Table of Contents
Constipation Remedies
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DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
6 YEA
[YEA] 07/06/2006: Enza from Hamilton, ON CANADA writes: "1 TBSP FRESH SQUEEZED LEMON MIXED WITH 1 TBSP OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL. Take mixture 2-3 times a day until it relieves constipation. Stop taking the mixture once you have a normal bowel movement. It works great."
[YEA] 06/11/2008: Kalia from DC, United States replies: "Constipation Remedies: wow! This worked within 3 minutes and 15 seconds. I highly recommend the orange/lemon juice and olive oil treatment for anyone suffering the agony of immobile bowel."
11/19/2008: Linda from Erlanger, Ky replies: "Hello, so you only drink the 1 TBSP of the lemon juice and olive oil, you do not mix it with water, just those 2 things, 1 TBSP of each, is that correct? Thank you :)"
[YEA] 11/25/2008: Linda from Erlanger, Ky replies: "Wow, I tried this concoction and yes indeed it works. Just a TBSP of each in a small glass, gulp it down, late in the PM and low and behold the next AM we have a BM! haha Thanks for the great advice!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 01/17/2009: Angie from Astoria, NY writes: "I was having problems having bowel movements. A friend recommended 2 tbsps of lemon juice in hot water on an empty stomach. It helped so much. I do this everyday and don't have problems anymore. I tried fiber supplements and became bloated with pain."
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8 YEA
[YEA] 07/10/2009: Anna from Dayton, OH writes: "I worked with a famous local herbalist and many people came in with constipation problems. My friend would have a bowel movement once a week. My other older friend would have to go to the hospital periodically because of constipation. The remedy that worked for me and both of my friends was magnesium. I take 2 magnesium (200 to 250 mg apiece)for insomnia every night. Every morning when I wake up I naturally have a bm. According to my herbalist magnesium relaxes every cell of your body and we don't get enough of it. My younger friend with constipation was tested for 12 (200mg) tabs a day till her bowels got loose enough and then she was to back down-taking less-till she found how manny worked well for her. My herbalist used to say you can't get enough magnesium-your body needs it so much. Whether that is true or not I don't know. But I do know it's the best solution for my constipation and insomnia."
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[YEA] 12/18/2007: fauna from lynnwood, wa writes: "I love love love, what magnesium has done for me. I was constipated for the last 30 years of my life. I was in a lot of discomfort and even excluded myself from social gatherings because of gas and bloating. Once a week was the norm most times less. I feel like I have wasted a lot of my life because of this problem. I added magnesium to my diet because of a problem I am having with my teeth, and what do you know, regular, like clockwork bowel movements. I have also added oatmeal to my diet, but by using the magnesium regularly, I feel so much better. Those who rely on laxatives are really missing the boat on this one, and should strongly rethink how they treat their bodies. Even though I should be laxative dependent, I never stooped to that way of life, but I know that a lot of women rely on laxatives to produce bowel movements. I feel freed by this information and only wish I had had it 30 years earlier."
[YEA] 04/12/2009: KT from Irvine, California, USA replies: "This page has changed my life & constipation of 36 years!!!!!!!!!! It got so severe last year that I had to quit work to find the holy grail that would defeat my DNA, heredity, bad karma, stinginess (which leads to constipation) .. you name it. Needless to say constipation runs in my family. I had tried pills, herbs, various home remedies to no avail specially since last year. Coconut oil worked like a miracle too, but what really got my colon going is Calcium-Magnesium (citrate) in liquid form and some patience. It took 2 weeks to kick in but boy, I have been regular like clockwork in the morning, defeating all odds!! Moreover I have started eating foods & meats that gave me constipation earlier and it is really working wonders. I just take a tblspoon after dinner in lukewarm water. Sometimes, the solution is simple to life's biggest problems, we just need to find the solution. Magnesium really helps draw water to the colon, thereby easing the waste-elimination. Of course eat healthy and drink lots of water. And be patient with the remedies you try before they work."
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[YEA] 10/14/2007: Karan from Calgary, Canada writes: "I was skeptical when I read on this website that magnesium could 'cure' chronic constipation....I am no longer skeptical! It works! I had been struggling for months, tried it last week, and I am happy to report that all is well is my world! I have been taking 750 mg of magnesium at bed time, but I am going to reduce that amount because it is a bit too effective. I am so overjoyed that when I get up in the morning now, I can go! With ease! I also sleep better with use of the magnesium! A lot of bang for your buck!"
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[YEA] 01/23/2007: Joan from Elkton, VA writes: "After viewing reader comments on your web site, I tried magnesium oxide to relieve IBS with constipation. My doctor had prescribed Zelnorm twice a day, and I had used it for three years. It worked quite well, but I was having to live my life around scheduling my medication and meals so the Zelnorm would be effective. If I didn't allow one hour after taking it before I ate a meal, the constipation along with bloating and nausea would return. I just couldn't see living the rest of my life like that. Not to mention the expense of taking a one-of-a-kind drug. Then while researching IBS with constipation, I noticed your web site. I began taking 250 mg magnesium oxide on an empty stomach first thing when I awaken each morning. By the time I'm ready for breakfast, it has had its desired effect. Thanks so much! I am so appreciative of the help I found."
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[YEA] 08/18/2006: Anonymous writes: "Magnesium citrate powder, mixed with hot water. Adjust the dosage as necessary, starting with 1 teaspoon, taken in the morning and the evening. It works fantastically well!"
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[YEA] 01/24/2006: Donna from Aspen CO writes: "WOW!!! Magnesium puts an end to constipation. I take 650 mg every evening and wake up to a normal system. Adjust your intake, maybe you need less or more."
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[YEA] Tracy from Chalfont, PA writes: "I have found that magnesium capsules work best for me. I have suffered for years with constipation and nothing works more gently. Of course dosage varies from person to person depending on your body's need. In fact, it may vary daily depending on your diet. I find that 600 mg daily works best. Just adjust your dosage by your results. If you're having diarrhea, you're taking too much. If you're not going, you're not taking enough! It's as simple as that."
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MAGNESIUM CITRATE, DIETARY SUGGESTIONS
[YEA] 11/07/2007: Nat from Brooklyn, New York writes: "Thank you for a good work.
We have been trying some of the suggestions on your site and have found them helpful in many areas.
Your site showed that magnesium citrate (600 Mg) was very helpful for overcoming constipation. It is very good especially when implemented together with some other things. Here is how it seemed to work best. In the morning, one takes three magnesium citrate tablets (one hundred mg in each) with a glass of tap water mixed with a few drops of Ume Plum vinegar (which has salt in it) available from Eden foods. Maybe any vinegar mixed with salt might also work well. The mixture should not be overly salty, just pleasantly salty. Vitamin C 300 to 1000 - can also be taken together with the magnesium citrate. A short while after that one takes a glass or two of plain cold water from the tap. Let it run for short while. Then a little after that (or even right after that), one takes boiled hot water mixed with one or two tablespoons toasted bran (Kretchmers sells toasted bran), (regular raw bran might also work well), and about the same amount, or a little bit less, toasted wheat germ, adding some more plum vinegar (or maybe any vinegar with salt) to the mixture to make it pleasantly salty. Stir and sip or drink this mixture. One may need a spoon to eat the bran and wheat germ that has settled to the bottom. (At times, a papain tablet and a betaine hydrochloride tablet can be taken with the magnesium citrate, though it may not be necessary. Vitamin C is helpful. It also helps improve the quality of one's sleep and may help a person fall back asleep when awakening in middle of the night.)
After all this, one can eat some fruit, such as papaya, which is excellent for overcoming constipation, or stewed figs, raisins or prunes, stewed or soaked in water and olive oil, and eaten when still hot or at least warm. One can also eat any other fruit or even a regular breakfast.
In general, raw fruits, vegetables and vegetable salads should be an important part of one's daily food. Lettuce (romaine in particular) and escarole are especially helpful. Hot drinks and hot soups are also helpful.
In the late afternoon one takes another three magnesium citrate tablets together with a glass of water mixed with a few more drops of the salty plum vinegar and if one feels the need, another tablespoon or two of bran and wheat germ.
One should also avoid drinking a lot of milk and any hard cheeses or fried foods or other such foods and eat clean simple foods.
There should, with help from Above, be significant improvement.
The suggestion for using bran and wheat germ in a hot drink came from the letters from readers section of a health magazine* from many years ago. It was later written up in a book on natural healing **The person, who suggested it in her letter, said to use it in hot coffee twice a day.
The book also mentions bran, papaya, sunflower seeds, garlic and escarole. (Garlic is recommended in the name of Hippocrates and also in the name of a leading expert in garlic therapy who recommends mixing garlic with (milk?) or yogurt. Garlic is also recommended for relieve of diarrhea.) Escarole is recommended by someone who found miraculous help from the suggestion to cook escarole in water and to drink this escarole water and by another person who ate the escarole raw.
Thank you for letting me share this.
Nat
*Prevention Magazine
**(Miracle Medicine Foods by Rex Adams, published by Warner Books. This book is probably out of print.)"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/27/2008: Gina from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada writes: "I have suffered from constipation all my life. I do everything you are supposed to do to have healthy bowel movements...I am a vegetarian,mostly raw, and so consume fibre, fibre, fibre, I drink at least a gallon of pure water every day, I run, walk, do yoga, I give myself time to go, do abdominal massages....everything. A few years ago, despite all this, I did not have a bowel movement for 27 days. The pain was horrible. Everyone asks me why I let it go so long. I was trying all the usuual remedies and giving each of them a day or two to work, fully expecting them to. I tried cascara, prune juice, aloe vera, senna, all in large doses, I tried an enema...and got zero results, except for more and more pain. On the 27th day, crying and throwing up, unable to eat or drink, I visited the emergency room. My bowel was obstructed. Unwilling to undergo surgery, I went home, crying, and checked the internet, paid 30 bucks for a poorly written four page "e-book", and am eternally grateful that I did! It said to take magnesium oxide. Simple. It would cure constipation forever with daily dosage. I started that night with a massive dose...three 300mg capsules every two hours all night long. In the morning, I moved a tiny, dry piece, but was grateful even for that....the blockage was moving. The next day, I passed seven huge easy movements...each one a foot long. I will never never again go a day without magnesium oxide. I take 400-600 mg/day before bed and have not missed a day since.
Anyone who has ever not had a movement for more than a few days will attest to how awful it is....this cure is so simple. Magnesium oxide has the most dramatic laxitive effect, much more so than citrate."
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1 YEA
2 WARNINGS!
[YEA] 10/12/2008: Doris from Santa Ana, CA writes: "Take mineral oil. Cure constipation, encopresis, impacted stools, etc. When worst few times of constipation or encopresis are finished, change to cod liver oil or olive oil for continued feeding and healing of intestines, sphyncter, rectum, and stomach.
Ailment: Laxatives force stool expulsion by irritating the bowels. If stools are hard, impacted, if rectal fissures exist internally, at rectal opening, hemmorhoids, etc. - pain and possible damage occurs from laxatives forcing stools out with no regard to existing damage. Our child's bowels became impacted due to prior medical issues. Doctor prescribed pediatric enemas and laxatives. All caused horrific pain, fissures, even hemmoroids, etc. We stopped them immediately when pharmacist told us laxatives were causing worsening conditions. Doctor then referred us to psychologists who diagnosed either "stubborn-child behavior" and prescribed spanking (imagine child's bottom that is withholding 2 1/2 weeks already!), or put child through "colostomy surgery for everyone's convenience", and even putting our child on "a schedule of 5 anti-psychotic drugs to cure stress". We ignored them all, searched online holistic cures, found ailment-related mineral oil cure info. Doctor did NOT want to prescribe mineral oil or cod liver oil - gave no reason.
Cure: Mineral oil is tasteless, odorless, colorless. Regularly available without rx at drug store and at grocery store. It softens stools, lubricates bowel walls for smooth passing, NOT pain at all. Oil helps heal internal fissures or external hemmorhoids. Take as is, or stirred into porridge, or mixed in blender 40 seconds with favorite beverage (smooth like a milkshake). Drink a tablespoonful of mineral oil after food (a meal), or take it with a few crackers, wash it down with a beverage. Being odorless, colorless and tasteless mixes in food easy (cod liver or olive oil have hard-to-swallow strong flavors; cod liver oil is available in cherry flavor now). Works especially well where artificial sweetener's breakdown into methanol/fermaldehyde have ruined your intestinal wall's filli, or for those needing acidopholus milk. Coats insides, helps protect and heal. Distended (stretched) intestines or colon will regain elasticity and normal size quicker.
Dose: Normal daily dose is 1 tablespoonful 8 hours before anticipated bathroom use. Lubricates bowels to pass stools softened - NO discomfort, NO diahhrea. Extreme impacted, constipated, weak bowels, use 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of adult body weight (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon). Children dose 1 tablespoon (not teaspoon) per 10 pounds body weight. Then stay close to home - have bathroom, change of clothes ready just in case - anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours. Stools will be very softened, passing through very lubricated intestines (oil calms sphyncter and rectum also). Since there's NO diahhrea-style rush or nausea, pre-prepare your bathroom in case you don't "feel" your body's need to BM- it might be sudden.
After, drink water or a mild beverage to relax any emptiness feelings after releasing constipation blockage.
Doctor later said mineral oil cure was fastest, healthiest, emotionally safest cure she'd seen.
100% cured!"
[WARNING!] 02/09/2009: Windy from Somewhere, BC, Canada replies: "Mineral oil is a petroleum by-product. If you are looking to go "natural" this is not it. Mineral oil is, unfortunately, the base of baby oil. When applied to the skin it blocks the pores and does not allow the skin to breathe properly = poor babies who have no choice! Taken internally... well, you decide if you want to injest a petroleum product. I don't!"
[WARNING!] 02/14/2010: Vickie from Northfork, Wv replies: "I used mineral oil some years ago for constipation, only occasionally. If used on a daily basis, it coats the bowels and prevents vitamins and minerals from being absorbed. It will cause malnourishment if taken daily. Only use it occasionally."
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8 YEA
[YEA] 11/26/2008: Nisel from Crestline, CA writes: "I waited two months before sending my feedback on Blackstrap Molasses because I wanted to be sure it was working for me. I have had severe constipation since I was a young girl and am now 57. I have suffered much with this condition and have tried endless remedies without permanent relief. After reading the reviews, I decided to try Blackstrap Molasses; taking one table spoon in the morning and one table spoon in the evening (I also take one one teaspoon Cayenne Pepper in the morning and one in the evening). After two months I can honestly say that I am having one, and sometimes two bowel movements a day. To add to my joy, I also have more energy. I work full time and by the afternoons I am really tired, but have noticed lately that most days I feel fine during afternoon/eveing hours. I am amazed and very grateful to God and to your website for providing a miracle cure!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
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[YEA] 08/28/2008: Cathy from Cambridge, Oh writes: "Blackstap Molasses cured my constipation problem! I am an avid reader of your site and have received a lot of good info from all who post to it.
I have had bowel problems my entire life. I have been to numerous doctors and have been told that I have the longest colon they have ever seen and it has many twists and turns. After fighting with the doctors about my elimination problem they operated just to see what they could see. Low and behold, they found a large section of my colon that was folded over......leading to another operation to remove 18 inches of my colon. I thought that would solve my problem, but due to years of taking ovc laxitives just to survive and for all the meds the doctors thought would cure me, I developed a lazy colon. Well, to make a long story short....I saw and read the articles on Blackstrap Molasses and purchased some four days ago. I took a tablespoon in the morning and again at night. This has been the best thing that could ever have happened to me. After two days...I am having regular, soft, bowel movements. I am thankful and amazed. I will pass this on to all my friends who also have that problem. I will continue to read as much as possible on your site because I found the answer to a lifetime problem through it that even doctors couldn't help. Thank You from the bottom of my heart."
07/08/2009: Mike from Sheboygan, WI replies: "about the molasses, do you take it daily, and for how long? did you stop taking it eventually and stay regular? im going to buy some, would be most appreciated to know your experience now from then? if anyone else has an input, that would be great!"
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[YEA] 10/30/2007: Fred G from Charlotte, NC writes: "My father is 87 and suffers from Parkinsons. He started having severe constipation problems as a result of intestinal muscles just not working. The doctors prescribed packets of chemical laxatives which marginally worked. He had to keep increasing these packets to a max of 7 packets. The expense was huge with many side-effects. On a follow up exam he asked if there was any alternative to help with the expense. The doctor recommended that he try black strap molasses. He incorporated 2 tablespoons a day and immediately was able to reduce the laxatives. Within 2 weeks and since he takes 0 laxatives and just the two tablespoons of Black Strap. He feels so much better and of course his mental state has improved greatly due to the relief that he nows has. He is not constipated at all and is just doing great. On that recommedation my elderly aunt, who has had constipation problems for years, tried the same remedy and had similar results. the doctor said he heard about this cure from his grandmother and figured it was worth a try."
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[YEA] 10/11/2007: Karen from Kingsland, Georgia writes: "I have been taking the blackstrap molasses for two weeks now. I have super energy now with in days of using it. i,ve also been having regular bowel movements daily. don't want to stop taking this am sold out."
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[YEA] 10/09/2007: Dodie from LA, California writes: "I've been taking blackstrap molasses for a week now and thank goodness I've been getting 3 bowel movements a day!! I have a hard time getting bowel movements partially cause of the foods that I eat but I am working on it. Also, my father has the same issues. Also, my face is glowing and I've gotten a couple of comments and how good my skin looks! I hope it doesn't stop working for me."
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[YEA] 07/21/2007: Tish from Chicago, Il writes: "My period has been always heavy that my hemoglobin level is always low that I have to take iron and shot every 2 weeks. ITs hard also to work and go to the bathroom every now and then. When I bleed it like for 10 days and more. I was diagnosed with fibroid just 2 months ago and I found your website just weeks before my surgery and its my second day of my period. I started taking the molasses and the next day my period slow down and no blood clotting and it stopped after 5 days. My daughter is always suffering from constipation and I recommended her this and she said she never pooh like this before..THANK YOU!"
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[YEA] 06/04/2007: Mimmer from LONDON, ENGLAND writes: "Hi all, I was chatting with a lady at work who suggested BSM and ACV [apple cider vinegar]. For a year I have suffered with constipation, bad back and general tightness of muscles in the neck area. For 20 yrs i have had trouble with fibroids (had surgery but too multiple to remove all). On 26-5-07, I bought BSM and ACV. I took it right away, doses-2 large spoons of BSM in warm water, followed by 3 tablespoons of ACV in warm water. I done this morning b4 breakfast and last thing at night. The second day on it I had a very easy bowel movement and have done everyday since. My constipation is now a thing of the past. My back (which I had to get medication from the doctors for-didnt help) was cured during the week, along with the muscle ache. I sleep deeper and don't seem to eat as much. I totally know that this 'tonic' as I like to call it will clear my fibroids eventually. I also want to see after 3months how i do as I want to give it to my Auntie for her Arthritis. I thank you all for posting your experiences as this has given me constant strength and encouragement. I look forward to this journey and please if you are having or have had VICTORY over fibroids with 'The Tonic' then please post so I can read it. I am a big believer in foods for healing and this sure is a testament to God's produce. "
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[YEA] 02/28/2007: Jennifer from Greenfield, WI writes: "I went to the health food store to ask about what I could give my 15 month-old son for constipation. They suggested 1-2 tsp. of blackstrap molasses in his bottle. I bought the bottle, came home, came to this website and discovered all different things this stuff is good for. I am 8 months pregnant. I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and developing symptoms of restless leg syndrome (common in pregnancy). I decided to give it a shot. Long story short, my son is pooping like a champ and I started sleeping through the night without any jerking limbs ON THE FIRST DAY! I ran out for one day, and I had a horrible night sleep. I am amazed and delighted"
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 03/25/2009: Ali from Kitchener, Ontario Canada writes: "I am a sixty-five year old female with slight bone loss in the lower spine. The Doctor has recommended fosomax and suggested a good multi vitamin. I have never liked the idea of taking chemicals of any kind, but I relented and bought some. Within days I found I became extremely constipated. The Doctor said I should change brands and make sure it had a high magnesium content as calcium can be constipating. I have now tried six differant kinds and have not found one that I can take without causing constipation. I eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and veggies whole grains and eight glasses of water daily plus green tea, several cups a day. I am presently taking 2 tesp. apple cider viniger in eight oz. cold water morning and night in an attempt to lose a little weight, just started, will let you all know how that goes, in the mean time if anyone can give me a solution to my problem with the multi vitamin I would be sooooooo relieved (I can not take calcium it causes same problem} If anyone can help with advice I will be so thankfull. EARTH CLINIC IS AN AMAZING SITE, PLEASE KEEP ON KEEPING ON,LOVE IT. Ali"
03/27/2009: Rosy from Orlando, fL replies: "Try Dolomite for your calcium. It is highly bio-available and may not cause any bowel issues."
08/05/2009: Marg from Nashville, Tn replies: "Have you tried whole food vitamins? Synthetic vitamins can cause problems."
08/06/2009: Connie from Manitowoc, Wisconsin replies: "What I'm finding elsewhere online says it may be the iron, as well as the calcium. Someone also suggested taking magnesium-plus-calcium pills with the multi, the magnesium is supposed to cancel out the calcium."
08/06/2009: Betty from Spearsville, La. replies: "Dear Ali,
Yes calcium will most certainly cause constipation. As a lifelong sufferer I can not tell you how happy I am to have found that magnesium is the answer. I have found that magnesium citrate works best. If you find diarrhea develops just back off it. It draws water to the intestines. I use 600 mg/day in 3 doses of 200mg. Research says you should have at least a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium. I take 1200 mg calcium daily as well as strontium citrate for osteoporosis. I do not use the biophosphates because of the side effects. Best of luck to you."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 10/30/2006: Desire from Chicago, IL writes: "5HTP, Omega3, Chlorophyll, ACV, Lemon and H2O everyday, Yoga 4 days a week. This combination has cured plenty; depression, regularity, appetite suppressant, etc. I'm just one happy camper"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 12/03/2008: Maribel from Miami, Florida writes: "FOR CONSTIPATION:
You go to Whole Foods and in the bulk section you buy OAT BRAN, it's very unexpensive. it is like powder and you just put 1-2 spoonfuls in your cereal or in anything and it's like magic, in less than 1 hour you have a bowel movement and natural not forced like with laxatives."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 05/08/2008: Jean from Calgary Alberta, Canada writes: "Constipation Remedy: Eat your porridge! A bowl of oatmeal porridge every morning (preferably made with large old fashioned oats) will keep your body working regularly. Adding some pumpkin seeds and dried fruit is even better. Takes only 4 minutes in the microwave."
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2 YEA
1 NAY
[YEA] 11/26/2007: susan from jupiter, florida writes: "I tried the olive oil and orange juice remedy for the constipation. It worked within ten minutes without stomach cramping and awful side effects like all the other over the counter laxatives can do. Thank you very much, I wish I found this remedy sooner."
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