Constipation is an uncomfortable and frustrating problem that most people experience at some point.
If fiber, exercise, or prunes haven’t worked for you, sipping on herbal tea might be a gentle and natural way to get things moving.
Senna tea works as a natural laxative
Senna tea is one of the most well-known remedies for constipation.
Made from the senna plant, it stimulates the muscles in the colon to contract more frequently and effectively, helping stool move through the digestive system.
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Only use senna tea short-term
Experts warn that senna tea should only be used occasionally - no more than a week at a time.
Prolonged use can lead to dependency, where your bowel relies on the tea to function properly.
Drink senna tea at night for best results
Senna tea typically takes 6 to 12 hours to take effect. That’s why it’s best to drink it in the evening, allowing it to work overnight and help with morning relief.
Wait two hours after taking medication
Senna can interfere with how your body absorbs medications.
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To avoid any interactions, it’s recommended to wait at least two hours after taking medication before consuming senna tea.
Dandelion tea supports gentle digestion
Dandelion tea has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. It may help stimulate digestion and bile flow, making it easier for your body to process food and eliminate waste.
Dandelion tea contains prebiotic fiber
Dandelion root has inulin, a soluble fiber that feeds good gut bacteria. This helps add bulk to stool and supports regularity.
However, the amount in tea is minimal, so its effects are likely from its bitter compounds.
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Too much dandelion tea can cause discomfort
Even though it’s gentle, drinking large amounts of dandelion tea may lead to bloating or stomach cramps due to its prebiotic content. Moderation is key.
Rhubarb tea stimulates bowel movement
Rhubarb tea contains sennosides - similar to those in senna - that stimulate the colon and help move stool.
It’s effective but should only be used for short-term relief to prevent laxative dependence.
Avoid taking rhubarb tea with medication
Like senna, rhubarb tea may reduce how well your medication works. It’s best to keep some time between taking your medicine and drinking rhubarb tea.
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Cascara tea should be used occasionally
Cascara tea, made from the bark of the cascara plant, contains compounds that activate the colon.
It works similarly to senna and rhubarb, but experts stress that it should only be used from time to time - not daily.
The article is based on information from Real Simple.