Best Natural Laxatives to Beat Constipation

The topic of constipation is something that people generally don't want to talk about because, well, it's a bit embarrassing. However, going to the bathroom is quite important and getting constipated can have serious health consequences.

The only problem is, some laxatives are no picnic. A few weeks ago I took a "cleansing" herbal blend. I didn't look at the ingredients as thoroughly as I could have (shame on me) until harsh intestinal distress ensued.

When I did finally read what was in it, I was horrified to see Cascara Sagrada. That is one of the most powerful herbal laxatives out there. What was it doing in this particular blend? It shouldn't have been in it at all.

That got me thinking about natural laxatives. Just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it is good to use under most circumstances. There are plenty of gentler things that you can use. I thought I'd create a list.

Dried Prunes and Prune Juice

These are two classic remedies for constipation that, to me, don't even taste bad. In fact, I absolutely adore stewed prunes with vanilla yogurt for breakfast - a dish I first had at a French owned bed and breakfast in California. I encourage you to get to know this fruit and to find tasty (or tolerable) ways to enjoy it.

Enjoy Dried Figs

I like figs even better than prunes. Luckily, they are one of the best natural foods to beat constipation. I eat these tasty treats right out of the package and I find that they even help keep my chocolate cravings under control. Try to eat a few figs each day and you can keep constipation at arms length.

Drink Plenty of Water

Sometimes, simply drinking a lot of water is enough to get things flowing. In fact, this is the first thing I do when I feel like my bowels are getting sluggish. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses a day, more if you're becoming constipated.

Senna - A Fairly Gentle Herbal Laxative

Even though this laxative is considered "gentle" by some standards, it still needs to be treated with respect. Always mix it with a corrective herb such as ginger or peppermint otherwise it could cause severe intestinal disturbance. Or, you can purchase a professional blend that includes ONLY senna for the laxative. Also, only use this as a last resort. It is too easy to get dependent on laxatives to have a bowel movement.

Though these remedies can help greatly, remember to see a doctor if you think you have constipation because this could be a sign of a bigger health problem. Plus, you will want to clear these remedies with him or her before you use them.