Five of the Best Teas for Treating Constipation
If you want to relieve constipation, you should adopt healthy lifestyle habits, especially when it comes to your diet. You can also try some natural teas to treat it.
Although the disorder might seem mild at first, it can become a chronic problem if it isn’t treated. It’s caused by a change in the function of your intestines, resulting in a build-up of waste. Constipation is pretty common, in fact, it’s the gastrointestinal problem with the highest number of sufferers.
Constipation can occur as a result of a poor diet, but also due to dehydration, inflammatory diseases, and genetic factors. Its main symptom is the inability to pass stools although it’s also accompanied by flatulence, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Due to the many factors that can cause constipation, the general recommendation is to visit your doctor to determine the reason behind it and obtain the right medication. However, in the meantime, you can try some natural herbal teas to relieve it.
Natural teas for treating constipation
Teas for treating constipation are natural drinks that take advantage of the slight laxative effect of some plants. However, they aren’t a first-line treatment against this condition and can cause side effects.
Therefore, although you can give them a try, it’s best to ask your doctor if it’s okay to take these remedies alongside any other medication you might be taking. In most cases, they’re completely safe, as long as you follow the recommendations for their consumption.
1. Senna leaf tea
Senna leaves contain substances known as anthraquinones, which stimulate the muscular walls of your intestines. This helps to get things moving and to eliminate waste from your body.
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry states that senna has laxative properties that help control constipation. However, it’s contraindicated for pregnant women and those who suffer from inflammatory diseases of the colon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
- 1 teaspoon of senna leaves (5 g).
Method
- Boil a cup of water. Remove from heat and add the senna leaves.
- Let it stand for a few minutes then strain.
How to drink
- Have one cup of senna tea a day, up to 3 times a week.
Note: An excessive intake of senna should be avoided, as a higher dose can lead to severe purging, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.
You might also like to read: 7 Ways to Increase Your Fiber Intake and Combat Constipation
2. Nettle tea
In natural medicine, nettle has been used as a supplement to fight constipation, since it seems to stimulate the elimination of feces. On the other hand, there’s not much evidence to link the intake of nettle tea with the relief of this condition.
However, nettle leaves are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that promote health, such as carotenoids, fatty acids, essential amino acids, vitamins, tannins, carbohydrates, and minerals, among others.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
- 1 tablespoon of fresh nettle (10 g).
Method
- Add the nettle to a cup of boiling water and let it stand until cool.
- Strain and serve.
How to drink
- Have a cup of nettle tea on an empty stomach, 2 or 3 times a week.
3. Fennel tea
According to information published in BioMed Research International, fennel seeds have been used for hundreds of years as a natural and safe supplement to fight various digestive disorders, including constipation. If you want to give it a try, you can make fennel tea.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds (5 g).
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Method
- Grind the seeds and boil the water. Add the ground seeds to the water.
- Let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes and then drink.
How to drink
- Drink up to 2 cups of fennel seed tea a day until you start to feel better.
You should also read: Four Ways to Use Olive Oil to Relieve Constipation
4. Coriander tea
There’s no evidence to show that coriander tea can help fight constipation and its symptoms. Despite this, in traditional medicine, it’s been used as a complementary treatment for this problem, as well as against inflammation and flatulence. You can give it a try with the following recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of coriander leaves (10 g).
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Method
- Add the coriander leaves to a cup of boiling water.
- Cover it and let it stand until it reaches a drinkable temperature.
- Strain and serve.
How to drink
- Drink 2 cups of coriander tea a day.
- Repeat every day until the problem has gone.
5. Flaxseed tea
Natural flaxseed tea is one of the most popular teas for treating constipation and other digestive problems. Flax contains substances such as insoluble fiber and fatty acids that help eliminate waste without affecting bacterial flora.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights that these seeds have a dual action. Not only do they fight constipation but they also have anti-diarrheal properties.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of flaxseed (10 g).
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Method
- Boil a cup of water and add the seeds.
- Cover and let it stand at room temperature until it cools.
- Strain and serve.
How to drink
- Have a cup of flaxseed tea first thing in the morning and again around mid-afternoon, if you like.
- Drink it at least three times a week.
Cautionary advice
Although medicinal plants are natural compounds, they can also have negative side effects or contraindications. For this reason, natural remedies for constipation aren’t suitable for:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
- Babies and young children.
- If you’re taking certain other pharmacological treatments. In this case, check their compatibility with your doctor.
Some people may experience pain, diarrhea, or flatulence when taking some types of laxatives. In these cases, it’s better to stop the treatment.
It’s also extremely important to follow the recommendations for use and never exceed the established doses. In fact, according to recent evidence, it appears that it’s not safe to extend their intake for periods longer than 14 days.
Bear in mind that you must visit your doctor if the problem isn’t resolved in a few days or if the constipation is accompanied by other signs such as blood in the stools, abdominal pain, weight loss, or severe swelling.
Are you looking to combat constipation?
It’s well worth giving these natural homemade teas for treating constipation a try. However, always bear in mind that they aren’t a substitute for medical treatment and they must be used alongside healthy eating and exercise habits. For the most effective options to relieve this problem, you should consult your doctor.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Alsalimy N, Madi L, Awaisu A. Efficacy and safety of laxatives for chronic constipation in long-term care settings: A systematic review. Journal of Clinic Pharmacy and Therapeutics. Junio 2018.
- Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH. Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi:10.1155/2014/842674.
- Hanif Palla, A., & Gilani, A. H. (2015). Dual effectiveness of Flaxseed in constipation and diarrhea: Possible mechanism. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 169, 60–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.03.064.
- Jalwal, P., Middha, A., & Ramchander, C. (2017). Recent advances on senna as a laxative: A comprehensive review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry JPP, 349(62), 349–353. Retrieved from http://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2017/vol6issue2/PartF/6-2-92-932.pdf.
- Kregiel D, Pawlikowska E, Antolak H. Urtica spp.: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Properties. Molecules. 2018;23(7):1664. Published 2018 Jul 9. doi:10.3390/molecules23071664.
- Kumar D, et al. (2016). Natural polymers and herbal medicine based therapy for colonic diseases. florajournal.com/archives/2016/vol4issue3/PartA/4-6-5-393.pdf.
- Noergaard M, Traerup Andersen J, et al. Long term treatment with stimulant laxatives – clinical evidence for effectiveness and safety? Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology. Enero 2019. 54 (1): 27-34.
