By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Constipation
Herbal teas for constipation are a natural remedy that help alleviate the symptoms of constipation by promoting bowel movement, reducing inflammation, and relaxing the digestive system.
The best herbal teas for constipation are Rheum officinale, Cassia angustifolia, Senna alexandrina, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Foeniculum vulgare, Rhamnus cathartica, Aloe ferox, Cassia auriculata, Rheum palmatum, and Cinchona officinalis.
If left untreated, constipation can lead to abdominal pain, fatigue, and even depression, negatively impacting daily life and overall well-being, affecting work, social relationships, and overall quality of life.
1. Rheum officinale
Rheum officinale teas helps with constipation because it contains anthraquinones, a group of compounds known for their laxative properties.
These compounds stimulate bowel movements by increasing the movement of the digestive tract and relaxing the muscles in the intestines, making it easier to pass stool.
Additionally, Rheum officinale tea has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including constipation, due to its ability to soften stool and improve gut motility, allowing for a more regular bowel movement.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rheum officinale teas that help with constipation.
- Rhein: Acts as a laxative by stimulating intestinal movement and increasing water absorption in the colon, which helps to soften stool and promote bowel movement.
- Anthraquinones: Stimulate bowel movement by increasing the contractions of the intestinal muscles and improving the movement of gut contents, which helps to relieve constipation.
- Rheinic acid: Exhibits laxative properties by increasing the secretion of intestinal mucus and water, which helps to soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rheum officinale used to make teas for constipation.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used due to their high concentration of anthraquinone glycosides, which help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
- Roots: Roots are used because they contain a significant amount of rhizome and its anthraquinone glycosides, which help in the treatment of constipation.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their ability to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation, although to a lesser extent compared to the rhyzomes and roots.
2. Cassia angustifolia
Cassia angustifolia teas helps with constipation because it is rich in sennosides, a group of anthraquinone glycosides that have a natural laxative effect.
These compounds stimulate bowel movement and increase the frequency and consistency of stools, making it easier to pass waste. Additionally, Cassia angustifolia teas can help to soften and bulk up stool, reducing the risk of straining during bowel movements.
This makes it a popular natural remedy for individuals experiencing constipation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cassia angustifolia teas that help with constipation.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids in Cassia angustifolia help stimulate bowel movements and improve gut motility, making it easier to pass stools.
- Saponins: Saponins in Cassia angustifolia have a mild laxative effect, helping to soften and bulk up stool, making it easier to pass.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones in Cassia angustifolia stimulate the muscles in the intestines, promoting regular bowel movements and relieving constipation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cassia angustifolia used to make teas for constipation.
- Roots: The roots of Cassia angustifolia are widely used to make teas due to their high sennoside content, which acts as a natural laxative.
- Leaves: Cassia angustifolia leaves are also used to make teas as they contain anthraquinones, which help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
- Seeds: Cassia angustifolia seeds are used in traditional medicine to make teas that help to soften and move stool, providing relief from constipation.
3. Senna alexandrina
Senna alexandrina teas helps with constipation because it is a natural laxative that stimulates bowel movements.
The tea contains anthraquinone glycosides, which are compounds that help to increase the frequency and ease of bowel movements. By promoting the contraction of intestinal muscles, Senna alexandrina tea helps to remove waste from the body more efficiently.
Regular consumption of this tea can help to regulate bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of constipation, providing relief and promoting a healthy digestive system.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Senna alexandrina teas that help with constipation.
- Anthraquinones: These compounds help with constipation by stimulating bowel movements, increasing the frequency and urgency of defecation, and relaxing the intestinal muscles.
- Sennosides: Sennosides work by increasing water and electrolyte secretion into the intestines, which helps to soften and move stool through the digestive system, relieving constipation.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids help with constipation by relaxing the smooth muscles in the intestinal tract, increasing intestinal motility, and enhancing the secretion of digestive enzymes to aid in the movement of stool through the digestive system.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Senna alexandrina used to make teas for constipation.
- Roots: The roots of Senna alexandrina contain high concentrations of sennosides, which are responsible for stimulating bowel movements and treating constipation.
- Leaves: The leaves of Senna alexandrina also contain sennosides, making them a popular choice for teas to relieve constipation and promote digestive health.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with constipation because it stimulates digestive enzymes and relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract.
The bioactive compounds present in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have been shown to have prebiotic properties, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This leads to an improvement in gut motility and bowel regularity, helping to alleviate symptoms of constipation and promote a healthy digestive system.
Regular consumption of licorice root tea may also help to soothe and calm the digestive system.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with constipation.
- Saponins: Help with constipation by increasing water and electrolyte absorption in the colon, softening stool, and enhancing gut motility.
- Glycyrrhetinic acid: Assist in constipation relief by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, promoting a healthy gut environment, and enhancing the absorption of nutrients.
- Flavonoids: Contribute to constipation relief by relaxing the smooth muscle of the gut, improving gut motility, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, ultimately promoting regular bowel movements.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for constipation.
- Roots: They are used due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which helps to stimulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other compounds that help to regulate bowel function and relieve constipation symptoms.
- Stems: They may be used in combination with other parts, such as roots, to enhance the overall effect of the tea in relieving constipation.
5. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare teas helps with constipation because they contain active compounds such as anethole and fenchone, which have carminative properties.
These properties help to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, the tea's anti-spasmodic properties help to soothe the muscles and prevent cramps, allowing for a more efficient and comfortable bowel movement.
This results in relief from constipation and a return to regular bowel habits.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with constipation.
- Fenchone: Fenchone helps with constipation by stimulating the digestive system and increasing the movement of food through the intestines.
- Anethole: Anethole helps with constipation by relaxing the muscles in the intestines and reducing inflammation, making it easier to pass stools.
- Bisabolol: Bisabolol helps with constipation by reducing inflammation and improving the overall health of the digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Foeniculum vulgare used to make teas for constipation.
- Leaves: The leaves of Foeniculum vulgare are used to make teas for constipation due to their high content of volatile oils and antioxidants that help to stimulate digestion.
- Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are used to make teas for constipation as they contain a high amount of essential oils, particularly anethole, which helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and promote bowel movements.
- Stems: The stems of Foeniculum vulgare are used to make teas for constipation due to their high fiber content, which helps to bulk up stool and promote regular bowel movements.
6. Rhamnus cathartica
Rhamnus cathartica teas helps with constipation because it contains anthraquinones, a group of compounds that stimulate bowel movements and increase the frequency of defecation.
The tea's anthraquinones work by increasing the movement of the muscles in the intestines, which helps to move stool through the digestive system more efficiently.
Additionally, the tea's properties help to soften stool, making it easier to pass, and also have a mild laxative effect, making it an effective natural remedy for individuals experiencing constipation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rhamnus cathartica teas that help with constipation.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help with constipation by increasing gut motility, promoting smooth muscle contractions in the intestines, and enhancing the absorption of water and electrolytes.
- Tannins: Tannins help with constipation by creating a protective barrier in the gut, reducing inflammation, and increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and mucus, which aids in the movement of stool.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones help with constipation by stimulating the muscles in the intestines to contract and move stool through the digestive system, and also increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and mucus to aid in the movement of stool.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rhamnus cathartica used to make teas for constipation.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for constipation because they contain anthraquinone glycosides, which stimulate bowel movements.
- Barks: They are used to make teas for constipation because they contain anthraquinones, which help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and promote bowel movements.
- Fruits: They are used to make teas for constipation because they contain anthraquinone glycosides, which stimulate the bowels and help move food through the digestive system.
7. Aloe ferox
Aloe ferox teas helps with constipation because its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties stimulate digestive function and promote regular bowel movements.
The gel-like substance in Aloe ferox contains anthraquinones, which have natural laxative properties that help soften and move stool through the digestive system. Regular consumption of Aloe ferox teas can help regulate bowel habits and alleviate symptoms of constipation, such as bloating and discomfort.
This natural remedy can also help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, promoting a healthy gut.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe ferox teas that help with constipation.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin has laxative properties that help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation by increasing intestinal motility and water absorption in the colon.
- Aloin: Aloin acts as a natural laxative, helping to soften stool and increase the frequency of bowel movements by promoting intestinal contractions and enhancing water absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones, such as aloe-emodin and aloin, have been shown to increase the secretion of intestinal fluids, reduce inflammation in the colon, and stimulate bowel movements, making them beneficial in treating constipation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Aloe ferox used to make teas for constipation.
- Leaves: Aloe ferox leaves are used to make teas for constipation due to their high content of anthraquinones, which are known to stimulate bowel movements.
- Buds: Aloe ferox buds are used to make teas for constipation due to their ability to increase the movement of the gut and relieve symptoms of constipation.
- Roots: Aloe ferox roots are used to make teas for constipation due to their high content of anthraquinones and other compounds that can help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
8. Cassia auriculata
Cassia auriculata teas helps with constipation because it is rich in saponins and anthraquinones, which are natural laxatives that stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
The saponins in Cassia auriculata tea work by increasing the water content in the intestines, making it easier to pass stool, while the anthraquinones help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, allowing for smoother and more efficient passage of waste.
This results in regular and comfortable bowel movements.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cassia auriculata teas that help with constipation.
- Quercetin: Quercetin helps with constipation by reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting the contraction of smooth muscles to facilitate bowel movement.
- Isoflavones: Isoflavones help with constipation by increasing the movement of gut muscles and improving the function of the gut, thus preventing constipation and related symptoms.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids help with constipation by stimulating the contraction of intestinal muscles, promoting the release of digestive enzymes, and improving the overall gut function.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cassia auriculata used to make teas for constipation.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for constipation due to their potential laxative properties.
- Barks: They are used to make teas for constipation due to their potential to stimulate bowel movements.
- Stems: They are used to make teas for constipation due to their potential to act as a natural laxative.
9. Rheum palmatum
Rheum palmatum teas helps with constipation because it contains anthraquinones, a group of compounds known for their laxative properties.
These anthraquinones stimulate bowel movements and increase the frequency and ease of passing stool. Additionally, Rheum palmatum teas have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm the digestive tract, making it easier for the body to eliminate waste.
The tea's soothing effects also promote relaxation, reducing stress and promoting a healthy digestive system.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rheum palmatum teas that help with constipation.
- Rhein: Rhein acts as a purgative to help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation by increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Anthraquinones: Anthraquinones have laxative properties, helping to increase the frequency and ease of bowel movements, and promoting the elimination of waste from the body.
- Tannins: Tannins help to soften and relax the intestinal muscles, allowing for easier passage of stool and alleviating constipation symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rheum palmatum used to make teas for constipation.
- Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are commonly used to make teas for constipation due to their high concentration of anthraquinones, which help stimulate bowel movements.
- Leaves: The leaves of Rheum palmatum are used to make teas for constipation as they contain anthraquinones and other compounds that help to soften and move stool.
- Roots: The roots of Rheum palmatum are also used to make teas for constipation, as they contain anthraquinones and other compounds that help to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
10. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with constipation because of its unique properties and compounds.
The bark of the Cinchona tree contains quinine and other alkaloids, which have been traditionally used to stimulate digestion and bowel movements. The tea's high concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, allowing for a smoother flow of waste and reducing the risk of constipation.
Regular consumption of Cinchona officinalis tea may help to restore regular bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of constipation.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with constipation.
- Quinovic acids: These triterpenoid saponins help with constipation by increasing the frequency and reducing the viscosity of bowel movements due to their laxative properties.
- Quinine alkaloid: This compound helps with constipation by stimulating bowel movement and increasing the contractions of the intestinal muscles, thus relieving constipation symptoms.
- Cinchonine alkaloid: This compound helps with constipation by enhancing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and relaxing the muscles in the intestines, making it easier to pass stools.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for constipation.
- Leaves: They are the most commonly used part, rich in quinine and other alkaloids that help to stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.
- Barks: The barks contain high amounts of quinine and other compounds that help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and improve bowel movements.
- Stems: The stems also contain quinine and other alkaloids that can help to stimulate digestion and relieve constipation by increasing bowel movements.