Drinking herbal teas can be great for you! Besides their relaxing and therapeutic benefits, it can also help regulate your bowl system. Herbal teas ease constipation as they contain ingredients with laxative properties. These stimulate your digestive system and also add bulk to the stool. This makes it easier for you to pass it. However, while herbal teas ease constipation, they can be quite potent as well, as it is important to limit your consumption. Also, while herbal teas help with constipation, they cannot take the place of medication and you must consult a doctor if you suffer from chronic constipation or its related symptoms such as piles or fissures.

What is constipation?

Constipation is the inability to pass stools regularly. It leads to decreased bowel movements, bloating as well as gas and stomach ache. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that if one has constipation, one would have the following symptoms:

• Fewer bowel movements in a week
• Hard, lumpy and dry stools
• Painful stools
• A constant feeling of wanting to pass stools

Herbal teas to ease constipation

Here are some herbal teas that you can try out as constipation home remedies:

1. Senna tea

Senna is a herb that is cultivated in southern India. It is believed to be a natural laxative and one of the most promising treatments for constipation. Senna tea is made from the dried leaves and pods of the Senna Alexandrina shrub and contains glycosides, a compound that stimulates the digestive system. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, vouches for senna as a good remedy for constipation. It also states that senna tea is lower in concentration than senna pills, and can be taken accordingly.

2. Slippery Elm tea

Another traditional treatment for constipation is slippery Elm tea. The herb contains a fibrous gum-like substance known as mucilage which can add bulk to the stools, making it easier for you to pass them. It also helps produce mucin, which adds to the mucous later in your digestive tract, adding lubrication in the intestines, states this study, published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

3. Fennel tea

Fennel tea is good for relaxing your digestive muscles, which in turn helps with regular bowel movements. The benefits of fennel tea are numerous, the biggest one being that it helps your body cleanse itself and move toxins out. A study, published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, observed that fennel and rose tea improved constipation symptoms in participants within a month.

4. Ginger tea

Not only is ginger tea extremely rejuvenating, but it helps in regular stools as well as gas and bloating. A study, published by BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, conducted amongst multiple sclerosis (MS) patients observed that ginger supplements helped ease their constipation within three weeks. However, more research is needed on this. In fact, there are benefits of ginger tea if it is had on an empty stomach.

5. Rhubarb tea

Rhubarb is grown in the Himalayan region of India and is known for its laxative properties. A study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, observed that Rhubarb extract supplementation helped with consistency of stools within a month amongst female, adult participants. It impacts the gut flora and helps to eliminate symptoms of constipation.

6. Elderberry tea

Besides cold and flu, elderberry tea is also one of the best herbal teas to ease constipation. A research paper, published by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), states that elderberry tea as well as elderberry syrup is effective in treating constipation. However, more research is needed on the same.

7. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is also good for constipation as it helps aid digestion. It has a rather calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract and helps the bowel wall muscles to relax. The US’s NHS also states that peppermint oil is good for relieving stomach cramps. In fact, drinking peppermint tea for bloating and farting (flatulence) is also beneficial.

While herbal teas ease constipation, it is important to not drink more than one cup a day. Image courtesy: Pexels

8. Green tea

Green tea is known for its various health benefits, constipation being one of them. The compounds in the tea help promote better digestion, which in turn, helps constipation as well. It helps to provide healthy bacteria in the intestines and is a good remedy for inflammatory bowel disease as well. Check out the other benefits of green tea.

Herbal teas such as green tea, senna tea and fennel tea help ease constipation. Image courtesy: Pexels

How to drink herbal teas for constipation?

While we know that herbal teas ease constipation, drinking these at the right time, and in the right quantity is essential. Consuming a cup of laxative tea right before bedtime proves to have the best results. However, make sure to read the instructions before consuming these. As for dosage, one cup per day works for most herbal teas. However, if your constipation persists even after a week, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Side effects of drinking herbal teas for constipation

All constipation home remedies need to be adopted only for a short time. If you use these remedies for too long, there is a chance that your body will get used to it. You will find it difficult to have regular bowels without them. The same is true for herbal teas as well. Some herbal teas can also interact with other medications, and, hence, if you are on prescription drugs, or suffer from any underlying condition such as diabetes or kidney-related ailments, make sure to consult your doctor before consumption.

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