stool softeners have never worked on me, and magnesium started giving me bad side effects so i stopped using.
this recipe has worked for me, thought i'd write it here so it may help someone else:
2 table spoons of ajwain/carom seeds + 1 table spoon of honey mixed with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. let the mixture boil until you notice a change in colour. let it cool, then strain and drink.