7 Best Teas For Constipation Relief To Support a Healthy Gut
Constipation is when you have bowel movements less often than usual or your stools are hard, dry and difficult or painful. Ideally, 2 bowel movements a day are normal.
If you are having difficulty or are not regular, then the following herbs and herbal blends can help with digestive health and encourage regular toilet habits.
Herbal Teas Australia has an herbal tea blend specifically for constipation but there are a range of herbs that can be helpful too.
1. Our Constipation tea is a laxative herbal blend that combines the laxative benefits of Senna leaves with soothing digestive flavours of Peppermint, Chamomile and Fennel seeds.
As a laxative, the herb Senna contains natural stimulants that trigger bowel contractions and usually works within 6 to 12 hours.
Drinking this pleasant tasting tea at night before bed may help settle tummy upsets and normalise toilet habits.
2. For a gentle digestive aid, Ginger can help to encourage bowel movements in some people. It can also reduce bloating and nausea. Ginger helps relieve constipation by encouraging the contraction of the intestines to propel food through the digestive tract. It also lowers the intestinal pressure to minimize bloating or cramping.
3. The herb Peppermint, made as an herbal tea, helps to relax smooth muscles like the digestive tract and may ease cramping and flatulence. While it is not a laxative herb, it can make bowel movements more comfortable.
4. Dandelion leaf or Dandelion root tea can also support digestive and have a mild laxative effect on some people. We have used Dandelion leaf in our Detox tea and our Tummy tea to support digestive health, encourage good gut flora and assist with liver function.
Neither the Dandelion leaf nor Dandelion root is better, they just perform differently.
Dandelion leaf is also a gentle diuretic and is packed with vitamins and minerals and will support elimination like soothing the urinary tract.
Dandelion root can have a stronger effect on the liver and is rich in prebiotic fibre inulin making it ideal for digestive health.
5. Licorice root tea has been traditionally used to soothe and nourish digestive health and may promote bowel regularity. This herb acts as a mild, natural laxative that can help relieve constipation by stimulating bowel movements and soothing the digestive tract. However, long-term use of regular Licorice root is generally not recommended as it contains glycyrrhizin, which can cause elevated blood pressure and low potassium level so should be avoided by people with high blood pressure and some heart conditions.
6. Another herb that has been used for thousands of years and is the most widely used herb in the world, is Chamomile tea.
This herb, which is safe for babies and children, is ideal for relaxing the digestive system and reducing abdominal discomfort. Chamomile tea can be most helpful with constipation as a result of stress or indigestion.
7. Traditionally used to reduce bloating and help promote bowel movement is Fennel. Fennel is a natural, mild laxative rather than a strong stimulant. The oil in Fennel seeds works by relaxing the intestinal muscles to reduce bloating and ease bowel motions.
As well as drinking herbal teas for constipation, it is important to drink plenty of water (min 2 litres a day) and increase fruit and vegetables in the diet. Regular exercise can also be helpful.
All the herbal tea blends and herbs in this Blog can be found on our website in our Wellness range or in the Single Herbs range.
Please note: if Constipation is prolonged, is accompanied by blood, vomited or significant abdominal pain, please consult a healthcare practitioner.
