat enzyme-rich pineapple between meals.
- The Chinese have used rhubarb rhizome since the days of Marco Polo.
Another root people have long used in traditional Chinese medicine is He Shou Wu. Used as a tonic for constipation, He Shou Wu is gaining in popularity as a liver tonic and for strengthening the kidneys.
France
- Eat whole mustard seeds. The French also use this to treat nausea and indigestion.
- A teaspoon of basil oil: made from basil and olive oil that has been preserved in a glass jar for at least six weeks.
- Adding honey to warm beverages throughout the day.
India
- Drink warm milk before bed. For severe constipation: add one or two teaspoons of castor oil to the milk.
- Add the juice of a lemon to warm water and drink it two or three times a day.
- Use spices that are known to help with digestion: coriander, turmeric powder, fennel, and cumin.
Indian tradition suggests that people who are prone to constipation should eat spinach at every meal and papaya fruit at least twice a day.
North America
- Many families swear by mixing corn syrup and peanut butter.
- A piping hot cup of coffee. One of the side effects many people complain about when giving up caffeine is constipation.
- Eat 2 to 3 oranges at breakfast. (Fruit is Mother Nature’s gift to the constipated.)
Other countries
In the A-Z of foods used in other countries for constipation relief, asparagus leads the way with the English. Eating it raw before a meal will give you relief from bloating and constipation.
The Ethiopians have discovered the virtues of the pumpkin seed. High in natural fiber, pumpkin seeds are one of the top home remedies for constipation in that country.
These days, we hear more and more about the health dangers of abusing laxatives. It’s comforting to know that tried and true home constipation remedies are still being passed down (figuratively and literally!) from generation to generation.