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Simple recipes to create an effective laxative herbal tea
More and more people in the world, due to the hectic and stressful life, manifest problems that affect the intestine, which can progress to chronic constipation. Phytotherapy comes to our rescue by offering us effective remedies that are simple to implement, to be taken as needed or permanently over time as needed. It is good to keep in mind that the stimulating action of the intestinal mucosa should never be excessive to avoid undesirable inflammatory phenomena. For this reason, in a laxative infusion, in addition to herbs with a strong stimulating action, plants with antispasmodic and carminative activity should also be present. Also, it is good to clearly identify the problem you want to solve: Acute constipation in a person who doesn’t usually have bowel problems needs to be managed differently from chronic constipation. In the first case, we will look for remedies with a more pronounced laxative action, able to immediately stop the constipation, while in the second case, we will use herbs that improve, in a lasting way, the tone of the intestinal muscles.
The best herbs for a laxative herbal tea
One of the most widely used herbs in laxative teas is undoubtedly senna (Cassia angustifolia). Its leaves and fruits are particularly rich in anthraquinone glycosides which act as stimulants for the muscles of the large intestine. It is very important not to exceed the doses because, at high doses, senna manifests the induction of abdominal colic, which is sometimes very painful. Just use 1 to 2 teaspoons in 1/4 liter of boiling water to drink mainly at night. Due to the strong stimulating action on the muscles of the abdominal organs, it is strongly not recommended to use senna during pregnancy. Very similar to senna, but with a milder action, frangula (Rhamnus Frangula), is another plant suitable for making a laxative infusion. Its bark contains anthraquinones but it has a less irritating effect on the intestine, in addition to being less addictive than senna. Thus, the first will be more suitable for acute stypsis while the second is indicated for subjects suffering from chronic constipation, who wish to “re-educate” their intestines.
Other useful herbs for a laxative herbal tea
Another very useful plant in case of chronic constipation is flax (Linum usitatissimum), of which we exploit, more precisely, the seeds. These contain mucilaginous substances and fatty oil; both endowed with an emollient action and capable of increasing the volume of the faecal mass, facilitating its expulsion. By soaking a full tablespoon of flax seeds in a glass of water and leaving it to soak overnight, we will have an excellent infusion in the morning that can overcome constipation. Psyllium seeds are completely analogous to flax seeds: they can be used in the same way as the previous ones, also dipping them in hot water and drinking two cups a day, morning and evening. It is worth remembering that the The mechanical laxative effect of flax seeds and psyllium is observed after about 3-4 days of constant intake and it is necessary to drink plenty of water throughout the day to see satisfactory results. The two types of seeds can be alternated in case of prolonged treatments.
Laxative herbal tea: Tips for making laxative herbal tea
When preparing a laxative infusion, two fundamental indications must be taken into account: do not use more than two laxative herbs and always add antispasmodic plants, capable of calming intestinal cramps. For these reasons, it is advisable to add chamomile or mint to an infusion consisting of a teaspoon of senna and frangula, which are also useful to improve the flavor of the preparation. In addition, it is also recommended to mix herbs with a carminative action, therefore capable of eliminating intestinal gas: fennel and caraway mainly stand out, always at the rate of 1 to 2 teaspoons in a cup of hot water . We remind you that this type of infusions, especially those in which senna is present in a preponderant quantity, should never be taken constantly every day.