Prune Juice and Butter Recipe for Constipation: 2-Ingredient Remedy That Works Fast

By: Emily parker | Published onAugust 28, 2025

prune juice and butter recipe

There was always this little glass bottle in my grandma’s fridge labeled “emergency.” No, it wasn’t some kind of tonic it was prune juice. Next to it? A stick of real butter. Anytime someone in the house hadn’t “gone” in a day or two, she’d warm up a cup of juice, melt in some butter, and say, “You’ll be back to normal by morning.” At the time, I thought it was just an old folks’ trick. But now, as a busy mom of two, I’ve come to rely on this prune juice and butter recipe more times than I care to admit.

If you’re dealing with bloating, sluggish bowels, or full-on constipation, this guide shows exactly how to make this quick and gentle home remedy that works without relying on chemical laxatives.

What You’ll Find Here

Why This Home Remedy Works (Better Than You Think)

How Prune Juice Naturally Helps You “Go”

Let’s start with the basics: prune juice is packed with sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that draws water into your intestines. This softens stool and makes it easier to pass. Plus, it’s full of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that support healthy digestion and reduce inflammation. That’s why prune juice is one of the most time-tested natural laxatives even recommended by hospitals and nutritionists for mild constipation.

It’s especially effective when taken warm. Heat helps your body absorb it quicker, giving it a little head start. It also relaxes your stomach and gut muscles, which can encourage movement more gently.

If you’ve tried other natural solutions like the mountain root for weight loss or natural zepbound recipes, prune juice works along the same lines simple ingredients, real relief, no pills required.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
prune juice and butter recipe

Prune Juice and Butter Recipe for Constipation: 2-Ingredient Remedy That Works Fast


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Emily Parker
  • Total Time: 4 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x

Description

A time-tested natural remedy passed down from Grandma’s fridge—this prune juice and butter recipe works gently and effectively to relieve constipation without harsh chemicals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup prune juice (unsweetened preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon apple juice
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Optional: A pinch of ground ginger
  • Optional: A few drops of pear juice

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup of prune juice into a small saucepan or mug.
  2. Warm gently on the stove or microwave for 30–40 seconds (do not boil).
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and stir until fully melted.
  4. Optional: Mix in apple juice, lemon juice, or ground ginger.
  5. Drink slowly while warm, ideally on an empty stomach.
  6. Use once a day as needed, preferably before bed or in the morning.

Notes

Best taken warm for maximum digestive effect. Stick to once per day, no more than three days in a row. Avoid use in toddlers or people with certain health conditions without medical advice.

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 minutes
  • Category: Home Remedy
  • Method: Stovetop or Microwave
  • Cuisine: Natural Remedy

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

What Makes Butter So Important?

Butter isn’t just there for taste. It plays an active role in this remedy. When you melt butter into warm prune juice, the fats stimulate bile production, which helps your body push waste through the intestines. Think of it as oiling the system it makes everything slide a little easier.

Unlike harsher over-the-counter solutions that can cause cramping or urgency, this combo works with your body. That’s why nurses in hospitals even use something similar, often called a “nurse’s cocktail” for constipation.

Also worth noting: unsalted butter is best. Salted can sometimes cause bloating or water retention two things you’re likely trying to avoid.

When paired together, prune juice and butter become a gentle, effective laxative that usually works within a few hours.

How to Make This Prune Juice and Butter Recipe at Home

What You’ll Need (Just a Few Digestive Staples)

You don’t need a long ingredient list to get things moving just two key pantry items. That’s why this prune juice and butter for constipation recipe is so popular. It’s simple, gentle, and often more effective than over-the-counter products. The combination works because of how it triggers the digestive system in a natural, non-habit-forming way.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this prune juice and butter recipe:

  • 1 cup prune juice (unsweetened is preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Optional boosters:
    • 1 teaspoon apple juice
    • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
    • A pinch of ground ginger
    • A few drops of pear juice for sweetness
ingredients for prune juice and butter remedy
Prune Juice and Butter Recipe for Constipation: 2-Ingredient Remedy That Works Fast 14

This version works well as a home laxative recipe that has prune juice and butter, and the optional add-ins help improve taste or effectiveness based on what your body needs. Some folks prefer the prune juice apple juice and butter recipe or even a combo like the prune juice pear juice and butter recipe—especially for kids or picky eaters.

If you’re following a routine like the Wegovy diet meal plan, this gentle drink won’t interfere and might even support better gut results.

How to Prepare It (Warm Works Best)

This warm prune juice and butter recipe works best when served heated. Warm liquids tend to stimulate the stomach faster, and melted butter blends in more evenly, helping your body digest everything smoothly.

To prepare your butter and prune juice recipe:

  1. Pour 1 cup of prune juice into a small saucepan or mug.
  2. Gently warm it (don’t boil), either on the stove or 30–40 seconds in the microwave.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until fully melted.
  4. Optional: mix in your apple juice, lemon juice, or ginger now.
  5. Drink slowly while warm, preferably on an empty stomach.
mixing prune juice and butter
Prune Juice and Butter Recipe for Constipation: 2-Ingredient Remedy That Works Fast 15

This method creates a prune juice and butter laxative recipe that usually begins working in as little as 2 hours, with full relief in 6–8. Consistency helps too many people find better results by sipping this before bed or first thing in the morning.

You can try variations like the prune juice and melted butter recipe or the more complete prune juice apple juice and butter recipe for constipation, depending on your symptoms.

And if your goal includes digestive reset and metabolism support, this pairs well with mountain root recipes or natural zepbound drinks you may already be using.

How Prune Juice and Butter Recipe Helps Constipation – Infographic

Infographic showing how prune juice and butter recipe helps constipation with ingredients, step-by-step method, and benefits like sorbitol, fiber, and antioxidants.
A quick infographic on how prune juice and butter can relieve constipation, including ingredients, preparation steps, and health benefits.

How Fast Does This Prune Juice and Butter Recipe Work?

What to Expect (Relief Timing and First Results)

Prunes contain natural fiber and sorbitol, which help move things along in your digestive system. In fact, Mayo Clinic ranks them among the best high-fiber foods for regular bowel habits.

.

A few factors influence the timing:

  • Your current hydration level
  • How empty your stomach is (best results are on an empty stomach)
  • The time of day (morning or evening works best)
  • What you’ve eaten in the past 24 hours

For many, drinking this butter and prune juice recipe for constipation before bed leads to relief by morning. For others, a morning cup gets things going before noon.

If you’ve tried similar drinks like the prune juice apple juice and butter recipe for constipation, you might have seen even quicker results thanks to the added sugar alcohols in apple juice that support movement.

How Much to Drink and How Often Is Safe?

While this home laxative recipe that has prune juice and butter is natural, more isn’t always better. It’s gentle, but drinking too much can lead to loose stools or cramping. Stick to this safe dosage:

  • Standard dose:
    1 cup prune juice + 1 tablespoon butter (once a day)
  • When to drink it:
    • On an empty stomach
    • Either first thing in the morning or before bedtime
  • Maximum frequency:
    No more than once per 24 hours
    Use for up to 3 days in a row unless advised by your doctor
  • Children:
    Only give to children if advised by a pediatrician, and use a half dose

If you find you need this remedy often, consider rotating in other methods like the Himalayan pink salt trick, or adding more fiber daily through your meals.

This drink is safe for short-term relief but not recommended for long-term use without guidance. For chronic issues, see your provider especially if symptoms come back quickly after stopping.

Who Should Use This Prune Juice and Butter Remedy (And Who Shouldn’t)

Is It Safe for Everyone?

A clinical study published by the NIH shows that daily prune consumption improves stool frequency and consistency, reinforcing what many already trust at home. For most healthy adults, this prune juice and butter recipe is safe when used occasionally. It’s a fast-acting and gentle option among natural remedies for constipation, using whole ingredients prunes and butter without relying on harsh chemical laxatives. That’s why this butter and prune juice recipe for constipation continues to be a reliable choice for many.

✅ Best for:

  • People with occasional constipation
  • Anyone needing a natural digestive remedy
  • Adults dealing with slow digestion due to travel, stress, or diet
  • Those wanting a non-habit-forming laxative alternative
  • People following gentle reset diets (like natural Zepbound recipes)

The fat in butter stimulates bile flow. The fiber and sorbitol in prune juice act like a gentle push to get things going.

Who Should Avoid This Remedy?

Even though it’s simple, this butter and prune juice recipe for constipation may not be right for everyone. There are a few important exceptions you should know before sipping.

🚫 Avoid or check with a doctor if:

  • You have diabetes or insulin resistance (due to the sugar content in prune juice)
  • You suffer from IBS-D or chronic diarrhea
  • You’re on a low-fat or gallbladder-sensitive diet
  • You have milk allergies or lactose intolerance (use ghee instead)
  • You’re pregnant or nursing (get provider approval)
  • You take medications that interact with high potassium levels (prune juice is rich in potassium)

Also avoid giving the prune juice and butter recipe to toddlers or infants unless your pediatrician specifically recommends it.

If you’re unsure or already dealing with complex gut issues, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider first. You can also explore gentler options like our simple Wegovy meal recipes that support better digestion over time.

Ways to Boost the Prune Juice and Butter Recipe (Optional Add-Ins)

Add a Twist That Works for Your Gut

The beauty of this prune juice and butter recipe is how customizable it is. If the basic version works for you great! But if you want to make it more effective, better tasting, or tailored to your body’s needs, these easy additions can help.

Here are popular, gut-friendly options that are safe and easy to try:

  • Lemon juice: A splash adds acidity and helps stimulate digestion.
  • Ground ginger: Calms bloating, reduces gas, and supports the stomach lining.
  • Pear juice: Adds mild sweetness and another dose of natural sorbitol.
  • Apple juice: Boosts the sugar alcohol effect to get quicker results.
  • Coconut oil: Works like butter but dairy-free helpful for lactose sensitivity.
  • Cinnamon or fennel seeds: Great for flavor and stomach-soothing effects.

Many people like creating a prune juice pear juice and butter recipe because pear juice contains both sorbitol and fiber similar to prunes. The apple juice prune juice and butter recipe is also a favorite in families and gentle enough for older kids.

Recommended Combos to Try (Safely)

If you’re unsure which version is right for you, here’s a simple breakdown:

VariationBest For
Basic prune juice and butterGentle daily relief
Prune juice + apple juice + butterFaster results, sweeter flavor
Prune juice + ginger + lemonBloating, indigestion
Prune juice + pear juice + butterExtra sorbitol, smoother taste

If you’ve already tried natural drinks like our Himalayan pink salt remedy, you’ll appreciate how this one’s more flexible and still works fast.

FAQs About the Prune Juice and Butter Recipe

Why add butter to prune juice?

Butter contains fat that stimulates bile production in the digestive system. When mixed with warm prune juice, it helps move stool through the intestines more easily, making this a fast-acting natural solution for occasional constipation.

What is the nurse’s cocktail for constipation?

It’s a common nickname in hospitals for the prune juice and butter recipe, sometimes with added milk of magnesia. It’s used by nurses to gently relieve constipation without harsh laxatives.

What do nurses mix with prune juice for constipation?

Often, they mix prune juice and melted butter, or prune juice with apple juice and milk of magnesia, depending on the patient’s condition and needs. It’s a gentle and safe hospital remedy.

What can I mix prune juice with for constipation?

You can mix prune juice with:

  • Butter (classic remedy)
  • Apple juice (for faster action)
  • Lemon juice (for acidity)
  • Ginger (anti-bloating)
  • Pear juice (extra sorbitol)

Each one can improve taste and support digestion depending on your needs.

How quickly do prune juice and butter work?

Most people feel relief within 2 to 8 hours. The effect is faster on an empty stomach and when the drink is warm.

What is a chocolate bomb for constipation?

It’s a completely different remedy involving chocolate laxatives. It’s not related to the prune juice and butter recipe, which uses natural ingredients only.

What is a homemade laxative that works right away?

This prune juice and butter recipe is one of the fastest homemade options. Others include:

  • Lemon water with salt
  • Warm olive oil with lemon
  • Flaxseed tea

Does butter help constipation?

Yes, in small amounts. Fat from butter stimulates bile flow, which helps digestion and can ease constipation. When paired with prune juice, it acts as a natural stimulant.

What simple trick empties your bowels?

Drinking warm prune juice mixed with butter on an empty stomach is one of the simplest, safest tricks used by hospitals and families alike.

How to loosen a bowel blockage at home?

For minor sluggishness, warm prune juice and butter may help. For full blockage symptoms like severe pain, vomiting, or no bowel movements do not self-treat. Call your doctor immediately.

Is it better to drink prune juice warm or cold?

Warm is better. Heating prune juice boosts absorption and helps the butter melt smoothly. This combination activates your digestive system more effectively.

Is it safe to drink prune juice every day?

Yes, in moderation. A small glass (4–6 oz) daily can support regularity. But adding butter daily isn’t necessary. Use the full remedy only when you’re backed up.

How Much Prune Juice and Butter for Constipation?

Prune Juice: 1/2 to 1 cup (about 4 to 8 ounces)
Butter: 1 tablespoon (unsalted or salted)

How long does it take for prune juice and butter to work?

It typically takes a few hours to see results. Some people may feel relief within 4 to 6 hours, while for others it might take up to 24 hours depending on digestion and individual response.

Final Thoughts on This Natural Constipation Remedy

prune juice and butter ready to drink
Prune Juice and Butter Recipe for Constipation: 2-Ingredient Remedy That Works Fast 16

This prune juice and butter recipe for constipation isn’t a trendy health hack it’s an old-school remedy that’s helped families for generations. It’s gentle, fast, and easy to make. If your digestive system needs a little push, give this natural method a try before reaching for pills.

Just remember: use it occasionally, drink it warm, and always listen to your gut (literally). For frequent issues, pair it with fiber, hydration, and movement or talk to your doctor.

👉 Follow us on Pinterest for the latest updates! for more delicious recipes.

You might also like these recipes

1 thought on “Prune Juice and Butter Recipe for Constipation: 2-Ingredient Remedy That Works Fast”

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star