6 Laxative Teas For Constipation

Drinking a laxative tea such as senna, rhubarb or dried plum is a natural way to combat constipation and improve bowel transit. These teas can eventually be taken for constipation when a bowel movement is not achieved for more than 3 days or when the stool is very dry and fragmented.

These teas have substances such as sennosides or mucilages that help relieve the symptoms of constipation, facilitate the elimination of stool and are easy to prepare at home. However, they should not be used for more than 1 to 2 weeks, mainly rhubarb tea, cascara sagrada and senna, because they can irritate the intestine, and should be used for a maximum of 3 days. 

In case constipation does not improve after 1 week, it is important to consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist to indicate the most appropriate treatment. 

1. Cascara sagrada tea

6 Laxative Teas for Constipation

Cascara sagrada, scientifically known as Rhamnus purshiana, is a medicinal plant that possesses cascarosides, substances that irritate the intestine and increase bowel movements, favoring the elimination of feces. 

Ingredients

  • 0.5 g (1/2 small teaspoon) of cascara sagrada;
  • 150 mL of boiling water.

    • Method of preparation

    Add the cascara sagrada in a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink immediately before going to bed, since the effect of this tea takes place between 8 and 12 hours after ingestion, so that when you get up you can go to the bathroom.

    Another option is to make a solution with 10 drops of liquid extracted from the cascara sagrada in a glass of water and drink up to 3 times a day.

    Cascara sagrada should not be used during pregnancy, by breastfeeding women (as it can pass through breast milk and cause intoxication in the baby) and in children under 10 years of age. In addition, the tea or fluid extract should not be used in cases of abdominal pain or colic, anal or rectal fissure, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, intestinal inflammation, dehydration, nausea or vomiting.

    2. Dried plum tea

    Dried plum is rich in soluble fibers such as pectin and insoluble fibers such as cellulose and hemicellulose, which absorb water from the digestive tract and form a gel that helps regulate the intestine, promoting its proper functioning. In addition to this, dried plum also has sorbitol, a natural laxative that acts by facilitating the elimination of feces.

    Learn about other fruits with laxative properties.

    Ingredients

  • 3 dried plums without seeds;
  • 250 mL of water.

    • How to prepare

    Add the dried plums in a pot and the water. Boil for 5 to 7 minutes, let cool and drink it divided throughout the day. 

    Another option is to leave 3 dried plums without seeds to soak in 1 glass of water overnight. Drink the next day on an empty stomach. 

    3. Senna tea

    Senna tea helps to increase bowel movements, relieving constipation, but without causing increased gas. This is because this plant has sennosides, mucilage and flavonoids in its composition that has a milder laxative effect. This tea can be made with dried leaves of Senna alexandrina, also known as Alexandria senna or Cassia angustifolia.

    Ingredients

  • 0.5 to 2g of dried senna leaves;
  • 250 mL of boiling water.

    • Mode of preparation

    Add the senna leaves in a cup with the boiling water. Let stand for 5 minutes, strain and then drink.

    Another good option is to prepare a solution with 2 ml of senna fluid extract or 8 ml of senna syrup in 250 ml of water and drink.

    These preparations can be taken 2 to 3 times a day and usually have a laxative effect within 6 hours after ingestion.

    Senna should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, children under 12 years of age and in cases of chronic constipation, intestinal problems such as intestinal obstruction and narrowing, absence of bowel movements, inflammatory bowel diseases, abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, appendicitis, menstrual period, urinary tract infection, or liver, kidney or heart failure.

    4. Plantago psyllium tea

    Psyllium, scientifically called Plantago psyllium, is a medicinal plant that absorbs water in the intestinal tract.The seed of this plant contains a thick gel rich in soluble fibers that help in the formation of stool and regularization of the bowel, maintaining overall digestive health. 

    Ingredients

  • 3 g of psyllium seeds;
  • 100 mL of boiling water.

    • Method of preparation

    Place the psyllium seeds in a cup of boiling water. Let steep, strain and take up to 3 times a day.

    Psyllium should not be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or by children under 12 years of age.

    5. Frangula tea

    Frangula tea or arraclan, scientifically known by Rhamnus frangula, is a medicinal plant that possesses glucofrangulin, a substance that has laxative properties, by increasing the hydration of the stool and stimulating bowel movements, increasing the production of bile and improving the digestion of food, contributing to regulate the intestine.  

    Ingredients

  • 5 to 10 g (1 tablespoon) of frangula peel;
  • 1 L of water.

    • Mode of preparation

    Place the frangula peel and water in a pot and boil for 15 minutes. Let stand for 2 hours, strain and drink 1 to 2 cups of tea before going to bed, as the laxative effect usually occurs after 10 to 12 hours after drinking the tea.

    This tea should not be consumed during pregnancy and in cases of colitis or ulcers.

    6. Rhubarb tea

    Rhubarb is rich in sennosides and rhein, substances that have a potent laxative action and can be used to treat constipation. This plant has a stronger laxative effect than senna, cascara sagrada and frangula, which is why it should be used with great caution.

    Learn about other health benefits of rhubarb.  

    Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons rhubarb stalk;
  • 500 mL of water.

    • How to prepare

    Add rhubarb stalk and water in a pot, boil for 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm 1 cup before bedtime. 

    This tea should not be used by pregnant women, children under 12 years of age or in cases of abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, nausea, vomiting, Crohn’s disease, colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, consumption of this tea should be avoided by people taking drugs such as digoxin, diuretics, corticosteroids or anticoagulants.

    Caution when using laxative teas

    Laxative teas should not be used for more than 1 to 2 weeks, as they can cause fluid and mineral loss, damaging health. Rhubarb, senna and cascara sagrada teas should not be used for more than 3 days, as they are very potent natural laxatives. In addition, in general they should not be taken frequently or in excess.

    For this reason, the ideal is to consult a doctor or a professional with experience in medicinal plants, to better guide the use of these medicinal plants considering your particular case. 

    These teas can help relieve constipation, but if the symptoms do not improve after 1 week, you should consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist to start the most appropriate treatment.

    Other constipation tips

    To improve constipation, it is important to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, practice physical activities such as walking and eat a balanced diet, increasing fiber intake and avoiding the intake of industrialized foods and fast foods. 

    See in the video below some tips to combat constipation:

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