Constipation is a wretched condition and a common complaint for many people. Constipation occurs when bowel movements are small, hard, and difficult to pass. You may have few bowel movements or always experience a feeling of never finishing the movement. There are numerous causes of constipation including anxiety, stress, dehydration, nutrition, injury and some medications can cause constipation.

There are several natural ways to help those who suffer from constipation. A balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables is advisable. Green leafy vegetables such as lettuce and parsley are especially good for helping to prevent constipation.

One home remedy which is particularly recommended is the use of cayenne pepper either as a seasoning on your food or you can take Cayenne capsules which are available in most grocery stores and pharmacies. Cayenne pepper is what is called a stimulating herb' - a natural blood thinner and can help improve circulation. The main medicinal attributes of cayenne are derived from a chemical called capsaicin. As well as adding heat to the pepper, capsaicin acts to reduce blood platelet stickiness and relieve pain.

When ingested, cayenne soothes the digestive tract and increases the flow of stomach secretions and saliva. These secretions carry substances that help digest food. Cayenne tablets or capsules can be taken at each meal after you finish eating. Capsaicin is known to help improve the digestive tract and the circulatory system, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and speeds healing. Today, cultures which consume large amounts of Cayenne pepper experience a much lower rate of cardiovascular disease. Cayenne has been employed as medicine for centuries. It is universally considered helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach aches, cramping pains, constipation and gas.

You may experience a burning in the upper part of your stomach after taking a cayenne capsule. This sensation will go away as your body becomes used to the pepper. Adding cayenne pepper to soups, salads, and other foods you like will also be of benefit. When your constipation has been alleviated, cayenne will also help your bowel movements remain regular.

There are numerous other terrific and simple home remedies to ease constipation. For example, try eating a banana each day. This can help with constipation as well as help keep potassium levels even. An apple a day keeps the doctor away is something our grandmothers told us as children. Did you know it can also help keep constipation away? Well, it can!

Vegetables are fundamental ingredients necessary for regulating your digestive processes and avoiding constipation pain. Parsley, lettuce, and cabbage when included in a salad are a wonderful side dish with the added bonus of helping to keep your digestive tract in tip-top shape. Red beets and the liquid from boiled potatoes are also recommended. Tomatoes and tomato juice are believed to relieve many constipation problems.

There are several natural remedies that don't include vegetables or fruit. You can eat one half cup of sunflower seeds every day or try drinking two cups of warm water on an empty stomach each morning. Half a teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of olive oil can be added to that warm water for a little extra help.

Blanched thyme leaves in a cup of water with a bit of honey can help if you drink it each morning, and if you like honey, eat a little every day! Sounds like a sweet way to ease constipation. Eating whole wheat breads, bran, and even oatmeal each day will also help your problem.

In addition to these simple remedies from the kitchen, natural therapies such as aromatherapy and herbs can also help provide constipation relief. Try one or more of the following recipes to help encourage your digestive tract to become more regular and efficient.

Constipation Massage Oil

* 6 d. Rosemary oil

* 6 d. Thyme oil: in 1 oz. olive or Almond oil.

Massage on abdomen in a clockwise circular motion.

Constipation Relief Oil

Massage in a clockwise direction over the lower abdomen three times a day with the following:

* Rosemary 15 drops

* Lemon 10 drops

* Peppermint 5 drops

Dilute mixture in 2 tablespoons Massage Oil

Digest-Eze Herbal Tea

* 1 cup water

* 1 tablespoon freshly chopped Basil leaf

Put Herbs and water in a pot with the lid on. Bring to a boil and then immediately turn off the heat. Let the Basil steep for fifteen minutes and then strain it out. Drink one to two cups a day.