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Which Tea Helps With Constipation

The following teas may help with constipation in various ways.

1. Senna

Senna is among the most well-known laxative ingredients in teas. It contains the dried leaves and pods of the Senna alexandrina shrub, which contains compounds known as glycosides. These compounds stimulate the movement of the digestive system, resulting in a laxative effect.

A 2021 review of over-the-counter (OTC) constipation remedies notes that senna has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness. However, senna tea may have a weaker concentration than senna pills. People can speak with a pharmacist about other options if senna tea does not work.

2. Rhubarb

Some cultures believe that rhubarb has laxative properties, and there is evidence to suggest it may. A 2022 study of mostly female adults found that rhubarb extract supplementation for 30 days improved the stool consistency and alleviated constipation, possibly by altering the participants’ gut flora.

Rhubarb tea may not have the same effect, but people can add liquid rhubarb extract to drinks.

3. Slippery elm

Slippery elm is another traditional remedy for constipation. It contains fiber and a gum-like substance known as mucilage, which helps add bulk to the stool.

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A 2021 review of previous research notes that slippery elm also stimulates the production of mucin, which is part of the mucous layer in the digestive tract. This adds lubrication to the intestines. However, the review focused on children and slippery elm supplements rather than teas.

4. Dandelion root

Dandelion root contains inulin, which is a type of soluble fiber. According to the 2021 review, this soluble fiber can act as a bulking agent in children, making stool easier to pass. Again, this research focused on supplement use and not tea, so dandelion root tea may not have the same effect.

However, dandelion can also act as a diuretic, meaning it increases fluid loss through urination. This could potentially worsen constipation, so it is important to stay well-hydrated if a person tries this option.

5. Fennel

Fennel is a traditional folk remedy for digestive symptoms, including gas, bloating, and constipation. A small 2022 study of 50 older adults found that those who drank tea containing fennel and rose had improved constipation symptoms after 4 weeks.

The results were similar to the effects of polyethylene glycol, which is a medication doctors sometimes use to treat constipation. This suggests fennel and rose could have similar potency to this drug.

However, as this was a small study, it is difficult to tell whether fennel tea would be effective in a larger population or younger adults.

6. Ginger

Many people use ginger tea to ease gas, bloating, and nausea. There is also some limited evidence that ginger root may help with constipation.

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A 2023 study focusing on people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that causes the immune system to attack the protective sheath around nerves, found that ginger supplements improved constipation over 3 weeks.

However, these results may not apply to ginger tea or adults who do not have MS. More research is necessary.

7. Elderberry

Elderberry has a long history of use as an herbal medicine for colds, flu, and constipation. A 2014 report by the European Medicines Agency notes that numerous textbooks from previous centuries list elderberry tea and elderberry syrup as a constipation treatment.

However, no recent research has thoroughly tested the effects of elderberry tea for constipation, and scientists do not know how it works.

8. Black tea

Black tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can speed up bodily functions. Some people anecdotally report that drinking caffeinated beverages helps stimulate bowel movements. However, little scientific research has shown how well black tea works as a constipation remedy.

Depending on a person’s sensitivity, it is also worth noting that caffeine can cause:

  • anxiety
  • restlessness
  • heart palpitations
  • difficulty sleeping

Caffeine can also increase urination, which may worsen dehydration. This, in turn, could contribute to constipation.

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