Discover The 7 Best Laxative Herbs

Constipation is a problem that affects thousands of people. Processed food, refined flours and stress are the main causes, but luckily we can treat this condition with the help of some laxative herbs.

Not being able to go to the bathroom translates into abdominal bloating, discomfort and impediments to living a normal life, so it is necessary to find a solution.

So in this article we want to talk about some of the best laxative herbs out there. Check out!

Constipation: How, When and Why?

Our daily habits can cause many imbalances in the body. One is constipation, which translates into a malfunction of the intestines.

In short, when these are inefficient or saturated with so much unhealthy food and toxins, we cannot go to the bathroom as we should.

In addition to feeling bloated or bothered by constipation, it is good to know that not defecating at least once a day (the best would be twice a day) is synonymous with the accumulation of waste that is harmful to our health.

Also, bowel movements shouldn’t require a lot of effort and the stools have to be soft. Otherwise, we are talking about constipation, which can become chronic if the problem persists for several days or weeks.

Laxative herbs: which ones are best?

First of all, to be able to go to the bathroom once or twice a day it  is necessary to maintain a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and vegetables  and avoid processed, fried and breaded foods.

In addition, it is essential to drink between two and three liters of water and exercise. To help the body eliminate waste, we can certainly enjoy the benefits of certain laxative plants or herbs:

Plantain

The leaves of this tree have a good amount of mucilage; that is, it can help people with chronic constipation.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• First, put the water and plantain in a pot;
• Heat over low heat until it starts to boil;
• Remove from heat and then let stand for 5 minutes;
• Strain and drink right away.

You can consume this plantain tea twice a day (once before bed).

Nettle

It has the ability to  stimulate the digestive system and encourage bowel movements  (peristalsis) to eliminate fecal matter.

In addition, nettle is also very good for the liver.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• First, put the water and nettle leaves in a pot;
• Bring to a boil, then allow to cook for 5 minutes;
• Remove from heat and let stand for another 5 minutes;
• Strain and drink.

You can consume up to 3 cups a day; one fasting and the other two half an hour after lunch and dinner.

Licorice

Fights stomach acid naturally and purges the intestines. But pay attention! It is not recommended to use this type of home remedy for more than two consecutive weeks, as it can cause fluid retention or increase blood pressure.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• First, heat the liquorice water for 10 minutes in a saucepan;

• Remove from heat, cover, then let stand for 5 minutes;
• Strain and consume.

You can drink up to 3 cups a day;  one being fasted and the other right after the main meals.

mallow

It prevents constipation, aids digestion and, in addition, relieves stomach pain and prevents cramps. In this way, mallow tea is  perfect for any problem related to food.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• Heat the water until it boils and pour it into a cup;
• Place the mallow leaves and cover the cup;
• Then, after 10 minutes, strain;
• Drink before it gets cold.

You can consume up to three cups a day.

Nopal

Although it may not be considered an herb for its shape (thick stalks and many thorns) it is a plant worth taking advantage of if you happen to suffer from constipation.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• Heat the water and, when it starts to boil, add the previously washed piece of nopal;
• Turn off the heat and then let it stand for 10 minutes;
• Remove the nopal and thus drink the infusion throughout the day.

Verbena

First of all, it is one of the most powerful laxative herbs. In addition, it has other interesting properties: analgesics, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodics.

Similarly, it is one of the best home remedies for gastritis and constipation.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• Boil water and add vervain leaves;
• Remove from heat and then let stand for 10 minutes;
• After that time, strain and drink.

Have a cup on an empty stomach and another before bed.

Oliveira

The leaves of this tree so known in the Mediterranean have the ability to reduce constipation. In this way, we can enjoy an infusion made with these leaves, considered one of the most effective natural laxative herbs.

Ingredients

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

Preparation

• First, heat the water and, when it boils, add the leaves;

• Cook for 5 minutes, turn off the heat, then let stand another 5 minutes;
• Strain and drink one cup on an empty stomach and another half an hour after lunch.

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