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What Is Laxative Tea?

Brandon May
Brandon May

Laxative tea is a natural herbal tea used to promote the elimination of waste by gently moving the bowels, helping relieve constipation and bloating. Senna tea is the most common laxative tea recommended by health practitioners, many times for its natural origins and its gentle effects on the bowels. Some teas that contain senna may also contain other relaxing herbs such as chamomile or lavender, herbs thought to relieve stress that may be contributing to constipation or a sluggish elimination system. Although most laxative teas are made from natural ingredients, side effects such as cramping and dependency may occur in some individuals.

When dealing with issues such as moderate constipation or cramping, some individuals may turn to natural methods to relieve their discomfort and suffering. The most popular choice by many natural health enthusiasts is laxative tea, often made from herbs or other plants that help provide movement for the bowels. Senna tea is the most common tea that contains natural and powerful laxative properties, helping to gently eliminate wastes from the body by increasing the occurrence of a bowel movement. More often than not, this type of tea is sold in health food stores and even some grocery stores, offering a drug-free option for constipation relief.

Senna tea is a common laxative tea.
Senna tea is a common laxative tea.

It isn't uncommon for a laxative tea to contain other plants such as herbs or flowers that might increase the chances of providing proper elimination of wastes from the body. Many of these herbs are used for relaxation purposes, and include chamomile, lavender and rosemary. It is thought that stress may play a role in constipation, cramping and bloating in some people, so using these herbs with senna may help relieve these tensions. Although most laxative teas do contain senna, a powerful gentle laxative, it does not always work for those with severe cases of constipation.

The senna plant is used to make one of the most common laxative teas.
The senna plant is used to make one of the most common laxative teas.

A laxative tea containing senna and other herbs is usually steeped for only three to four minutes, as steeping longer may promote additional cramping and constipation. This can irritate the bowels, especially if consumed in excess, and some doctors do warn against its continual use. Dependency on a laxative tea may occur in some individuals, interfering with digestion and the natural elimination process; however, proper elimination can return after discontinuing its continual. Adding exercise, fiber-rich foods and water to a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle can help ensure proper elimination without excessive intake of laxative teas.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

Laxative tea is nice but it's fairly mild in comparison to over-the-counter treatments and it takes a long time to work. When I use it, I drink the tea before I go to bed because it takes until morning to take effect.

candyquilt

I drink a herbal tea mix when I'm having issues with regularity. It works very well. I'm not sure which herb is mostly responsible for the results though because the tea has many different ones.

The first ingredient is senna, but the tea also has licorice, dandelion, ginger, rhubarb and mulberry. That's a lot of beneficial herbs.

The only downside is that the tea causes some gas but I think that's a sign that it's working. It's not very bothersome. I will continue to use this tea when necessary.

bluedolphin

The laxative tea that I use is sumac tea. It's basically just sumac herb steeped in warm water. But the sumac must be consumed along with the warm water.

Sumac is rich in fiber and is a natural laxative. Whenever I experience constipation, I make a glass of this tea with a tablespoon of sumac herb. I get sumac from a Middle Eastern grocery store. It's a little sour but I like the flavor. This herb is usually used in cold salads and side dishes in the Middle East. It has a nice, dark red color and slightly sour taste and scent.

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    • Senna tea is a common laxative tea.
      By: teressa
      Senna tea is a common laxative tea.
    • The senna plant is used to make one of the most common laxative teas.
      By: emer
      The senna plant is used to make one of the most common laxative teas.
    • A laxative tea may be used to relieve constipation.
      By: rob3000
      A laxative tea may be used to relieve constipation.
    • Most laxative teas contain lavender, chamomile, or other herbs that have a relaxing effect.
      By: strixcode
      Most laxative teas contain lavender, chamomile, or other herbs that have a relaxing effect.
    • Using laxatives on a regular basis may cause the intestinal tract and small bowel to become stagnant.
      By: Africa Studio
      Using laxatives on a regular basis may cause the intestinal tract and small bowel to become stagnant.
    • Laxative tea may help relieve bloating.
      By: michaeljung
      Laxative tea may help relieve bloating.