By EKalman June 9, 2025 - 5:15am

If you're having trouble going to the toilet and emptying your bowels, there are a few non-medical ways to activate a dormant stomach and treat constipation. This article discusses some home remedies for constipation and bowel movements.

To begin, if you detect a variation in your usual routine, do not be concerned. If you make a few small changes, you'll probably find yourself returning to typical routines.

If you need instant constipation relief, try one or more of the following to help your gut return to normal (however, prune juice may not be for everyone).

Natural constipation remedies to empty your bowels:

1. Lemon juice
A cleaning technique to induce bowel movements is to drink a glass of water combined with half a lemon juice before going to bed and again when you wake up. You may want to drink through a straw if you notice your teeth growing sensitive after a regular course of lemon water.

2. Olive oil
Consuming a spoonful of olive oil on an empty stomach in the morning can help feces flow through the digestive tract. The oil functions as a lubricant in the digestive tract, making it easier for solids to pass through. It also softens the stool, allowing you to thoroughly empty your bowels.

3. Prune juice/dried prunes
One of the more classic treatments for constipation. Prune juice lacks the fiber of dried fruit, yet both are high in sorbitol levels. Sorbitol enters the colon without digestion and attracts water, causing stool to thicken and encouraging bowel movement.

4. Stewed apricots
A tasty treat to help ease constipation. Open and cut a punnet of apricots in half. Put 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar in a pot, add two tablespoons of water, and cook over low-medium heat. Stew until they soften, then remove from the heat and cover with a lid to cool. These are great for breakfast and go well with yoghurt and granola.

5. Fluids
There are numerous benefits of drinking water. Aiming for 2.5 litres/12 glasses per day can help to refresh your system and break down any food in the intestines. A mug of hot water is ideal for soothing the stomach and stimulating the peristaltic process.

6. Hot beverages
While we all love a cup of tea or coffee as a refreshment or pick-me-up, they do have diuretic properties. Diuretics increase pee production, which means we need to use the restroom more frequently. Keep this in mind when drinking coffee to assist in inducing a bowel movement. Tea and coffee, like hot water, help to break down sediments. Senna tea, a stimulant laxative that aids in the contraction of the digestive tract, is a very effective constipation treatment.

7. Avoid foods with a high-fat content
The body has a difficult difficulty digesting fat. The bile-producing gallbladder (the substance that aids in fat breakdown) is put to the test, particularly with Western diets. It will benefit the entire body by reducing the amount of fried food consumed and relieving constipation.

8. Ginger
A favorite natural food in many households. Ginger helps with constipation by reducing pressure on the lower intestines. It can also help alleviate other symptoms associated with constipation, such as cramps, bloating, and nausea.

9. Clear soups
Clear soups are naturally healthful and add moisture to stools, making them softer and easier to move. Warm foods, including soups, are also easier for the body to digest.

10. Apples and pears
Apples and pears, which are high in fiber, fructose, and sorbitol, are popular fruits that aid in bowel movement. Additionally, apples and pears have a high water content, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. For the best benefits, consume them uncooked.

11. Fennel
A gentle, pleasant-smelling natural laxative. Roasted fennel can be added to warm water for a delicious evening beverage. Fennel seeds promote feces' passage through the colon by boosting stomach enzymes in the digestive tract.