Herbal teas are a popular natural remedy for digestive complaints like constipation, but do they really work? Find out which herbal teas to try when you’re feeling constipated.
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All of us suffer from digestive issues from time to time. From gas and bloating to constipation, some days your digestive system just doesn’t seem to be coping as it should.
It may be a common complaint, but that doesn’t make dealing with constipation any easier. Fortunately, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Before you reach for over-the-counter remedies, which are often meant as a last resort, there are several natural options that can help with constipation. These include certain herbal teas.
Other lifestyle adjustments that might help you avoid constipation include getting enough fluids, moving your body regularly, and eating a high fibre diet.
Constipation can also be caused by stress and anxiety, so tackling these issues might also improve your gut health. Changes to your usual routine or diet may have a knock-on effect on your digestion too.
Sometimes, constipation can be a side effect of medication or a symptom of conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It’s also common during pregnancy, as the changing hormones affect your digestive system along with the rest of your body.
Long-term constipation that doesn’t improve with treatment may require help from a pharmacist or doctor. However, most of us will find we can relieve the issue through lifestyle changes. Incorporating herbal teas into your daily routine is one change that may help.
How Do Herbal Teas Help Constipation?
Not drinking enough fluids can make it more likely that you’ll develop constipation, so one reason that herbal teas are a good option is that they help you to avoid dehydration. Tastier than plain water but low in sugar and calories, drinking herbal tea is a healthy way to keep your fluid intake up.
Making a habit of drinking herbal tea regularly may also help you avoid issues in the future by keeping you well hydrated. Many people like to drink a cup after a meal or before bedtime.
As well as helping you get more fluid in your diet, some herbal teas have specific properties that can relieve digestive complaints, including constipation. Some examples of herbal teas to look out for include:
1. Green Tea
Green tea is naturally rich in caffeine, which makes it a good choice when you are suffering from constipation. Caffeine is a natural laxative and can help to get blocked bowels moving again.
Another compound found in green tea is strictinin. Like caffeine, this compound has a mild laxative effect. Green tea also has several other benefits for your health, including reducing inflammation, which can cause issues for your digestion.
We use green tea in several of our tea blends because of its numerous health benefits.
2. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is well known for soothing digestive complaints and easing stomach issues. According to the NHS, peppermint helps to relax the muscles of the bowel wall, relieving bloating, gas, and constipation.
If your constipation is caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome, peppermint tea might be an especially good choice. The active ingredients in this herb have been found to relieve the symptoms of IBS, including constipation, bloating, and stomach pains.
Find peppermint as one of the main ingredients in our Raspberry Leaf and Peppermint flagship blend.
3. Ginger Tea
Ginger is best known for treating nausea, but it can also help with other digestive complaints, such as constipation. This warming tea is packed with anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol, which help to ease an irritated gut.
A natural painkiller, ginger may also help to soothe the discomfort associated with being constipated. And it is also a great tea to drink for general digestive health, helping you avoid issues in the future.
Ginger and Ginseng is one of our go-to flagship blends. You can also find ginger alongside other gut-benefitting herbs in our NutraCleanse premium blend.
4. Dandelion Tea
The humble dandelion packs an unexpected punch when it comes to treating digestive issues at home. Famed for its diuretic qualities (which led to the colourful nickname, “pis-en-lit”), dandelion root tea also has a mildly laxative effect, making it a great choice for relieving constipation.
Dandelion root is also a source of inulin. This form of dietary fibre acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in our guts and encouraging a healthy digestive system.
Find dandelion root in our NutraFlow blend.
5. Chamomile Tea
Stress can play a major role in upsetting our digestion, so it is no wonder that soothing chamomile is often used to treat issues like constipation.
Not only does this relaxing herb help to calm your mind, but it also works on the muscles of your digestive tract. Chamomile tea can help to ease inflammation and cramping in your gut, making it easier for everything to move through as it should.
Chamomile is one of the stress-busting herbs found in our NutraRelax blend.
6. Liquorice Tea
A potent anti-inflammatory, liquorice root is a great aid to your digestive health and is a popular remedy for everything from indigestion to stomach cramps. It also tastes great in a herbal tea blend.
When you’re feeling bunged up, liquorice tea might help to get things moving again. This herbal remedy encourages peristalsis, which is the wave-like movement of the muscles that forces food along the digestive tract.
We use liquorice in several of our teas. For digestive support, look for it in NutraCleanse.
