Is it true that drinking a laxative herbal tea can be helpful in combating constipation and promoting intestinal regularity? What are the most effective herbs? Here are the recommended herbal remedies to improve constipation.
Laxative Herbal Tea: The Most Effective Herbs
Constipation and alterations of intestinal transit are widespread manifestations; however, to counteract them naturally and regain one’s natural regularity, help comes from the plant world. In fact, numerous herbs have a beneficial effect on the intestine and help restore balance. They can be used in the form of essential oils, decoctions, and laxative herbal teas, which represent an effective but, at the same time, very delicate remedy.
What, therefore, are the plant species that are characterized by their regulatory abilities and which can be included in infusions and teas? Here are the best-known and most-used ones :
- Seine ;
- Dandelion. Dandelion is a plant with a decisive purifying action that can also be used to promote intestinal transit. To exploit its properties, bring some water to the boil and infuse the roots. Then, after having filtered everything, it is left to cool, and the herbal tea is taken before going to bed;
- Mint ;
- Elderberry ;
- Cumin ;
- Buckthorn. The buckthorn is one of the best-known and most-used plants to prepare herbal teas for bowel movements. In fact, it has a direct laxative action and, in addition to stimulating the intestine, increases the production of bile. To prepare the decoction, infuse two to three tablespoons of powder in 200 ml of water. Let everything boil for 15 minutes, and finally, wait a few hours before drinking the herbal tea;
- Licorice;
- Cascara ;
- Anise is also used to give a more pleasant taste to laxative infusions;
- Mauve. Mallow is a plant capable of making the feces absorb water and make them softer. Furthermore, it has a soothing action on the mucous membranes of the digestive system and, compared to other plant species, is more delicate;
- Fennel ;
- Rhubarb. Rhubarb is a plant used since ancient times which, if taken in large quantities, has a laxative action. In fact, it can draw water into the intestine in order to increase the volume of feces and stimulate intestinal peristalsis ;
- Aloe.
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Why Take A Herbal Tea Against Constipation
Herbal teas for constipation and intestinal irregularities are an effective but, at the same time, delicate and natural remedy to relieve prolonged constipation. Herbal remedies, in fact, can stimulate peristaltic movements and counteract abdominal swelling; they also provide greater hydration to the body and, consequently, give greater emollience to the stool, facilitating its transit. Herbs against constipation are generally divided into three categories :
- Those that increase intestinal mass, among which the most used are mallow, psyllium, marshmallow, flax and plantain;
- Those with osmotic action, which recalls water to the intestine and facilitates evacuation, such as manna;
- Those that contain substances called anthraquinones, also called “contact laxatives.” Plants such as senna, buckthorn, rhubarb, and cascara are part of this group. Anthraquinones are substances that cause irritation of the intestinal mucosa and stimulate peristalsis; however, due to their particularly aggressive action, they should be used with caution and only in case of absolute necessity.
How To Take Herbal Teas To Have A Bowel Movement
Natural laxative herbal teas are an effective remedy; however, their consumption requires some caution. To prevent them from causing abdominal swelling and stomach ache, they should preferably be taken in the evening, before going to bed. Furthermore, they should not be used by those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, pregnant women, and children under 12 years of age.
It is preferable to introduce them gradually, starting with low doses and never exaggerating with the quantities, or there is the risk of incurring annoying adverse effects; however, they should be combined with a healthy lifestyle, a diet rich in fiber, and sports, and movement, so as to stimulate the intestine even more effectively.
This type of remedy should not be abused as, although natural, it must still be taken for a limited period (it is advisable not to exceed one week), and should any adverse reactions occur, their use should be discontinued immediately. This is particularly important, mainly if you use anthraquinone-based herbal teas for constipation, which can irritate the intestinal mucosa.
How To Prepare An Herbal Tea Against Constipation
What are herbal teas against constipation, and how do you prepare them? Here are some practical recipes for those suffering from constipation:
Rosemary Herbal Tea
Infuse the rosemary leaves in boiling water, calculating a spoonful of leaves for each cup. Leave to infuse for ten minutes and then consume after meals.
Manna Herbal Tea
Pleasant on the palate thanks to its sweet flavor, to prepare a laxative manna tea, dissolve 5-15 grams of powder in hot water.
Senna, Mint, And Cumin Herbal Tea
Leave two grams of senna leaves to macerate in 150 ml of hot water together with a few mint leaves and a few cumin seeds. Filter everything and drink this herbal tea to go to the bathroom before going to bed, being careful not to take it if you are pregnant or suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.
Herbal Tea For Constipation With Mallow And Buckthorn
Ingredients:
- A teaspoon of mallow;
- A teaspoon of chamomile flowers;
- Half a teaspoon of buckthorn;
- Some fennel seeds;
- Half a teaspoon of licorice;
- A few anise seeds.
Mix all the ingredients, then bring a teaspoon of water to a boil and leave everything to infuse for ten minutes. Filter the liquid and drink it before going to sleep.
Buckthorn Herbal Tea
Of all the herbal teas for going to the bathroom, the one based on buckthorn is one of the most powerful, and for this very reason, it should be consumed with care and only for a limited period.
Ingredients:
- 40 grams of buckthorn bark;
- 200 ml of water;
- 40 grams of flax in the form of intact seed;
- Ten grams of stellate reeds per infusion.
Mix all the ingredients, then pour a spoonful of this preparation into 200 ml of boiling water. Allow it to cool, filter it, and take a cup of this herbal tea to evacuate in the evening before going to sleep. Flaxseed has the function of increasing fecal mass, making the stool softer, while anise is used both for its carminative properties and to make the infusion more pleasant on the palate.
The laxative herbal tea takes effect approximately 12-26 hours after intake but is not suitable for pregnant women and those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Seine herbal tea
Ingredients
- 2 grams of senna leaves
- 150 ml of hot water
- some anise seeds
Leave all the ingredients to macerate in hot water for an hour, then filter the liquid and drink the herbal tea to relieve yourself before going to bed.
