Constipation is a common condition that causes hard stools in individuals that are difficult to expel. It occurs because of the colon absorbs too much water from the food. This absorption is what makes the feces hard and difficult to pass from the digestive tract.
The most common symptom is not being able to pass stools regularly. Many home remedies, including various herbs, are used for the treatment of constipation.
Even most laxatives used to treat the condition contain herbs. Laxative herbs are rich in anthraquinones, which help increase the contraction in the intestines. Herbs for constipation help give a soothing effect to the intestines with little or no side effects.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Constipation]
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Senna is an herb derived from various species of Cassia plants. Since centuries, people are using senna for its laxative properties. Its multiple parts, including leaves, flowers, and fruits, are used to stimulate bowel movements. It is an ingredient in many laxatives.
Senna is also a common ingredient in teas. It is also approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a non-prescription medicine to treat constipation. Many chemicals called sennosides are present in senna(2).
These chemicals irritate the inner lining of intestines, causing a laxative effect. Senna also contains glycosides, which further help in the stimulation of the digestive tract.
Senna is one of the best herbs for constipation. It is more effective when taken with psyllium or docusate sodium. You can also have it in the form of herbal tea.
[Also Read: Supplements for Constipation]
Peppermint is an essential ingredient used in households for treating an upset stomach or for making refreshing drinks.
Peppermint has many health and beauty benefits with zero side effects. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenolic compounds which help improve digestion. It also helps in gallbladder functioning and helps with irritable bowel syndrome.
Regularly taking peppermint tea helps with the movement of food through the digestive tract and helps in staying hydrated. It is also helpful in preventing constipation.
Peppermint is also present in many OTC drugs which are used for digestive problems.
Peppermint is generally consumed in the form of tea. The soothing effect of tea helps relax the digestive muscles and relieves pain or cramps caused due to constipation. Peppermint tea can be prepared in many ways, the most common being the use of tea bags.
Since peppermint works best when fresh, the drink made with fresh leaves is more beneficial. Peppermint is the best herbal tea for constipation to consider.
Ginger is a root and has a long spread history of its usage as an herbal medicine in various conditions.
Various herbal teas for constipation are proved to be effective in treating the condition. Ginger tea is one such tea which is recommended by many herbalists for the treatment of constipation due to its laxative properties.
Ginger tea is the most common and effective way of inducing ginger in your diet.
You can use ginger in tea. Also, adding ginger to your everyday recipes is another way to add ginger in your diet.
You can also use ginger shots or ginger capsules available in the market.
[Also Read: Tea for Constipation]
Dandelion is a plant whose roots are used as popular herbs in treating various conditions.
Dandelion can be used as its roots, flowers, or leaves, but the most effective part is the root, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
You can find the dandelion root herbal tea at various stores, or you can grow your plant at home. If you use fresh dandelion roots from your garden, make sure to dry them properly before use.
Licorice has large tuberous roots and is a native plant of Europe. The root of this plant has many benefits and is also used as one of the herbal remedies for constipation.
The healthy properties of licorice are derived from its high flavonoid content. According to the author of “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” licorice can treat chronic constipation by promoting peristalsis. Peristalsis is the process of forcing out of stool from the gastric system and into the large intestine.
Licorice root also has anti-inflammatory properties, which further soothes the pain and cramps caused due to constipation.
You can take licorice root raw or in the form of tea.
Aloe Vera has many beauty benefits and is a common plant grown in most households. Along with its uses in various soaps and skin care products, aloe has many benefits for your digestive system.
Aloe vera can be used as a juice, gel, or even capsules.
Aloe Vera can be taken in two forms:
Fenugreek is an herb, which has its usage in home remedies. It is also proved to be beneficial in treating various digestive problems, including constipation(3).
Mostly the seeds of fenugreek plant are used in treating different health conditions, but sometimes leaves are also used.
The high levels of fiber content in it make it one of the natural herbs used for constipation. The anti-oxidants present in fenugreek also help flush out toxins from your body.
The lubricating properties in it help soothe your digestive system.
You can use fenugreek as a decoction or add it to your recipes. Fenugreek is a popular ingredient in many dishes, and it is always beneficial to take it in its natural form. Fenugreek supplements in the form of capsules are also available.
You can also use slippery elm for constipation as it softens the stools. The lubricative effect of slippery elm on digestive tract makes it even more useful herb. Slippery elm is also helpful in treating IBS, which is one of the causes of constipation. You can take it in the form of capsules.
Constipation is common and sometimes painful condition most prevalent among people of older age groups. Various home remedies and herbs prove to help treat the condition. Herbal teas, including peppermint tea, ginger tea, senna tea, and dandelion tea, have laxative properties and help relieve the condition of constipation.
Herbs are not even useful but also cause little or no side effects. Some of them, including aloe vera and fenugreek, are very common and readily available. Adding ginger and fenugreek to your meals is also very beneficial. Also, you can take advice from your healthcare expert regarding the usage of these herbs.
Constipation is a common condition, and various home remedies can help treat it. Drinking more water is the most common remedy to cure constipation. Other home remedies include eating fiber-rich foods, doing regular exercise, including caffeine, eating prunes, and avoiding dairy products. You can also use various supplements for this condition.
Constipation occurs in the situation when the colon absorbs too much water. The primary symptom of constipation is difficulty in passing feces and straining. The various symptoms of constipation are:
Some herbs help get relief from constipation. They have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on intestines and help stimulate the bowel movement. Some of the common herbs used for constipation are senna, aloe vera, slippery elm, fenugreek, dandelion, nettle, ginger, sorrel, sea buckthorn, and licorice roots.