Sure, constipation might not be dangerous or cause an alarm, but it can cause a lot of discomfort, making you less productive. In this era of busy lifestyle, coupled with fast-food diet, the digestive system tends to get a little overloaded, causing it to take a breather from time to time. This in turn results to irregular bowel movements, which is referred to as constipation. Just to be on the safe side, people have resulted to tea for constipation relief since most herbal teas provide relaxing and soothing properties.
But how does tea work to relieve constipation? What type of tea is the most effective? Are there any side effects you should be worried about? Well, in this post we are going to dig deeper and see why tea is considered as one of the best remedies for constipation. We will also look at some side effect you might experience with teas and, of course, the best tea types in the market.
Why Tea and How Does It Work?
If you have ever dealt with constipation before, like most people have, chances are that you learnt that taking more fluids will help lubricate your intestines, leaving more moisture in your stools. Well, this is very true. Now, tea does more than just helping you meet your daily fluid requirements; it contains herbs with laxatives and soothing properties.
According to researches, ingredients in teas tend to interfere with the water absorption by the colon, restricting more moisture in the stools. This allows you to pass poop without any difficulties. However, it’s good that you know that most of these teas do not necessarily offer long-term results. You have to take them as instructed for the best outcome.
How Much Tea Should One Take?
Well good question. Ideally, the answer solely depends on the type of tea you are taking. Most teas in the market will come with detailed instructions on how much is good for you. However, in most cases it is recommended that you take a cup before bedtime if you have mild constipation.
What Kind of Tea is Good for Constipation?
1. Green Tea
Green tea is probably one of the most common out there. Most people know it as a good remedy for weight loss, but its powers go beyond making people shed some extra fat. It has undergone numerous clinical studies to determine its effectiveness and potency in relieving constipation, with researchers agreeing that it does really wok. It strengthens the bacteria that line the digestive track, allowing for constant bowel movement and efficient digestion. It’s also treats other digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea and bloating.
2. Peppermint Tea
Some people know it just as mint tea, but it’s actually a cross breed between watermint and spearmint. According to researches, it is caffeine-free, and has the ability to improve digesting, aiding in bowel movements. Better yet, it soothes stomach aches and is a great remedy for other conditions such as bloating.
3. Black Tea
Black tea is made from Camellia sinensis herb, which helps alleviate constipation thanks to its laxative properties. It’s a natural herbal tea that can be consumed for long without posing any side effects. To enhance its action, go ahead and add a little honey or agave syrup and you will love it.
4. Dandelion Tea
This is a natural tea, historically prized for its many medicinal properties. It has for long being used as a diuretic and a remedy for treating bile and liver disorders. It works by retaining water in your stool and increasing your bowel movements, alleviating dangers of constipation. You can add it to boiling water and drink it as herbal tea to enjoy its mild laxative properties.
5. Chamomile Tea
This tea works in an interesting way. Its properties lie more in relaxing the intestines, rather than helping the colon retain more water. What happens is that it lets your colon and the stomach muscles to relax, allowing the bowels to pass efficiently. Some studies have also shown that it helps treat other stomach problems including nausea and bloating.
6. Licorice Root Tea
Those who are looking to alleviate chronic constipation will appreciate the benefits that come with this tea. It actively promotes bowel movements, a process known as peristalsis, forcing stools through your gastric system. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, therefore protecting your stomach lining.
7. Senna Tea
We cannot omit the senna tea when looking at laxative teas that help with constipation. Why? Simply because it’s one of the most powerful remedies and proven to offer almost immediate relief from this condition. Better yet, it is FDA approved and studies have pointed out that some of its active ingredients – sennosides – produce the much-needed natural laxative action by increasing gastric fluid secretion and bowel motility.
Will You Experience any Side Effects with These Teas?
Think of it this way; all teas are derived from plants and all the ingredients are natural. Would you expect to experience any severe side effect? Well, not really. As long as you take the tea as instructed, you will be glad to treat constipation. However, long-term use of some of these teas might pose a risk to your health.
For instance, if the bowels become so dependent on the tea ingredients, your body might get a difficult time to have bowel movements without them. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, some people who have used teas with senna and cascara for long may experience liver damage.
If you are taking medicines, it’s also wise that you check with your doctor to prevent any active reactions.
Conclusion
Constipation is a common problem these days and has been largely caused by our lifestyle. While taking lots of fluid could work wonders to get some relief, there are some herbal teas that are known to help with constipation, guaranteeing short-term and long-term relief.
While herbal teas for constipation have been proven to be effective remedies, they are recommended for adults only. The laxative properties make them dangerous especially when consumed by children. As a rule of thumb, make your own hot tea and take one cup per day, preferably before bedtime, and constipation will be a thing of the past!