Colon cocktail for constipation

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have a friend who takes medicine that causes him to be constipated. One of my co-workers said she saw an article in one of your columns for a cocktail for this problem, but she could not remember the ingredients. Her husband used it at one point and had good results.

It’s odd that I write because I have an ileostomy and have exactly the opposite problem. I take tincture of opium, which slows my bowels down and lessens the amount of fluids I lose. Our bodies are amazing, and it’s good to educate ourselves about them with as much knowledge as we can.

My friend doesn’t have a computer, so if you send the information on, he can either read it in our local paper or I will forward it to him. Thank you.

DEAR READER: My colon cocktail consists of equal portions of unprocessed bran, applesauce and prune juice. Mix the three ingredients together, and place them in your refrigerator for at least an hour to blend. Then take 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, more if necessary, for relief. The remedy may take up to two weeks to be fully effective, but the ingredients are safe and natural.