Table of contents:
- List of herbal teas to treat constipation
- 1. Senna tea
- 2. Black and green tea
- 3. Peppermint tea
- 4. Dandelion tea
- 5. Chamomile tea
- Are there any side effects when drinking herbal teas for constipation?
Did you know that overcoming constipation does not have to be solely using bowel-smoothing drugs? Before actually switching to concocted remedies, try brewing warm herbal teas at home to relieve upset stomach problems. Warm drinks can help stimulate the digestive system to relieve symptoms of constipation. What are the options for herbal teas for treating constipation?
List of herbal teas to treat constipation
Herbal teas are a natural way to deal with constipation, and are believed to have minimal side effects. Certain types of herbal teas are even thought to be useful for relaxing the intestinal muscles so that stool movement is smoother.
1. Senna tea
Senna tea, which is derived from the dry leaves of the Senna alexandrina shrub, contains glycoside compounds. Glycosides have a natural laxative effect that can help relax the muscles of the digestive system to make feces move more easily along the intestines and out through the anus.
The taste of senna tea is quite bitter, so you can add honey as a sweetener to make it taste more friendly to the tongue.
2. Black and green tea
Green tea and black tea both contain caffeine which has a laxative effect to stimulate bowel movements to facilitate bowel movements. This laxative effect will be more pronounced if you drink the tea in the morning on an empty stomach.
However, for those of you who are sensitive to caffeine, you should look for other tea alternatives that are safer for your digestion and your body.
3. Peppermint tea
Peppermint is known to be good for your digestion. The menthol effect in peppermint can help relax the abdominal muscles. That's why drinking one cup of peppermint tea every day can help deal with constipation and also relieve stomach aches.
4. Dandelion tea
Drinking dandelion tea is potent enough to treat constipation. Dandelion tea even helps with other digestive problems that may accompany it, such as bloating.
In addition, this tea can stimulate the liver to produce bile which indirectly helps overcome constipation.
Try to drink a cup of dandelion tea after meals to get rid of the pain of constipation.
5. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known as a traditional medicine which is also able to provide a calming effect thanks to its fragrant aroma. If you are constipated, try drinking a cup of chamomile tea after meals or at bedtime to help calm your intestinal muscles.
Are there any side effects when drinking herbal teas for constipation?
Herbal teas are one of the ways to deal with constipation for the short term. Do not drink herbal tea regularly on an ongoing basis because it is feared that it will cause certain health risks. For example, dependence on drinking tea which actually makes it even more difficult for you to defecate without drinking tea first.
Also, if you are pregnant avoid consuming senna tea as it can make you diarrhea and dehydrated. Plus, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases senna tea taken for a long time can cause liver damage.
Not only that, herbal teas can also have negative interactions with the drugs you are currently consuming.
So before starting to brew tea to treat constipation, it is important to first consult a doctor to consider the benefits and risks.
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