Overnight Soaked Figs
A gentle, food-based way to stay regular
Moderate evidenceHerbs in this remedy
About this remedy
Where a stimulant laxative forces the bowel to contract, soaked figs work with it. The fibre in dried figs adds bulk and holds on to water, while their natural sugar alcohols draw more water into the stool to soften it. Soaking overnight starts that process before you even eat them, and means you drink the sweetened water too. This is the everyday counterpart to a stimulant laxative like castor oil: slower and milder, but safe to eat daily as ordinary food rather than something held back for occasional use.
Preparation
Put 2 to 3 dried figs in a glass and cover them with warm water. Leave to soak overnight, 8 to 12 hours. In the morning, drink the soaking water first, then eat the softened figs on an empty stomach.
Dosage
2 to 3 soaked figs each morning. It works gradually — give it three to five days rather than expecting results overnight.
Cautions
Dried figs are high in natural sugar, so keep portions small if you are watching your blood sugar. Build fibre up gradually and drink water alongside it, or you may feel bloated or gassy at first. People with a natural rubber latex allergy can react to figs, known as latex-fruit syndrome. This is not a fix for constipation lasting more than two weeks, or constipation with pain, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss — see a doctor.
Research
Dietary fibre for functional constipation is well established; fig-specific clinical data is limited to small trials
Frequently asked questions
What is Overnight Soaked Figs used for?
A gentle, food-based way to stay regular. Where a stimulant laxative forces the bowel to contract, soaked figs work with it. It falls under Digestive Health.
How do you make Overnight Soaked Figs?
Put 2 to 3 dried figs in a glass and cover them with warm water. Leave to soak overnight, 8 to 12 hours. In the morning, drink the soaking water first, then eat the softened figs on an empty stomach.
What is the recommended dosage for Overnight Soaked Figs?
2 to 3 soaked figs each morning. It works gradually — give it three to five days rather than expecting results overnight.
Is Overnight Soaked Figs safe? Are there any cautions?
Dried figs are high in natural sugar, so keep portions small if you are watching your blood sugar. Build fibre up gradually and drink water alongside it, or you may feel bloated or gassy at first. People with a natural rubber latex allergy can react to figs, known as latex-fruit syndrome. This is not a fix for constipation lasting more than two weeks, or constipation with pain, bleeding, or unexplained weight loss — see a doctor.
What is the evidence behind Overnight Soaked Figs?
Moderate evidence. Dietary fibre for functional constipation is well established; fig-specific clinical data is limited to small trials