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Herbal Tea and Constipation: How They Work and 5 Easy Recipes for Better Digestion!
Constipation is a problem many of us can relate to, isn’t it? Herbal tea is deemed one of the most effective natural solutions for easing constipation. For centuries, herbal teas have been used to treat bowel movements. Herbs and spices like ginger and peppermint contain natural elements that aid digestion, facilitate bowel movements, and boost gut health. Turning them into teas can be very beneficial for constipation.
Several individuals across the globe are constantly affected by constipation, a prevalent digestive problem. It's commonly defined as a bowel dysfunction that makes it hard to pass stools or causes rare bowel movements. These stools may be solid and dehydrated, often making bowel movements painful. Though drug store laxatives provide instant relief, they can be harmful in a long run. Hence, turning to natural remedies for constipation helps you find relief without any chemical interactions.
This blog will investigate the correlation between herbal tea and constipation, discussing the top herbal teas for constipation, their mechanisms, and their individual advantages. Keep reading!
Table Of Contents
- What Is Constipation?
- Herbal Tea And Constipation: How Does Herbal Tea Help with Constipation?
- Which Tea is Good For Constipation?
- What Can I Drink To Relieve Constipation Fast?
- Which Herb is A Natural Laxative?
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What Is Constipation?
Constipation is when a person has infrequent and often uncomfortable bowel movements. Typically, any fewer than three bowel movements per week indicate constipation. Common symptoms include:
- Hard, dry stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Feelings of incomplete bowel movement
- Stomach bloating, plus discomfort
Constipation can be caused by various factors. These include a low-fibre diet, inadequate hydration, lack of physical activity, stress, and certain medications. Long-term constipation can result in issues like haemorrhoids, fissures in the anal area, and blockage of faecal matter.
Also Read: 22 Effective Home Remedies For Constipation: Simple At-Home Solutions For Relief
Herbal Tea And Constipation: How Does Herbal Tea Help With Constipation?
Do herbal teas truly work, or is this just a marketing tactic for companies to sell you their exotic tea package? Let us examine the facts.
Herbal teas are natural beverages made from the infusion or decoction of various plant leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and bark. Many herbs used in teas are actually constipation relief foods and have properties that promote healthy digestion. Some herbal teas stimulate the digestive tract, soften stools, or act as mild laxatives. Others contain compounds that relax the intestines, reducing discomfort and aiding constipation.
The following are key mechanisms through which herbal teas alleviate constipation:
- Promoting Bowel Movements: Certain herbal teas contain compounds like anthraquinones. These help stimulate intestinal contractions, promote bowel movements, and relieve constipation.
- Hydration: Adequate hydration is essential for softening stools and preventing constipation. Herbal tea increases fluid intake, promoting bowel regularity.
- Soothing the Digestive System: Herbal teas often contain anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic compounds that calm the digestive system, reducing bloating and discomfort and helping with constipation.
- Supporting Gut Health: Some herbal teas contain probiotics or prebiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria growth, which is essential for proper digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Natural Laxative Effect: Several herbal teas have natural laxative effects, helping to stimulate bowel movements and ease constipation.
Also Read: 7 Common Causes Of Constipation In Women
Which Tea Is Good For Constipation?
Triphala tea is one of the best Indian herbal teas for relieving constipation. Triphala, meaning 'three fruits' in Sanskrit, is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal blend made from these three fruits: Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Bibhitaki, and Haritaki. These fruits are known for their digestive benefits, particularly in promoting bowel regularity and relieving constipation.
Haritaki, one of the main components of Triphala, has mild laxative properties that stimulate the intestines and promote stool movement through the digestive tract when consumed as an herbal tea. Bibhitaki supports the production of bile and digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food, while Amla acts as a digestive tonic that enhances nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
The polyphenols and antioxidants in Triphala also reduce inflammation in the digestive system, further supporting healthy digestion and helping to ease constipation problems. Drinking this herbal tea regularly can help soften stools and improve bowel movements naturally.
Let’s look at some other home remedies for constipation in the form of herbal teas and how to brew them:
1. Triphala Tea
Triphala Tea For Constipation | |
Ingredients | Instructions |
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| Benefits: Triphala supports digestion, stimulates bowel movements, and relieves constipation. | |
2. Ajwain (Carom Seed) Tea
Ajwain (Carom Seed) Tea For Constipation | |
Ingredients | Instructions |
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| Benefits: Ajwain promotes bowel movement, stimulates digestion, and relieves gas. | |
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger Tea For Constipation | |
Ingredients | Instructions |
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| Benefits: Ginger improves digestion, reduces bloating, and eases constipation. | |
4. Fennel Tea
Fennel Tea For Constipation | |
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Ingredients | Instructions |
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| Benefits: Fennel relieves indigestion, stimulates the intestines, and helps soften stools. | |
5. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint Tea For Constipation | |
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Ingredients | Instructions |
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| Benefits: Peppermint soothes the digestive tract and promotes bowel movements. | |
Also Read: Struggling With Low Metabolism? Here Are 6 Drinks To Boost Metabolism Naturally!
What Can I Drink To Relieve Constipation Fast?
One of the most effective Indian drinks for relieving constipation quickly is Ajwain (carom seed) water. Ajwain is a powerful spice commonly used in Indian households. It has strong digestive properties that can help alleviate constipation.
Ajwain seeds contain an active compound called thymol, which stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, enhancing digestion and promoting smoother bowel movements. It also helps relieve common gut problems like gas, bloating, and indigestion, often associated with constipation. Its carminative properties help reduce discomfort caused by constipation without harsh side effects. Additionally, it is readily available and safe for most people.
You can also try ToneOp Care’s Isab Go+ sachets for the same benefits. They come in an orange flavour and contain ispaghula husk with lactate monohydrate, which relieves constipation and improves digestion.
Also Read: How To Take Isabgol? Know 5 Easy Steps To Take Psyllium Husk For Constipation!
Which Herb Is A Natural Laxative?
Senna, also known as Cassia angustifolia, is a popular Indian herb that functions as a natural laxative. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has used this herbal tea for centuries to treat constipation. Senna contains sennosides, compounds that give the herb its laxative properties. These substances irritate the colon's inner lining, which in turn activates the intestines' muscles and encourages bowel function.
Although senna is highly effective for relieving constipation, it should be used cautiously. Prolonged or excessive use of senna can lead to dependence on laxatives, meaning the body might rely on it for bowel movements. Additionally, overuse can cause electrolyte imbalances and cramping.
Also Read: 6 Best At-Home Ayurvedic Treatment For Constipation To Give You Quick Relief!
Dietitian’s Recommendation
As a dietitian, I suggest using herbal teas like peppermint, senna, or ginger tea with sabja (tukmaria or basil seeds) or chia seeds as natural laxatives to help constipation. These teas aid in digestion, increase bowel movements and decrease bloating. Consume a single cup of herbal tea to assist digestion after eating or before bed. Combine drinking tea with a diet high in fibre—focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—to avoid constipation. Also, make sure to stay well-hydrated by drinking sufficient water as well as herbal teas. Restrict consumption of processed foods to support normal bowel function.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
That was all about herbal tea and constipation! Herbal teas offer natural, effective ways to relieve constipation and promote healthy digestion. Herbal teas like senna, peppermint, ginger, and dandelion provide multiple benefits, including relieving constipation as well as soothing the digestive system.
Including herbal teas in your routine, along with a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and regular exercise, can prevent constipation and improve your digestive health. While herbal teas are generally safe, it's important to use them in moderation.
FAQs
1. How often should I drink herbal tea for constipation?
Herbal teas for constipation, such as senna or peppermint tea, can be consumed once a day, preferably before bed. This will promote bowel movements by the next morning. For teas with milder digestive benefits like ginger or fennel, 1-2 cups per day is usually safe.
However, these herbal teas should not be consumed daily for long periods, as overuse of herbal teas with laxative properties can cause dependence.
2. How long does it take for herbal tea to relieve constipation?
Herbal teas like senna tea usually relieve constipation within 6-12 hours. Senna's laxative effects stimulate bowel movements relatively quickly. Other milder herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger tea, may take longer and work gradually by promoting healthy digestion rather than acting as a fast-acting laxative.
3. Are there any side effects of herbal tea for constipation?
Yes, some herbal teas, particularly those with strong laxative effects like senna, can cause cramping, diarrhoea, and dehydration if overused. Prolonged use of herbal teas with laxative effects may lead to dependence, meaning the bowels start relying on the herbal tea for regular function, causing constipation more frequently.
4. Can children drink herbal tea for constipation?
Some mild herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint may be safe for children, but teas with strong laxative effects like senna should be avoided. For children, it's better to focus on dietary solutions such as increasing fibre intake, hydration, and physical activity to relieve constipation naturally.
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322624
- https://www.ndtv.com/health/these-herbal-teas-can-help-cure-constipation-6611665
- https://www.wildcornishtea.co.uk/post/best-herbal-teas-for-constipation-bowel-irregularity
- https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/herbal-teas-for-constipation/
- https://www.1mg.com/articles/6-natural-drinks-to-help-relieve-constipation-instantly/?srsltid=AfmBOorr5EsR9J2oyX4u6XdAmGZOgRRC0f7b75xwj7qwEEw7q8ln10xl
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354253
- https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation
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