Tea for Constipation: 6 Natural Remedies

Tea for constipation is a natural option that can help stimulate bowel movements and relieve symptoms like hard or infrequent stools. Options like senna, rhubarb, and frangula tea contain compounds that promote intestinal movement and help soften stool.

Tea for constipation works by using substances like sennosides and fiber-like compounds that improve digestion and make bowel movements easier. Some teas act quickly, while others support regularity by increasing stool bulk and hydration.

Although tea for constipation can be effective, it should be used carefully and for a short period to avoid side effects like intestinal irritation. If symptoms last more than a week, medical evaluation may be needed to identify underlying causes and ensure proper treatment.

Tea recipes 

Some teas that may be helpful in relieving constipation include:

1. Senna tea

Senna tea helps stimulate bowel movements to relieve constipation and typically does not cause gas. It contains compounds like sennosides, mucilage, and flavonoids that have a strong laxative effect. This tea is made using dried Senna alexandrina or Cassia angustifolia leaves.

Ingredients

• 0.5 to 2 g of dry senna leaves 
• 250 mL (about 1 cup) of boiling water

Preparation

Add the dry senna leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let them steep for 5 minutes, then strain and drink.

Another option is to prepare a senna solution using 8 mL of senna extract or senna syrup diluted in 250 mL, or 1 cup, of water.

These preparations can be taken 2 to 3 times per day and usually take effect within 6 hours. According to the NHS, senna is best taken at bedtime because it works overnight, and it should not be used for more than 1 week unless prescribed by a doctor.

Senna should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children under 12, or people with a history of chronic constipation or inflammatory bowel disease.

It should also be avoided in cases of intestinal problems (such as bowel obstruction), abdominal pain, hemorrhoids, appendicitis, urinary tract infection (UTI), during menstruation, or conditions like heart, kidney, or liver disease.

2. Psyllium tea

Psyllium, scientifically known as Plantago ovata, is a medicinal plant that absorbs water in the gut and helps stimulate bowel movements. Its seeds form a thick gel rich in soluble fiber, which adds bulk to stool and supports regular bowel function, contributing to overall digestive health.

Ingredients

• 3 g of psyllium seeds
• 100 mL (3.5 oz) of boiling water

Preparation

Add the psyllium seeds to a cup of boiling water and let them soak. Then strain and drink, up to 3 times per day.

Psyllium should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or by children under 12 years old.

3. Cascara sagrada tea

Cascara sagrada, scientifically known as Rhamnus purshiana, is a medicinal plant that contains compounds called cascarosides. These substances stimulate the bowels, increasing intestinal activity and helping to relieve constipation.

Ingredients

• 0.5 g (about 1 teaspoon) of cascara sagrada bark
• 150 mL (about 5 oz) of boiling water 

Preparation

Add the bark to boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes. Then strain and drink right away. This tea is best taken before bedtime, as it usually works within 8 to 12 hours.

Another option is to mix 10 drops of cascara sagrada extract into a cup of water. This can be taken up to 3 times per day.

Cascara sagrada should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may be harmful to the baby. It is also not recommended for children under 10.

Avoid using this tea or extract if you have abdominal or gas pain, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, bowel obstruction, appendicitis, intestinal inflammation, dehydration, nausea, or vomiting.

4. Prune tea

Prune tea contains soluble fibers like pectin and insoluble fibers like cellulose, which absorb water in the digestive tract. These fibers form a gel that helps regulate bowel movements and support healthy digestion. Prunes also contain sorbitol, a natural laxative that helps promote bowel movements.

Ingredients

• 3 pitted prunes
• 250 mL (about 1 cup) of water 

Preparation

Add the prunes to a pot with 250 mL (1 cup) of water and boil for 5 to 7 minutes. Let it cool, then drink the tea throughout the day.

Another option is to soak 3 pitted prunes in 1 cup of water overnight and eat them on an empty stomach the next morning.

5. Frangula (alder buckthorn) tea

Frangula, also known as alder buckthorn or Rhamnus frangula, is a medicinal plant that contains glucofrangulin, a substance with laxative properties. It helps soften stool, stimulate digestion, and promote bowel movements. It may also increase bile production, supporting digestion and regular bowel function.

Ingredients

• 5 to 10 g (about 1 tablespoon) of frangula bark 
• 1 L (about 4 cups) of water 

Preparation

Place the frangula bark and water in a pot and boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep for 2 hours. Strain and drink 1 to 2 cups before bed. The laxative effect usually occurs 10 to 12 hours after drinking the tea.

This tea should not be used by pregnant individuals or people with a history of colitis or ulcers.

6. Rhubarb tea

Rhubarb contains sennosides, which have a strong laxative effect and can help relieve constipation. It is more potent than senna, cascara buckthorn, and frangula, and should therefore be used with caution.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of chopped rhubarb stalks 
• 500 mL (about 2 cups) of water

Preparation

Place the rhubarb and water in a pot and boil for 10 minutes. Let it cool, then strain and drink 1 cup before bed.

This tea should not be used by people who are pregnant or children under 10. It should also be avoided in cases of abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, nausea, vomiting, Crohn’s disease, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome.

People taking medications such as digoxin, diuretics, corticosteroids, or anticoagulants should not use this tea.

Considerations for use

Laxative teas should only be used for a short period, usually no more than 1 to 2 weeks, as they can cause fluid and mineral loss that may affect overall health. Stronger options like rhubarb, senna, and cascara sagrada should be limited to a maximum of 3 days due to their potent effects.

These teas should not be used often or in high amounts, and it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using any medicinal plant.

While these teas may help relieve constipation, medical advice is recommended if symptoms do not improve within a week.

Additional tips 

To treat constipation, it is important to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, stay physically active with activities like daily walks, and follow a balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in processed or fast foods.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, these habits can help relieve constipation by supporting regular bowel movements.

Check out other home remedies for constipation that can help relieve symptoms quickly.