Constipation is a horrible thing to experience. It leaves you feeling bloated and incredibly uncomfortable, and in some cases, it can even be pretty painful too. So it’s no wonder that sufferers are constantly looking for a little relief.
But before you drag yourself out of your comfy PJs and head out to the shop for medicine, it might actually be worth checking your pantry first.
This is because there are actually quite a few different types of tea, that you may already have in your home, that will give you that much-needed relief.
In fact, people have been using herbal teas as a remedy for digestive problems for centuries. So it’s well tried and tested.
The reason that herbal teas can actually work really well is that the ingredients within them can help to stimulate your digestive system and thus relieve you of constipation.
For some context, constipation is typically categorized as an individual passing less than three bowel movements per week.
Though some may feel constipated from not passing a bowel movement per day. When this happens it can turn stool dry and hard which makes it increasingly difficult to pass.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the different teas available that can help get your bowel movements going.
Herbal Teas For Constipation
1. Senna
Senna is well renowned for its laxative properties so Senna Tea is one of the best options to choose while suffering from constipation.
This type of tea is produced from the dried leaves and pods that come from the Senna Alexandrina shrub.
Glycosides are often found within the senna plant. It is these glycosides that contain the laxative effect.
This happens because the glycosides stimulate your digestive system and get it back up and running again, and this can encourage bowel movements.
Senna tea is a highly effective option for those that prefer home remedies too over the counter drugs. In fact, most OTC laxative pills contain senna too, just in much higher dosages.
2. Peppermint Tea
This festive drink isn’t only appropriate at Christmas time. In fact, it’s one of the best natural remedies for a whole host of digestive issues.
And much like the tea above, you’ll actually find traces of peppermint extract in OTC laxative pills.
Peppermint tea is a great option as the menthol within it works really well at calming down poorly or aggravated stomachs.
Once the stomach is more relaxed stool can pass more easily through your intestines and thus combats constipation.
I would definitely recommend trying a cup of peppermint tea after consuming a meal if you are struggling with an upset stomach or constipation issue.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger has long been a remedy for an upset stomach. And it can also do wonders for constipation too. The ginger in the tea helps to calm down any irritation in your digestive system which in turn then improves your digestion.
Better digestion will lead to more frequent bowel movements.
If you’re struggling with constipation, aim to drink around two cups of ginger tea per day, ideally right after big meals as this will help your body to better process the food you’ve just consumed.
4. Dandelion Tea
For milder symptoms, dandelion tea (see also: How To Make Dandelion Tea)has the potential to do the trick. It can be quite effective for occasional constipation or bloating.
This is because dandelion contains ingredients that stimulate the liver to start producing bile. This indirectly can help relieve constipation.
Dandelion also has diuretic properties. This means you’ll have more water in your digestive system and thus stools.
This can help make them less dry, hard, and a struggle to pass. Therefore it can help relieve painful constipation symptoms.
Again, it’s best to drink a cup of dandelion tea right after a meal.
5. Black Tea, Green Tea, Or Coffee
I’ve categorized these three drinks together because they all do pretty much the exact same thing in terms of constipation.
You see, all three beverages contain caffeine. The caffeine in these drinks acts as a stimulant that accelerates your bowel movements. How often have you had to run to the toilet after a few too many coffees?
In fact, a cup of any of these drinks first thing in the morning is very likely to encourage a bowel movement and is the reason many people drink it. Other than to keep them awake.
The only issue is that some people can be quite sensitive to caffeine and for some, it may cause a few negative side effects.
6. Licorice Root
A tea made with licorice root will be your best friend in times when constipation relief is essential. This is because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
It has the potential to soothe your digestive system and thus make digestion much easier and less painful or uncomfortable.
Leave it around a half hour after food before sipping away at this beverage. You may soon see that it has encouraged a bowel movement.
7. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root is pretty similar to licorice root in how it will help aid digestion. It has laxative qualities that encourage bowel movements. In fact, marshmallow root is a very common ingredient found in most medicinal teas.
For this beverage, it’ll be best to drink a glass just before bed.
8. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is enjoyed for its soothing properties. And it can actually soothe many different aspects of your health. One of which is your digestive system.
Once your digestive system doesn’t feel as irritated, digestion is made much easier.
You can drink this tea after meals or just before bed. It should encourage a calming sensation in the muscles of your intestines and then speed up the process of making a bowel movement.
Final Thoughts
Nobody enjoys being constipated. It’s uncomfortable and painful, and just not much fun all around. Thankfully, as you’ve learned from this article, there are plenty of home remedies to help you to start feeling better in no time.
Try out some of these beverages for yourself and see if they help you!
