Discover The 7 Best Laxative Herbs

Laxative herbs should be used in moderation, only in specific cases. If your constipation is chronic, it is best to see your doctor to learn about other treatment options.

Constipation affects thousands of people. Processed food, refined flours and stress stand out as one of its main causes. However, there are some laxative herbs that can help fight it in mild cases.

Often, much of the treatment for this condition involves making dietary changes, such as increasing your intake of fiber and probiotics. Likewise, if the doctor requires it, the use of laxatives, supplements or medications may also be necessary.

Therefore, although we can prepare remedies from medicinal herbs with a laxative effect, it is best to consult your doctor to determine an appropriate treatment. In this way, we not only alleviate the associated symptoms, but we reduce the risk of recurrence.

Constipation: what you need to know

Many of the daily habits can cause many imbalances in the body. One of them is constipation, which is caused by a malfunction of the intestines. When these are inefficient, or saturated with so much unhealthy food and waste, it is difficult to go to the bathroom properly.

Consequently, in addition to increasing bloating and upset stomach, waste is retained and can trigger other health problems.

In general, bowel movements shouldn’t require too much effort and the stool should be soft. Otherwise, it means that there is constipation. Although it can be something specific, many cases remain over time and are chronic.

Laxative herbs: which are the best?

To be able to go to the bathroom once or twice a day, it is necessary to eat a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and legumes, and that avoids processed, fried and breaded foods, as stated by experts in gastroenterology through the Spanish journal of Digestive diseases.

It is also essential to drink about two liters of water, and exercise. Likewise, to help the body eliminate waste, it is possible to take advantage of the benefits of certain laxative plants or herbs. 

Although the use of these alternative remedies lacks scientific support, there are small studies suggesting that they may be beneficial in regulating bowel activity. They even help reduce the feeling of heaviness and swelling.

However, it should not be overlooked that they may be contraindicated in some cases. In addition, in excess they can produce side effects. Therefore, before trying them, it is convenient to consult when they should be avoided and how much to take.

1. Plantain

The leaves of this tree have a good amount of mucilage that can help those with constipation, dyspepsia and irritation of the gastric mucosa, as detailed in a publication in the Electronic Physician Journal .

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of plantain leaves (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• To start, put the water and the plantain in a saucepan.
• Heat over low heat until it comes to a boil.
• Then, remove and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Finally, filter and drink immediately.
• You can consume plantain tea twice a day (one of the takes before sleeping).

2. Nettle

The laxative properties of nettle do not have enough scientific support. However, in natural medicine it is distinguished as a stimulant of the digestive system. It is even suggested that it helps regulate the intestinal microflora, which is key when it comes to fighting constipation.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of nettle leaves (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• First, place the water and the nettle leaves in a saucepan.
• Then bring to a boil and allow the decoction to take place for 5 minutes.
• Then remove it from the heat and let it rest for another 5 minutes.
• Finally, filter and drink.

• You can consume up to 3 cups a day (one on an empty stomach and the other two half an hour after lunch and dinner).

3. Licorice

On the other hand, licorice helps fight heartburn naturally and helps eliminate accumulated waste in the intestines.

According to research published in the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences , it has a substance called glycyrrhizin, which gives it laxative and anti-inflammatory effects.

It is not recommended to use this home remedy for more than two consecutive weeks, as it can cause fluid retention or increase blood pressure. Therefore, it is not recommended for diabetics either.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of licorice leaves (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• First, heat the water with the licorice in a saucepan for 10 minutes.
• Then, remove from the heat, cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• To finish, strain and consume.
• You can drink up to 3 cups per day (fasting and after main meals).

4. Mallow

In popular culture it is said that mallow prevents constipation, helps digestion and also calms stomach pains and prevents cramps.

Likewise, research published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy determined that Malva sylvestris aqueous extract (MSAE) increases intestinal motility and intestinal water secretion, which improves constipation.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of mallow leaves (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• First, heat the water to a boil and pour into a mug.
• Next, add the mallow leaves and cover.
• After 10 minutes, uncover and strain.
• Drink before it gets cold.
• You can consume up to three cups a day.

5. Nopal

Although it may not be considered an herb because of its shape (thick stems with many thorns), it is an interesting plant in case of constipation. According to information in the Mayo Clinic, it can increase the volume and frequency of stools.

Ingredients

• 1 piece of nopal
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation

• First, heat the water and when it boils add the piece of nopal, previously washed.
• Then turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Finally, remove the nopal and drink the infusion throughout the day.

6. Verbena

Verbena extracts are known for their antispasmodic effects. While they are useful for treating diarrhea, they also help with constipation. In general, they help balance intestinal activity for optimal waste elimination. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of verbena leaves (20 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Preparation

• Start by boiling the water and adding the verbena leaves.
• Then, remove from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

• Once that time has passed, filter and drink.
• Have a cup on an empty stomach and another before bed.

7. Olive tree

The leaves of this tree, so well known in the Mediterranean, apparently have the ability to reduce constipation. In fact, according to information published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, they help reduce stomach discomfort and are anti-inflammatory. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of olive leaves (20 g)
• 2 cups of water (500 ml)

Preparation

• First, heat the water and, when it boils, add the olive leaves.
• Then cook for 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let it rest for another 5 minutes.
• Finally, filter and drink a cup on an empty stomach and another half an hour after lunch.

Laxative herbs: what should be clear?

There are several laxative herbs that can help with constipation. However, it is important to bear in mind that they are not without side effects and, furthermore, the evidence of their efficacy is limited.

Therefore, whenever there are symptoms of constipation, it is important to consult your doctor to learn about other therapeutic options, depending on the case. Keep that in mind!