10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Constipation

Herbal tinctures for constipation are liquid extracts made from plants, flowers, and herbs that have natural laxative properties.

These tinctures help to stimulate bowel movements, soften stool, and reduce symptoms of constipation such as bloating and discomfort. For example, senna leaf and dandelion root tinctures have been traditionally used to treat constipation by stimulating the colon and increasing digestive activity.

By using herbal tinctures for constipation, individuals can experience improved regularity, reduced abdominal pain, and enhanced overall well-being, allowing them to live a more comfortable and active life.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for constipation, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Senna alata

Candle bush tinctures helps with constipation because it contains a unique blend of herbs that stimulate digestive function, relax the muscles in the digestive tract, and increase bowel movement frequency.

The combination of herbs such as senna, licorice root, and peppermint works together to soften stool, ease abdominal discomfort, and promote regularity, making it an effective natural remedy for alleviating constipation symptoms.

Regular use of candle bush tincture can help restore a healthy digestive rhythm and alleviate the discomfort associated with constipation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Senna alata tinctures that help with constipation.

• Anthraquinones: These compounds stimulate bowel movements by increasing the peristalsis of the intestines and promoting water and electrolyte secretion into the intestine, which helps to soften and move stool.
• Alkaloids: These bioactive compounds have a laxative effect by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the colon, increasing the amount of water and electrolytes in the stool, and stimulating bowel movements.
• Flavonoids: These compounds may have a synergistic effect with anthraquinones and alkaloids by increasing the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the absorption of water and electrolytes, ultimately promoting regular bowel movements.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of candle bush used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Leaves: They are used due to their high concentration of anthraquinone glycosides, which have laxative properties.
• Roots: They are used as a source of sennosides, which are anthraquinone glycosides that stimulate bowel movements.
• Stems: They are used as a supplementary part, containing some sennosides and anthraquinones that aid in constipation relief.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic candle bush for constipation.

1. Gather senna alata leaves and flowers in the morning after dew has fallen but before it rains heavily.
2. Dry the gathered senna alata leaves and flowers in a warm dark place for 7 to 10 days to reduce moisture.
3. Grind the dried senna alata leaves and flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Combine 250 grams of the ground senna alata powder with 750 ml of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar and seal it.
5. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks then strain and discard the solids and bottle the liquid.

2. Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel tinctures helps with constipation because of its natural properties that stimulate digestion and relieve symptoms associated with irregular bowel movements.

The tannins and fiber present in fennel seeds help to soften stool, making it easier to pass, while the volatile oils increase gastric motility and improve gut contractions. Additionally, fennel's carminative properties reduce bloating and discomfort, allowing for a more regular and comfortable bowel movement.

This natural remedy can provide relief from constipation without harsh medications or artificial additives.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare tinctures that help with constipation.

• Phenolic acids: They help alleviate constipation by stimulating bowel movements and improving gut motility due to their ability to relax smooth muscle in the digestive tract.
• Furfoucoumarins: These compounds help with constipation by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and enhancing gut motility, thus facilitating the passage of stool.
• Terpinen-4-ol: This monoterpene helps with constipation by relaxing the smooth muscle in the digestive tract, thereby improving gut motility and facilitating bowel movements.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Seeds: Used due to their carminative and anti-spasmodic properties, which help ease digestion and promote bowel movements.
• Leaves: Utilized for their antispasmodic and expectorant properties, which can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and promote the expulsion of waste.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for constipation.

1. Harvest approximately 1 pound of fresh foeniculum vulgare roots and leaves in late summer or early fall.
2. Dry the harvested material in a warm place with good air circulation for 2-3 weeks.
3. Combine 1 pound of dried foeniculum vulgare with 4 cups of 80-proof vodka in a glass container.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks shaking the container every day.
5. Strain the liquid and discard the solids then transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle.

3. Arctium lappa

Burdock tinctures helps with constipation because its active compounds, particularly saponins and mucilages, stimulate bowel function and soften stool, making it easier to pass.

The tincture also increases gut motility, helping to move food through the digestive system more efficiently. Additionally, burdock's anti-inflammatory properties can soothe and calm irritated bowels, reducing symptoms of constipation such as bloating and discomfort.

By addressing the root causes of constipation, herbal burdock tinctures provide a natural and effective solution for maintaining regular bowel movements.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arctium lappa tinctures that help with constipation.

• Inulin: Inulin helps with constipation by increasing water absorption in the colon, softening stool, and promoting regular bowel movements.
• Triterpenoid saponins: Triterpenoid saponins help with constipation by stimulating the colon to move and contract, improving gut motility, and enhancing the elimination of waste.
• Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides, such as inulin, help with constipation by prebiotically feeding the beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome, and supporting regular bowel movements.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of burdock used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Roots: They are rich in inulin, a soluble fiber that helps soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.
• Seeds: They contain arctin, a compound that stimulates digestive system function and helps with constipation relief.
• Leaves: They are high in mucilage, a substance that helps ease bowel passage and reduce straining during defecation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic burdock for constipation.

1. Harvest 20 to 30 percent dry arctium lappa roots and clean them thoroughly with water.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces weighing about 300 grams for a standard tincture batch.
3. Combine chopped roots with 700 milliliters of high-proof ethanol 80 percent or higher in a clean glass jar.
4. Seal the jar and let it steep in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks shaking it occasionally.
5. Strain the liquid from the jar using cheesecloth or a coffee filter and transfer it to a clean glass bottle.

4. Tilia platyphyllos

Broad-leaved lime tinctures helps with constipation because of its natural ability to stimulate the digestive system.

The herb's bitter compounds help to increase stomach contractions, which aids in moving food through the intestines and promoting regular bowel movements. Additionally, broad-leaved lime has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with constipation.

As a result, using herbal broad-leaved lime tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of constipation, promoting a healthy and regular digestive system.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia platyphyllos tinctures that help with constipation.

• Terpenes: These compounds help relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, thereby increasing bowel movement and relieving constipation.
• Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe the digestive tract and improve gut motility.
• Tannins: These astringent compounds can help stimulate gut contractions and improve bowel movement, thereby alleviating constipation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of broad-leaved lime used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Roots: Known for their ability to stimulate digestion and relieve constipation due to their bitter compounds.
• Leaves: Contain compounds that help regulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation symptoms.
• Buds: May be used to stimulate digestion and relieve constipation due to their astringent and bitter properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic broad-leaved lime for constipation.

1. Harvest tilia platyphyllos flowers and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated with scissors or a sharp knife.
2. Clean and dry the harvested plant material using a clean towel or a drying rack for 2-3 days.
3. Use a 1:2 ratio of plant material to 95% ethanol to make a tincture by placing 100g of dried plant material in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the plant material in the ethanol for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking of the jar.
5. Strain the tincture using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids then bottle the tincture for storage.

5. Berberis aquifolium

Oregon grape tinctures helps with constipation because it is a natural laxative that stimulates bowel movements.

The herb contains anthraquinone glycosides, which help to soften stool and increase gut motility, making it easier for waste to pass through the digestive system. Additionally, Oregon grape has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the colon lining and reduce inflammation, further contributing to its constipation-relieving effects.

This natural remedy can provide gentle yet effective relief from chronic constipation without harsh chemicals or artificial additives.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Berberis aquifolium tinctures that help with constipation.

• Berberine: A protoberberine alkaloid, berberine has been shown to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation by increasing the movement of food through the digestive system and enhancing gut motility.
• Vasaka alkaloids: These alkaloids have been found to have a laxative effect, which may help to relieve constipation by increasing the frequency and ease of bowel movements.
• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound, quercetin has been reported to have a relaxing effect on the intestinal tract, which may help to alleviate constipation by improving the contraction and movement of the intestinal muscles.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of oregon grape used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Roots: Used due to their high concentration of berberine, a compound that has laxative properties.
• Leaves: Used due to their berberine content, which can help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
• Barks: Used due to their berberine content, which can help relax the muscles in the intestines and promote bowel movements.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oregon grape for constipation.

1. Gather 1 part of dried berberis aquifolium roots and 2 parts of dried leaves in a clean glass jar.
2. Combine the dried plant material with 60% 95% ethanol in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
3. Allow the mixture to steep in a cool dark place for 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
5. Store the tincture in a cool dark place for at least 4 weeks before using.

6. Aloe vera

Aloe tinctures helps with constipation because of its soothing and gentle properties that stimulate bowel movements, making it an effective natural remedy for relieving symptoms.

The aloe vera gel contains anthraquinones, which help soften stool, reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and increase peristalsis, allowing for easier passage of waste through the colon.

Additionally, aloe tinctures have anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritation and discomfort associated with constipation, promoting regular bowel habits and overall digestive health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with constipation.

• Anthraquinones: These compounds help stimulate bowel movements and increase the frequency of defecation, thereby alleviating constipation.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have laxative and anti-inflammatory properties, which help relax the muscles in the intestinal tract and promote the movement of food through the digestive system, easing constipation.
• Saponins: These compounds have a gentle laxative effect, helping to soften and lubricate stool, making it easier to pass and relieving constipation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Leaves: The most commonly used part of Aloe vera in tinctures for constipation due to their high concentration of anthraquinones, which help stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
• Rhyzomes: Used to make tinctures for constipation due to their anthraquinone content, which acts as a laxative to help relieve constipation and promote bowel regularity.
• Roots: Sometimes used to make tinctures for constipation due to their saponin content, which can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for constipation.

1. Gather 20 organic aloe vera leaves cut them into small pieces and label the container for storage.
2. Combine the aloe vera pieces with 50% vodka fill a 1-liter glass jar with 80% of the container.
3. Allow the mixture to steep in a cool dark place for 2 weeks shaking the jar daily.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean container discard the solids and reserve the liquid.
5. Transfer the aloe vera tincture to dark glass bottles store in a cool dry place for up to 6 years.

7. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with constipation because it has a soothing effect on the digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements and relieving symptoms of constipation.

The active compounds in valerian root, such as valerenic acid, have been shown to stimulate digestion and improve gut motility, helping to move food through the intestines and reduce symptoms of bloating, discomfort, and hard stool.

Additionally, valerian's relaxing properties can help alleviate stress and anxiety that may contribute to constipation, promoting a more balanced digestive system.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with constipation.

• Valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene acid acts as a gut motility stimulant, helping to increase bowel movements and alleviate constipation.
• Valeranone: This isobutyrate ester of valerenic acid has a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing spasms and promoting regular bowel movements.
• Valerenal: This sesquiterpene alcohol has a mild laxative effect, helping to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Roots: Valeriana officinalis roots are primarily used to make tinctures for constipation due to their high concentration of valerenic acid and valerenol, which have a relaxing effect on the digestive system.
• Roots: Valeriana officinalis roots are also used to make tinctures for constipation due to their ability to stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut motility.
• Roots: Valeriana officinalis roots are used to make tinctures for constipation due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote regular bowel movements.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for constipation.

1. Harvest dried roots and rhizomes of the plant in late summer or early fall to ensure optimal potency and flavor.
2. Chop the dried roots and rhizomes into small pieces to increase their surface area for extraction.
3. Combine the chopped root material with 60 percent ethanol or vodka in a clean glass jar at a ratio of 1 part plant to 2 parts solvent to create a tincture.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks with occasional shaking to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids to create the final product.

8. Gentiana lutea

Yellow gentian tinctures helps with constipation because it stimulates digestive enzymes and increases bile production, which helps to soften stool and increase bowel movement.

The bitter compounds in yellow gentian also stimulate the release of gastric juices, further aiding digestion and alleviating symptoms of constipation.

Additionally, yellow gentian's anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritated intestinal tissues, allowing for smoother passage of stool and relief from constipation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gentiana lutea tinctures that help with constipation.

• Xanthones: Xanthones found in Gentiana lutea tinctures help with constipation by increasing gut motility and improving the muscle contractions in the intestines, thereby facilitating bowel movements.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Gentiana lutea tinctures possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract, alleviating constipation symptoms.
• Gentiopicrin: Gentiopicrin, a sesquiterpene glycoside found in Gentiana lutea tinctures, has been shown to have a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract, which can help to increase peristalsis and relieve constipation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of yellow gentian used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of gentiopicroside, a compound that helps stimulate bowel movements.
• Rhyzomes: They contain gentiopicroside and other bioactive compounds that aid in regulating bowel function and relieving constipation.
• Leaves: They also contain gentiopicroside, which contributes to their use in treating constipation by promoting digestive regularity.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yellow gentian for constipation.

1. Harvest 2 pounds of gentiana lutea roots in the fall when the plant is dormant for optimal potency.
2. Clean and dry the roots in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours to prevent moisture.
3. Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 80 proof vodka at a 1:2 ratio by weight for a high-quality tincture.
4. Store the mixture in a glass jar with a lid and let it steep in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily to ensure even extraction.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and transfer it to a dark glass bottle for long-term storage.

9. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion tinctures helps with constipation because it contains a unique blend of bioactive compounds that stimulate digestive functions.

The tincture's bitter properties increase gastric contractions, promoting bowel movement and reducing symptoms of slow transit constipation.

Additionally, dandelion's high water content helps soften stool, making it easier to pass, while its anti-inflammatory properties reduce irritation in the rectum and colon, alleviating discomfort associated with chronic constipation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale tinctures that help with constipation.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help to stimulate intestinal motility, promoting the movement of food through the digestive system and relieving constipation.
• Saponins: Saponins have a mild laxative effect by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving gut health, and enhancing the movement of food through the digestive system.
• Fatty acids: These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, improve gut health, and promote the secretion of digestive enzymes, which can help to alleviate constipation symptoms.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Leaves: Leaves are commonly used to make tinctures for constipation due to their high concentration of anthraquinones, which have laxative properties.
• Roots: Roots are used to make tinctures for constipation because they contain a higher amount of saponins and other compounds that stimulate bowel movements.
• Seeds: Seeds are used to make tinctures for constipation due to their high content of taraxasterol, which helps to soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for constipation.

1. Harvest the fresh taraxacum officinale plant in the morning after the dew has evaporated to ensure optimal potency.
2. Chop the fresh taraxacum officinale plant into small pieces using a sharp knife to release its medicinal properties.
3. Combine 200 grams of the chopped taraxacum officinale with 70 percent ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the taraxacum officinale mixture in the ethanol for 2 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle to separate the tincture.

10. Hyoscyamus niger

Henbane tinctures helps with constipation because it stimulates the muscles in the digestive tract to contract and move stool through the colon, promoting regular bowel movements.

The herb's natural laxative properties help to soften and bulk up stool, making it easier to pass. Additionally, henbane's anti-inflammatory effects may also reduce inflammation and irritation in the digestive system, which can contribute to constipation.

As a result, herbal henbane tinctures offer a natural and gentle approach to relieving constipation symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hyoscyamus niger tinctures that help with constipation.

• Scopolamine: Scopolamine is an alkaloid that helps relax the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing spasms and promoting regular bowel movements, thus alleviating constipation.
• Hyoscyamine: Hyoscyamine is another alkaloid that functions as a smooth muscle relaxant, decreasing the muscle tone in the intestines and facilitating the passage of stool, thereby addressing constipation.
• Tropane alkaloids: The tropane alkaloids present in Hyoscyamus niger, including scopolamine and hyoscyamine, have anticholinergic properties that inhibit the contraction of intestinal muscles, which helps to relieve constipation by promoting a more regular bowel movement.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of henbane used to make tinctures for constipation.

• Roots: The roots are the primary source of hyoscyamine, a key alkaloid responsible for its laxative and antispasmodic properties.
• Leaves: The leaves contain hyoscyamine, which helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and promote bowel movements.
• Seeds: The seeds are also a source of hyoscyamine, although in smaller amounts compared to the roots and leaves, and are used in some herbal remedies for constipation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic henbane for constipation.

1. Harvest 100 grams of fresh hyoscyamus niger roots and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated.
2. Chop the harvested plant material into small pieces and place it in a clean glass jar.
3. Add 500 milliliters of 95% ethanol to the jar and close it tightly.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a dark place at room temperature with occasional shaking.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for constipation?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with constipation is a blend of Cascara sagrada, Dandelion root, and Triphala.

Cascara sagrada stimulates bowel movements and relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, while Dandelion root increases the frequency of bowel movements and reduces inflammation. Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic herb, balances the digestive system and promotes regular bowel movements.

Together, these tinctures work synergistically to ease constipation, reduce symptoms, and promote overall digestive health.

What ailments similar to constipation are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to constipation/tinctures.html">constipation/tinctures.html">constipation that are treated with herbal tinctures are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, and hemorrhoids.

Certain herbs like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and licorice root help soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Other herbs like peppermint, ginger, and turmeric may also be used to alleviate symptoms of IBS, such as bloating and abdominal pain.

These herbal tinctures can be used in combination with conventional treatments for effective relief from these gastrointestinal issues.