Digestive problems have existed throughout history. In the absence of our current interventions, people used teas to support and stimulate the digestive system and improve their bowel health.
An average healthy person should have at least one bowel movement a day. Fewer than three in a week is constipation. It is normal to feel constipated if you miss one poop session a day and your stool comes out hard or dry.
Tea and Constipation
Throughout history, a strong relationship between different teas and constipation has existed. Almost all home remedies to relieve constipation naturally involve some tea. Warm liquids are perfect for rehydration as they provide extra water to your digestive system, making the stool softer so it passes more quickly.
Besides dehydration, stress is another cause of constipation. Stress interferes with the normal function of bodily systems, including the digestive one. Herbal teas offer relief from anxiety and stress, further cementing their usefulness as remedies.
What Herbs Make you Poop?
These are some of the herbal teas for relieving constipation:
Senna
Derived from the dried pods and leaves of the plant, senna alexandrina senna tea is among the most popular teas for constipation relief. Senna contains glycosides that have powerful laxative effects. Most over-the-counter pills contain senna but in higher concentrations, attesting its effectiveness.
Peppermint
Peppermint has a long history of relieving digestive ailments, notably irritable bowel symptoms. The action of menthol, its primary active ingredient, provides relief for an upset stomach and helps stool move through the intestines.
Ginger
Ginger is a superfood because it has many medicinal properties besides its culinary uses. It is a great digestive aid. Drinking ginger tea, especially after heavy, rich meals, supports more effective digestion and stimulates bowel movements.
Dandelion
Dandelion alleviates mild digestive symptoms, such as indigestion, bloating, and mild constipation. Unlike other home remedies for constipation, dandelion does not directly relieve it. It stimulates bile production and has diuretic effects, meaning it helps the body retain more water. More water in the digestive system relieves constipation.
Black and Green Tea, Coffee
Caffeine stimulates bowel movements and is arguably the most widely used remedy for encouraging bowel movements. Caffeine is most potent in coffee but is present in black and green teas in meaningful amounts. The teas, however, have antioxidants.
Chamomile
This fragrant herb produces soothing effects. It relaxes smooth muscles in the intestines, speeding up bowel movements. It is best taken after meals or close to the end of the day.
Parsley
Widely used in food, parsley is not your typical constipation herbal medicine. However, studies have verified its effectiveness as a digestion aid. It helps with the expulsion of gases from the body, and its aromatic profile makes it suitable for bad breath.
In addition to these teas, try making some changes in your life to help with constipation. Drink plenty of water, engage in physical activity, manage your stress, and increase the fiber in your diet.
Talk to your doctor before recommending any of these herbal teas to your child. The effective doses are much lower for children, and your primary care doctor will guide you on what holistic treatments work best.
Sarah Madsen is a master herbalist and Reiki master teacher. If you are interested in healing your body without all the complications and side effects of contemporary medicine, please call 808-280-5085 or email sarah@mauiherbalist.com to book a 30-minute herb and nutrition consultation today.