Constipation is an affection that can be provoked by many factors, as well as bad eating habits, dehydration, sedentary life, pregnancy, excessive stress, among others. Olive oil is a natural option for mild constipation cases.

Olive oil is a healthy fat, that can be used with medicinal purposes. One of its many uses, is as a mild laxative, which helps prevent and treat constipation.

These are the main benefits of taking olive oil for constipation:

• Regulate intestinal passage: Olive oil is rich in vitamins E and K, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, iron and antioxidants, which they are excellent in order to improve the process of absorption and digestion. This helps maintain a regular intestinal passage and avoid constipation.
• Soften stools: Regular olive oil intake helps soften hard stools, so the bowel movements will not be that difficult and produce pain or other conditions, as well as hemorrhoids.
• Decrease intestinal inflammation: It supports the relaxation of bowel and avoids its inflammation and irritation. This way, feces moves in an easier way and the abdominal pain is relieved.

There are some ways of taking olive oil for constipation.

Empty stomach:

• Add a few drops of lemon juice to a spoon of extra virgin olive oil.
• Orange juice with a spoon of extra virgin olive oil. Orange is rich in fiber and it facilitates to dissolve all accumulated residues, improves the digestion and favors the elimination of liquids. Besides, it regulates intestinal passage.

Apply olive oil in the anus:

There is also the possibility of using extra virgin olive oil for constipation by applying it directly to the anus, a method widely used in order to relieve constipation in infants and children. Apparently, it is possible to soften the stool, relax and lubricate the rectal walls and encourage bowel movements.

Just pour a few drops of extra virgin olive oil on your finger and apply it inside and on the margins of the baby's anus. A cotton swab may be used to carry out the application. Extra virgin olive oil is also a good remedy to reduce inflammation in the area and thus prevent the formation of hemorrhoids.

Olive oil massage:

Another way to use extra virgin olive oil for constipation in infants and children is to perform an abdominal massage. Abdominal massages can help stimulate bowel movements and relieve pain.

Pour a few drops of extra virgin olive oil in your hands. Rub your hands and then begin massaging the abdominal area by gentle circular movements that follow the clockwise direction. It is important that these massages are carried out about 3 hours after having eaten so as not to hinder the process of digestion.