"Mom, it won't come down!" I peeked into the bathroom and saw my son straining on the toilet, face twisted in discomfort from constipation.
Constipation in toddlers can be challenging, but as a parent who's faced it firsthand, I've found effective natural solutions.
We’ve shared natural remedies before, but my friend Laurence, a hospital nurse in Alsace, recently gave me her go-to recipe for anti-constipation candies. Today, I’m passing it on—thank you, Laurence! Watch how simple it is:
- 215 g melted extra-virgin organic coconut oil (approx. 16 tbsp)
- 6 to 8 cl (depending on taste) squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of organic honey (it also works with maple syrup)
- 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 1 or 2 silicone moulds. With 2 molds, you can prepare more candies in one go.
- a food processor or blender
1. Start by putting the silicone molds in the freezer for about 10 min.
2. Pour all the ingredients into the bowl of your food processor or the carafe of your blender.
3. Mix and taste as you add the ingredients. Depending on your taste, add lemon juice (for more acidity) and honey (to sweeten the mixture).
4. Continue mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated in coconut oil.
If the ingredients are not mixed enough with the coconut oil, you will have more difficulty pouring the mixture into the molds because of the honey, which is denser and tends to stick to the bottom of the container.
5. Continue mixing for one minute. In the meantime, take the molds out of the freezer.
6. Pour the mixture into the silicone molds and put them in the freezer for about 1 hour.
These anti-constipation candies make toilet trips worry-free! Easy to make and delicious—kids (and adults) love them.
Laurence shared this with me, and it worked wonders for my son. "Only 2 anti-constipation gummies, that's all it takes." And 8-18 hours later, say goodbye to tears and hello to relief!
For children, start with 2 candies a day and monitor. For adults, begin with 4 and adjust by adding 1 daily to find the ideal dose, advises Laurence.
These candies stimulate normal bowel transit and relieve temporary constipation thanks to their powerful ingredients.
Laurence explains: “Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which prevent fat buildup and pass easily through the digestive tract.” This makes it ideal for improving bowel function and preventing constipation.
Distinguish transient from chronic constipation—the latter may signal serious issues.
Temporary causes include stress, dehydration, diet changes, or psychological factors.
Chronic constipation can stem from gut flora imbalance, nutrient deficiencies, allergies, or hypothyroidism, per scientific studies. If chronic, consult a doctor immediately to identify and treat the root cause.
Other natural options include pure aloe vera juice and powdered slippery elm bark—both sweet-tasting and kid-friendly.
For older children, try a squat stool like the Squatty Potty.
Western toilets hinder proper squatting, misaligning the colon. The Squatty Potty (19cm for standard toilets, 23cm for taller ones) promotes natural positioning for easier, pain-free elimination.
