Constipation can be annoying and even painful in some cases, and be a symptom of some important disorder.

Immobility, convalescence, pregnancya diet low in fiber, accompanied by insufficient hydration, the effects of taking medications like codeineand some ailments such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids and liver disordersalong with episodes of stress and anxietymay be at the root of the problem.

To improve intestinal transit it is important to consume high fiber foods (fruits, vegetables and legumes); drink plenty of water to hydrate the stool; do physical exercise to promote intestinal mobility and try to Go to the toilet whenever you feel the need.

Do not treat constipationespecially if it is chronic or recurrent, It can put your health at risk. Not evacuating when appropriate generates putrefactions in the intestine that can be harmful to the intestinal microbiota and mucous membranes. Not only that: Fighting constipation helps you prevent future more or less serious digestive problemssuch as the appearance of diverticula.

For all these reasons, reviewing our diet to improve intestinal transit and looking for remedies against constipation becomes an undelayable imperative.

Nature offers us a wide range of plants with laxative effects that are hand of saint against constipation. They are effective natural laxatives that can be purchased at herbalists or even collected in the countryside, if you are familiar with botany. Some may even have a particularly rapid purgative effect, such as senna.

Natural laxatives: they are a saint but you have to be careful

The laxative herbs They can be a great support, but Not all of them are equally effective or indicated in the same cases.. As your trusted herbalist will tell you, when choosing a laxative plant to treat constipation there are notable differences between them. At the same time, taking laxatives periodically or systematically can present some problems that you should not lose sight of.

To treat mild constipation You have mild natural herbal laxatives, with few side effects, but there are also plants with more powerful effects, which can be consumed more occasionally.

​If you suffer from chronic or habitual constipationbefore deciding on a herbal treatment, consult with your trusted doctor. And remember that taking light natural laxatives, with the first group of plants mentioned or others that will be indicated to you at the herbalist, can be done with a certain continuity, but maintaining rest periods of one or two weeks between shots.

It is preferable incorporate plants into the formulas that act as protectors of the digestive mucous membranessuch as licorice, mallow, lemon balm, chamomile or mint.

As for the most compelling solutions, They should only be applied punctually, in periods of acute constipation and with the approval of a specialist.

Here we offer you two herbal formulas, one mild and a second stronger, which can be alternated, giving greater priority to the first.

Mild natural laxatives

Among the mildest laxative herbs we find mallowhe marshmallowthe chia and flax seedshe hibiscushe licoricehe plantainthe zaragatona or the spirulina algae and agar agar.

They are medicinal plants with few side effects that can be used frequently as supportalways remembering that taking these herbs must be accompanied by a diet rich in fiber and systematically hydrated.

Mild laxative infusion

This infusion combines seeds rich in mucilage such as chia and flax with plants that exert a mild laxative and purifying action. You need to acquire the same amount of each of the plants in the formula.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

1. Mix the plants in equal parts (for example, 20 g of each plant), placing them well together on a surface.
2. Separate 5 g of the mixture per glass of water, boil it for 2 minutes and let it rest for 10 more minutes.
3. Filter well and add lemon juice. Mint and star anise will give this infusion a very good flavor.

How to take it: Three cups are taken a day, in treatments of two weeks with a third of rest. Accompany it with a regular intake of foods rich in fiber and plenty of water.

Strong natural laxatives

Among the strongest laxative plants we have the psylumthe senna leavesthe frangulathe cascara wave ispagulawhich should be used only on a more occasional basis.

These plants have more drastic effects, described as purgative or cathartic. They work by stimulating the muscles of the intestine, peristalsis, causing its contraction and promoting the elimination of feces.

The frequent use of these plants, instead of improving the situation, can worsen it, as it usually causes intestinal dependence, that is, There comes a time when, without this help, you can no longer evacuate normally.. As pointed out in the plant vademecum, cathartic laxatives, including herbal ones, when used regularly «are a perpetuating factor of constipation», that is, of constipation itself.

But, also, Abusing these plants, even though they are natural laxatives, can also cause recurrent intestinal problems.such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, bloating, flatulence, colic, etc. There are cases of imbalances in sodium and potassium levels, which can aggravate hypertension or hypotension, vitamin deficiencies and problems in nutrient absorption.

These cathartic herbs, on the other hand, should not be taken during pregnancy (during pregnancy you have other gentler solutions to improve constipation). Nor in case of hemorrhoids, liver, kidney or heart failure and in severe cases of diabetes.

Strong laxative infusion

This infusion includes some of the most effective purgative herbs and can be taken only on a more occasional basis, in consultation with the doctor. Again, you will need the same amount of each plant.

Ingredients:

• Ispagula
• senna leaves
• Psyllum
• Marshmallow
• Plantain
• Fennel

Preparation:

1. Mix the plants in equal parts (for example, 20 g of each plant), placing them well together on a surface.
2. Again, separate 5 grams of the mixture for each cup of water.
3. Boil for 3-4 minutes and let it rest for 10 more.
4. Filter and add agave syrup or lemon juice to improve the bitter taste of the formula.

How to take it: Up to 2 glasses a day are taken, after main meals, but only very occasionally, according to what the doctor indicates. Accompany with a generous consumption of water.

4 laxative plants to relieve constipation problems

medicinal plantswith laxative and purifying effects, constitute a great help, being a valid alternative to drugs.

The use of laxative plants should be done in moderationin discontinuous and brief treatments and counting with medical advice.

Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum)

Chinese rhubarb in combination with digestive and carminative plants rebalances the functions of the digestive system, relieves stomach pain, purifies the colon and facilitates the expulsion of feceswithout causing pain.

• Properties: Laxative, purgative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent.
• How to take it: In decoction, together with mallow and licorice, two cups a day, in tincture or capsules,

Frangula (Rhamnus frangula)

Until not long ago, herbalists prescribed the sacred shellthat It was withdrawn due to several episodes of toxicity due to improper use.

Instead, A nearby plant is recommended, frangula, which relieves constipation caused by atony of the large intestine.but also due to the appearance of spasms, the so-called spastic constipation.

Favors the increased hydration of stool and allows evacuation without discomfort when the colon muscles are weakened.

• Properties: Laxative, purgative, anti-inflammatory, healing.
• How to take it: Powdered, up to 2 g daily; in decoction, maceration, tincture, capsules or extract.

Patience (Rumex crispus)

Patience shows laxative at moderately high doses, however it is astringent at low doses. It is useful in mild and specific constipation, providing progressive relief.

• Properties: Mild laxative, astringent at low doses, remineralizing, antianemic, antidiarrheal, hemostatic, expectorant.
• How to take it: In decoction or infusion, two cups a day, in tincture or powder.

Sen (Cassia senna, C. angustifolia)

A legume, senna, is cholagogue and laxative, activating the contraction of the muscles of the large intestine. At high doses it is effective purgative.

• Properties: Laxative, purgative at high doses, cholagogue, digestive.
• How to take it: In capsules, up to 4 a day; powders, infusion filters, syrup or granules.