7 Best And Natural Laxatives That Will Help You Relieve Constipation

Natural laxatives are foods that help improve bowel movement, prevent constipation, and support gut health, without harming gut flora or causing dependency, unlike over-the-counter constipation remedies.

Among the 7 most popular natural laxatives that can easily be added to your diet to relieve constipation are fruits like prunes, papaya, oranges, figs, and strawberries, along with some medicinal herbs known for their laxative properties, such as senna tea or rhubarb tea.

7 Best And Natural Laxatives That Will Help You Relieve Constipation
7 Best And Natural Laxatives That Will Help You Relieve Constipation

Important Note: This information is for educational purposes and should never replace medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before stopping any treatments.

7 Best Natural Laxatives for Constipation

Here are some natural laxative options for constipation:

1. Beetroot and Orange Juice

Beetroot and orange juice is high in fiber, which helps with bowel movement and stool elimination.

Ingredients:

  • Half a raw or cooked beetroot, sliced
  • 1 glass of natural orange juice

Instructions:

  • Blend the ingredients together and drink 250 ml of this juice 20 minutes before lunch and dinner for 3 consecutive days.

2. Papaya and Orange Juice

Papaya and orange juice is a great source of fiber and papain, an enzyme that helps digest food, making it an excellent natural laxative.

Ingredients:

  • 1 glass of natural orange juice
  • 1 slice of papaya, pitted
  • 3 pitted prunes

Instructions:

  • Blend all the ingredients together and drink it for breakfast. This juice is most effective when consumed in the morning, but it can be enjoyed at any time of day.

3. Grape, Pear, and Flaxseed Juice

Grape juice with flaxseeds helps relieve constipation by increasing stool volume and acting as a lubricant, hydrating the stool for easier elimination.

Ingredients:

  • 1 glass of natural grape juice with seeds
  • 1 pear (with skin), cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds

Instructions:

  • Blend the ingredients and drink daily on an empty stomach. Once your digestive system improves, reduce consumption to every other day or two times a week. You can also use chia seeds or sunflower seeds as an alternative to flaxseeds.

4. Apple Juice with Olive Oil

Apple juice with olive oil is fiber-rich and helps soften the stool, acting as a natural laxative.

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple (with skin)
  • Half a glass of water
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  • Wash and cut the apples, removing the cores. Blend the apples with water. Fill a glass halfway with the apple juice and top it off with olive oil. Mix well and drink the entire glass before bed. Use for up to two days.

5. Fruit Jelly with Senna Tea

Fruit jelly and senna tea are simple to prepare and highly effective for combating constipation, as they are rich in fiber and natural laxative compounds like sennosides, mucilage, and flavonoids.

Ingredients:

  • 450g pitted prunes
  • 450g raisins
  • 450g figs
  • 0.5–2g dried senna leaves
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 250ml boiling water

Instructions:

  • Add senna leaves to boiling water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and pour the tea into a large pot. Add the prunes, raisins, and figs, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add sugar and lemon juice, mix well, and let cool. Blend into a smooth paste and store in the fridge.

  • Consume 1–2 tablespoons per day directly, on toast, or mixed with hot water to make a drink. If it causes very soft stools, reduce the amount or consume it every other day.

Note: Senna tea is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children under 12, or people with certain health conditions.

6. Rhubarb Tea Jam with Fruit

Rhubarb tea jam with fruits is another excellent natural laxative. Rhubarb contains natural laxative compounds like sennosides and rheine, and fruits are high in fiber, aiding in constipation relief.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons rhubarb
  • 200g strawberries, chopped
  • 200g apples, peeled and chopped
  • 400g sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 250ml water

Instructions:

  • Boil rhubarb and water for 10 minutes, then remove the rhubarb. Add strawberries, apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to the pot, and bring to a boil. Add the rhubarb tea and simmer, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Remove the cinnamon stick and blend the mixture into a smooth paste. Store in sterilized jars in the fridge.

  • Consume 1 tablespoon daily or spread it on toast.

Important Note: Rhubarb should not be consumed by pregnant women, children under 10, or individuals with abdominal pain or intestinal obstruction.

7. Prune and Oat Smoothie

Prune and oat smoothies are great natural laxatives. Both prunes and oats are rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movement and relieve constipation. Prunes also contain sorbitol, a natural laxative.

Ingredients:

  • 500ml cold skim milk or plant-based drink
  • 10 prunes
  • 5 tablespoons oats

Instructions:

  • Wash the prunes, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Blend all the ingredients together and drink immediately on an empty stomach in the morning.

Natural Laxatives for Babies

For babies, offering water several times a day is the most natural way to treat constipation, as it keeps the body hydrated and softens stools. After 6 months, you can also introduce laxative foods like pears, prunes, and peaches into their diet.

Laxative teas, such as senna, should be avoided for babies, as they can irritate the intestines and cause discomfort. Always consult a pediatrician before using any herbal remedies.

In addition to diet, gently massaging the baby’s belly can help relieve colic and stimulate bowel movements.

Related articles

📚 Medical References and Sources

  • NIDDKConstipation
  • Mayo Clinic Constipation
  • Cleveland ClinicNatural Laxatives
  • Harvard HealthNatural Constipation Relief
  • AGAConstipation Guidelines
  • NCCIHHerbal Digestive Remedies
  • PubMed Central (PMC)Natural Products for Constipation
  • Journal of Medicinal FoodPrunes & Fiber Study
  • Attaluri et al. (2011)Prunes vs. Psyllium Study
  • British Journal of Pharmacology Senna & Rhubarb
  • de Witte (1993)Anthranoid Laxatives Study
  • World Journal of GastroenterologyFiber & Constipation Study
  • Suares & Ford (2011)Fiber Review

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