Do you suffer from constipation and are you looking for natural alternatives that will help you fight it? So, you should know the best laxative and purgative medicinal plants, which will allow you to regulate the movement of the intestines and be able to go to the bathroom without major complications. Constipation is a very annoying condition that can be caused by different reasons, such as a lack of fiber in the diet, leading a sedentary life, low fluid intake, stress, among others. Therefore, it is very important to make the appropriate changes in life habits and identify the cause in order to solve the problem. These changes can be complemented, as we have commented, with some of the medicinal plants for constipation that we show in this article, so keep reading and don’t miss it.
Benefits of medicinal plants for constipation
Constipation is a condition that, in addition to having difficulty passing stool, often causes symptoms such as bowel pain, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, and stomach discomfort. Within the world of herbal medicine, there are very useful medicinal plants to reverse this situation and facilitate evacuation. These herbs are those that have laxative and purgative properties, which help to eliminate all accumulated waste and toxins, thus helping to combat constipation.
With these laxative and purgative herbs, excellent natural remedies can be prepared to fight slow intestinal transit and help you enjoy good gastrointestinal health. Pay attention to the following lines to discover which are the best plants, remedies and infusions for constipation.
Aloe or Aloe Vera
The aloe vera or aloe is one of the medicinal plants for constipation most effective for which you can choose if slow intestinal transit. It has laxative and purgative properties that favor bowel movements and make evacuation happen more easily. In addition, it favors the balance of the intestinal flora and helps to eliminate all the fecal material accumulated in the colon.
There are two ways to take aloe vera for constipation and they are as follows:
- Aloe vera juice:extract the liquid that is inside an aloe leaf, add it in the blender or mixer and add a little lemon juice. Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of this juice to a glass of water and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, not prolonging its consumption for more than 7 days in a row.
- Aloe veracapsules: These aloe vera capsules or tablets can be purchased from herbalists or specialty stores selling natural products. You should take 1 capsule a day with a glass of water before lunch.
Dandelion
The dandelion plant is also a good natural remedy for constipation, thanks to its mild laxative effects. It contains a high amount of fiber and helps stimulate intestinal transit and alleviate the symptoms that this gastrointestinal disorder can cause without causing irritation or other discomfort.
In this case, it is best to take an infusion of dandelion to combat constipation. To do this, you just have to boil a cup of water in a pot and when it starts to boil, add 1 tablespoon of dandelion. Let it infuse for about 3 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it steep for 5 minutes. Finally, strain and drink 2 cups a day half an hour before meals.
Mallow
Mallow is a plant that due to its laxative properties is a good option to relieve constipation, in addition to other gastrointestinal conditions. In its composition, it has a viscous substance and a type of soluble fiber that are excellent for reactivating intestinal transit and promoting the elimination of accumulated toxins.
You only have to prepare an infusion of boiling mallow for 15 minutes 30 g of dried mallow flowers and leaves in 1 liter of water. After this time, turn off the heat and let stand 10 minutes before straining it. Drink 2-3 cups a day to combat slow intestinal transit and make it easier to evacuate hard stool.
Nettle
Another of the best medicinal plants for constipation is green nettle. It is an herb with excellent digestive properties that favors the production of gastric juices and, consequently, improves digestion. In addition, being rich in mucilage, it improves bowel movements and facilitates the expulsion of those feces that are so difficult to eliminate.
Prepare a nettle infusion by boiling 1 small tablespoon of dried nettle leaves in a glass of water for 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let stand 5 more minutes. After this time, strain and add a few drops of lemon juice. You can take 2 cups a day of this infusion, but keep in mind that it is not recommended to exceed 5 g of nettle a day.
Chamomile
Chamomile is perhaps the most popular medicinal plant for treating digestive conditions, and these also include constipation. In this case, chamomile is especially beneficial to alleviate some of the annoying symptoms that can be experienced, such as excess gas, stomach pain and abdominal bloating.
To take chamomile for constipation, you just have to prepare an infusion by adding 1 tablespoon of chamomile or an envelope of it in a cup of freshly boiling water and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Take 2-3 cups a day to notice relief.
Linen
In the list of herbal remedies for constipation, you cannot miss flax, a plant from which the famous flax seeds are one of the great natural remedies to treat this condition are extracted. These seeds contain large doses of soluble fibers, which facilitate the dragging of feces through the intestine and the evacuation of fecal matter. In addition, they have the ability to regenerate the intestinal flora and eliminate accumulated fats and toxins.
To take flaxseed for constipation, it is best to add 1 small tablespoon of flaxseed to a cup of boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand 5 minutes more. Then strain and drink one cup for the apple on an empty stomach and another in the afternoon for a week.
