Laxative Teas – Types, Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Some people need to move their bowels 2-3 times a day, while others go 2-3 times a week; there is no “normal” number of times. It is more important to notice changes to bowel habits. Constipation is when stools become hard, making them difficult or painful to pass.

For thousands of years, people have been drinking tea to help treat digestion and other stomach-related issues, including constipation. One of the common ways to treat constipation is to take laxatives. Laxatives can be taken orally in the form of over-the-counter medications and liquids, or through the rectum in the form of enemas and suppositories. Speaking about oral laxatives, herbal teas are a great natural remedy. What are they and how much of it should we consume? Let us find out.

What are Laxative Teas?

Laxative teas are a remedy to help a person alleviate bloating and empty their bowels. They are usually consumed to relieve constipation. Constipation is described as a common complication that results in infrequent bowel movements and difficult passage of stools. A low-fiber diet, insufficient intake of water, lack of exercise, certain medications, dehydration, and a sudden change in routine are some of the major causes of this condition. The teas that are known for their laxative properties include senna, peppermint, smooth move, ballerina, marshmallow, parsley, chamomile, licorice, black, and green tea, to name a few. Let us take a look at them in detail.

Types of laxatives

Different types of laxatives work in different ways. The choice of laxative will depend on a number of different factors.

There are four main types:

• Bulk-forming laxatives – also known as fiber supplements, these work in the same way that fiber in the diet normally does. They increase the bulk of stools by getting them to retain liquid, which encourages the bowels to push them out. Unless there is a specific reason why not, adults with constipation should start taking bulk-forming laxatives first. They usually take 12-24 hours to take effect.
• Osmotic laxatives – these soften the stool by increasing the amount of water secreted into the bowels, making them easier to pass. They may take up to 2-3 days before they start to work.
• Stimulant laxatives – these stimulate the digestive tract walls, speeding up bowel movements. Usually, they take effect within 6-12 hours.
• Stool softener laxatives – these decrease the surface tension of stools so that they absorb more water, making them softer. Usually, they work within 12-72 hours.

There are also some less common types of laxatives:

• Lubricant laxatives – these lubricate the intestines by decreasing the amount of water absorbed by the intestines.
• Saline laxatives – these are used when there is no blockage in the bowels. Often, they are enemas used to empty the bowel before invasive procedures or surgery.
• Prokinetic laxatives – these are used for severe constipation in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation.

List Of Tea Which Will Help To Prevent Constipation

Senna tea

Senna is a perennial, small, under-shrub whose leaves and pods are used to make senna tea, which acts as a great laxative. According to a report published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, the senna leaves and pods contain glycosides that fuel the digestive system and help relieve constipation. It is said to alleviate constipation by regulating the sodium and potassium levels in the body that help maintain the fluid balance. This is quite a potent tea and must be consumed in moderate quantities. ^[rx]

Peppermint Tea

When it comes to bloating, stomach aches, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation, peppermint tea is a natural remedy. According to a paper titled, ‘Peppermint and its Functionality: A Review’, published in the iMedPub Journal, peppermint tea contains menthol which helps soothe the stomach and provides relief from all sorts of gastrointestinal problems.  ^[rx]

It is also important to note that too much consumption of calcium can cause an upset stomach, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Peppermint tea acts as an inhibitor for calcium channel activity in the intestines. Thus, drinking a cup of peppermint tea daily, preferably after dinner, is likely to benefit people with constipation.

Dandelion Tea

Dandelion tea is known to be a gentle laxative. The liver plays an important role in the digestive system as it processes the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine. According to a 2016 report published in the Journals of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, dandelion tea is used to help the liver stimulate the bile that ensures proper digestion. This means that a daily cup of dandelion tea after your meal can indirectly help in preventing constipation. ^[rx]

Ginger Tea

Constipation is usually the effect of poor digestion and the rhizomes in ginger root seem to be a great natural remedy for it. It is known to have mild laxative potential and is used to regulate bowel activity. According to author Phyllis Balch’s book, Prescription for Herbal Healing, you need to add 1 gram or 2 teaspoons of powdered ginger root to a cup of boiling water to prepare ginger tea. For those suffering from constipation, the book recommends consuming a cup of ginger tea, two to three times a day, to regulate the bowels. However, it is always better to consult a doctor for the right dosage and consumption. ^[rx]

Marshmallow root tea

Marshmallow root tea is used to treat gastric issues. Its laxative properties are derived from its mucilage, which is a sap-like substance rich in antioxidants. According to the book, The Good Living Guide to Medicinal Tea by author Jennifer Browne, marshmallow root forms a protective coating over the digestive tract, which could help prevent ulcers and constipation. A cup of marshmallow tea at the end of the day would be recommended for someone suffering from constipation. ^[rx]

Licorice Tea

Licorice root is known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties that aid in treating a number of gastric-related issues, including constipation. Thus, a cup of licorice root tea daily after dinner should help stimulate digestion and regulate bowel movements. ^[rx]

Ballerina Tea

Unlike the other teas in this list, ballerina tea is a herbal infusion and not a traditional tea. It is made by adding senna (Cassia Angustifolia) with Chinese mallow (Malva verticillata), both known for their laxative properties. Drinking this tea detoxifies the body of all the toxins and excess water. Too much of it can cause laxative abuse and excessive weight gain after you stop having the tea altogether.  ^[rx] [rx]

Parsley Tea

This tea, which is made from parsley seeds, is a traditional remedy for indigestion and other gastric issues. According to a study published in the Phytomedicine Journal, parsley contains some potent oil that is more present in the seeds than in stems or leaves, which when consumed in the form of tea help to relieve constipation and other digestive issues. ^[rx]

Chamomile Tea

Traditionally, chamomile tea is used for several gastrointestinal conditions, which include colic, spasms, digestive disorders, flatulence (gas), stomach pain, ulcers, and other gastric problems. According to a 2015 research paper published in the Scholar’s Research Library, chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce spasms and inflammations in the gastrointestinal tract, which could ease digestion and eventually alleviate constipation. A cup of chamomile tea at the end of the day should help stimulate bowel movement if you are suffering from this condition. ^[rx]

Smooth Move Tea

Smooth move tea is a combination of different herbs and spices and is sold as a natural laxative. The tea is a blend of senna, licorice, ginger, cinnamon, orange, bitter fennel, and sweet orange. It is known to ease your bowels and significantly reduce the chances of cramping. The laxative component in the tea helps to soothe bowels and relieve you from bloating, making you feel lighter. ^[rx]

Apart from these teas, many people like to drink black or green tea first thing in the morning to regulate their bowel movements. These teas contain caffeine, which has a laxative effect on many people.

Word of caution: These beverages tend to be very strong and it’s always advisable to consult a medical practitioner on the quantity and frequency of their consumption.

How much tea should you drink?

Many teas marketed for their laxative effects come with instructions that suggest consuming one cup right before bedtime. Be sure to read the label and follow the directions carefully. Herbal teas, including those that help treat constipation, are sold in grocery stores, health food stores, and online.

For most laxative teas, the instructions recommend only one cup per day. However, if your constipation persists for more than a few days, you may need a stronger laxative medication. You should visit your doctor if your constipation lasts a week or more.

Side effects

Negative side effects include bloating, feeling sick, and abdominal discomfort.

Like any medication, laxatives can have side effects. Exactly what side effects a person will experience will depend on what type they are taking.

There are some common side effects, which include:

• flatulence
• cramps in the abdomen
• feeling sick
• bloating
• dehydration – can cause light-headedness, headaches, and darker urine
• Most side effects will disappear once a patient stops taking the medication; they can mostly be avoided by starting on a low dose and increasing the dose gradually.
• Serious side effects are rare. However, excessive or prolonged use of laxatives can cause diarrhea or intestinal obstruction, where stools become large and dry. Long-term use can also cause levels of salts and minerals in the body to become unbalanced.

Some laxatives react with other medications, so if a patient is taking other drugs, it is best to check with a doctor before taking laxatives. If symptoms get worse after taking laxatives, it is important to see a doctor.

Misuse

Laxatives can be taken for the wrong reasons and misuse is relatively common; for instance, some people attempt to lose weight by the frequent and repeated use of laxatives.

Often, this occurs after eating binges under the mistaken belief that food and calories will be rushed through the body before they are absorbed. This is not the case, and laxative abuse can lead to a number of health complications.

People with anorexia and bulimia sometimes use large amounts of laxatives as part of their harmful food behavior. While those misusing laxatives may notice weight loss, this is usually because of the loss of fluids; they do not reduce body mass, fat, or calories.

Health complications associated with laxative misuse include:

• Imbalance of electrolytes and minerals (particularly potassium) – these are necessary for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the colon and heart. Imbalance can affect these organs.
• Severe dehydration – this can cause tremors, weakness, blurry vision, and kidney damage. In extreme cases, it can lead to death.
• Laxative dependency – the colon stops reacting to usual doses, meaning larger and larger doses are required.
• Internal organ damage – the colon can become stretched and the muscle wall becomes thin and flaccid.
• eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, foods high fiber, and wholemeal foods
• drink plenty of water
• avoid large quantities of bran

Colon infection, IBS, and liver damage are also associated with overuse. Chronic laxative misuse can also contribute to colon cancer. Laxative misuse often requires medical help for both physical and mental treatment. A doctor will be able to give advice on this.

Safety

How someone takes laxatives, and how often they take them, will vary depending on the form they come in. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the instructions before taking laxatives. Anyone with concerns should always ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

There are also some other important things to consider:

• Drink plenty of fluids – laxatives can cause dehydration; it is important to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
• Avoid taking too much – taking too many laxatives can lead to diarrhea and blockages in the bowels.

Laxatives should only be taken occasionally and for short periods of time. People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis should not take laxatives unless specifically told to by their doctor.

Alternatives

There are some natural alternatives to laxatives and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate constipation:

• regular exercise
• increasing daily intake of fiber
• drinking more water
• adding bulking agents, such as bran, to diet

From Where To Buy

References

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