Healing Herbs for Constipation

For centuries, people have relied on plant medicine to heal all kinds of ailments, and digestive issues are at the top of that list. Read along for a list of herbs we use to relieve constipation and other digestive conditions.

Aren’t plants beautiful? Look at these colors and textures together, ready for to be enjoyed in a healing infusion.

My youngest struggles with episodes of constipation every once in a while and it’s been a challenge to figure out what to give her that can help and that she’d be willing to eat or drink. Thankfully she loves herbal teas and so we’ve found a few herbal allies that help ease her discomfort and get those bowels moving.

How to use herbs for constipation

Most healing plants are safe to use for everyone without negative side effects. But of course, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor if you have health issues or are taking medicine that could interact with the herbs you want to use.

What you need to understand is that plant medicine works as long as it is in your system, so when trying to treat an ailment with herbs, make sure you are drinking or consuming this medicine often enough to make an impact. Drinking infusions or tinctures every two hours or so will ensure there is always some plant medicine in your system, healing you and helping you regain balance.

Aside from each plant's healing properties, drinking herbal infusions indirectly aids your digestive system as a diuretic. As you flush your body with warm water you are able to stay hydrated, stimulate your digestive system and add more water to your bowel movements.

What herbs help relieve constipation?

Here’s a short list of our favorite herbs to use to relieve constipation. They may have relaxing, laxative, moistening, and soothing properties that could help relieve constipation and get those bowels moving.

PEPPERMINT

It contains high levels of menthol, a chemical that helps sooth the stomach and help move stools through the body.

DANDELION ROOT

It’s considered a mild laxative because it can stimulate the liver’s production of bile, which can indirectly help with constipation.

CHAMOMILLE

This herb is known for its relaxing and calming properties and so it can help constipation by soothing and relaxing the stomach muscles. It also works well to reduce inflammation, alleviating the symptoms associated with constipation and allowing the digestive system to move food more efficiently.

GINGER ROOT

This root has a long established history as digestive aid. It’s known to reduce the pressure and inflammation on the lower intestine, potentially helping your bowel movements.

LIQUORICE ROOT

This root is known for it’s inflammatory effect in the digestive system. I like to drink a cup of liquorice root tea after a heavy meal to avoid inflammation and to encourage healthy bowel movements.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT

The root of this beautiful plant is known to help treat a wide range of digestive conditions, like constipation, colic, heartburn and a 2011 study showed it may also help heal gastric ulcers.

RHUBARB

This plant has a laxative effects and it’s commonly used for digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and stomach pain.

When using rhubarb it is important to remember that only the stalks are edible. The leaves are actually quite toxic.

These are my tools for any herbal infusions. A mason jar, my copper tea strainer and a cup. I’ll use a 32 ounce mason jar for the kids since they don’t drink much. For myself I’ll use a big 64 ounce jar because I’ll be drinking it through the day and filling it back up in the evening for an overnight infusion.

How to make tea for constipation

I like to use as many of these herbs as possible when making a digestive infusion. They are safe to mix and then you know you’re approaching the problem from various angles.

You can make a delicious and soothing tea for children with peppermint, chamomile, ginger root (don’t go too heavy on ginger otherwise it will taste spicy), and marshmallow root.

INSTRUCTIONS

I like to use a mason jar for my infusions. Add one or two handfuls of plant material to your jar and top with boiling water. Let sit overnight, or at least for 30 minutes before using. Use a strainer to serve a cup of tea and mix with water if the flavor is too strong for your child. Offer a few sips of tea through the entire day and for a few days until the condition improves.

How to make a juice for constipation

• 3 stalks or rhubarb (without leaves)

• 1 chopped apple

• the juice of a quart of a lemon

• a small piece of ginger

• half a cup of water

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend everything thoroughly and drink throughout the day to encourage a bowel movement.