Grandma’s Trusted Remedies for Constipation

When things aren’t moving as they should, it can affect not just your body but your mood, energy, and overall well-being. Constipation is more common than people like to admit and Jewish tradition, including the healing teachings of Rambam (Maimonides), reminds us that taking care of our health is a mitzvah. Our bodies are holy vessels, and nurturing them with the right foods and habits is part of honoring the gift of life Hashem gave us.

So, what really influences bowel movements? It mostly comes down to the composition of the stool, which depends on the kinds of foods we eat. Foods that are high in dietary fiber absorb water in the intestines. This softens the stool and gives it more volume, which triggers the body’s natural reflex to push it through the digestive system. On the other hand, diets filled with overly processed or hard-to-digest foods can create sticky, dry stool that makes it harder for the intestines to do their job.

Constipation can also result from long-term use of laxatives. While they might offer temporary relief, overuse can weaken the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste. A sluggish digestive system sometimes needs to rest and reset, something that juice fasting, under proper medical supervision, may help with.

So what can we do to support better digestion and gentle relief from constipation? Grandma has some timeless suggestions, and many of them are backed by Rambam’s teachings on food and healing:

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
This is the foundation. Leafy greens, raw veggies, and fresh fruits all provide the fiber and hydration your digestive system needs. They gently help the body do what it was created to do.

Carrots
Carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re easy to digest and can help stimulate healthy bowel movements.

Lettuce
Especially varieties rich in vitamins A and E, lettuce is full of water and dietary fiber. It can soothe the digestive tract and help things move along.

Celery Stalks
Celery is high in iron and vitamin A and is well known for its ability to support digestion. Its crunchy texture and water content make it a great addition to your daily meals.

Beetroot Leaves
These leafy greens are rich in vitamin A and fiber. Eat them raw and try combining them with carrots for a powerful, natural combo.

Dates
Sweet and nourishing, dates are loaded with fiber, potassium, zinc, and other nutrients. Eating a few dates regularly can support smoother digestion and help relieve constipation.

Myrtle Leaf Infusion
Making tea from myrtle (hadas) leaves is a traditional remedy with gentle, cleansing properties. It’s been used for generations to calm the body and support regularity.

Wormwood Tea
Wormwood is known in herbal medicine for its digestive benefits. A warm cup of wormwood tea may help stimulate the bowels naturally.

A Little Movement Helps Too
In addition to diet, light exercise like walking, stretching, or even gentle jumping can help wake up the intestines and get things flowing. Massaging the lower abdomen can also encourage movement. All of this can be done with mindfulness and intention, tuning in to what your body needs.

Judaism teaches that our physical well-being is deeply connected to our spiritual life. When our body is in balance, we are more able to focus, pray, and live with simchah, joy. So don’t ignore signs like sluggish digestion. Instead, respond with care, natural nourishment, and a little bit of grandma’s wisdom.

To your health—refuah shleimah (a complete and gentle healing)!

This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor if symptoms persist.