Mano de santo for constipation: infusions that work

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 medicines like codeineand some ailments such as anal fissure, hemorrhoids and liver disordersalong with episodes of stress and anxietyThey may 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; to 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 putrefaction 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 seeking remedies against constipation becomes an indelible imperative.

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

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

The laxative herbs they can be a great support, but not all are equally effective or are indicated in the same cases. As your trusted herbalist will tell you, when choosing a laxative plant to treat constipation there are remarkable 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 punctually.

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

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

As for the most forceful solutions, They should only be applied occasionally, 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 one, which can be alternated, giving higher priority to the first.

mild natural laxatives

Among the milder laxative herbs we find the mallowhe marshmallowthe chia and flax seedshe hibiscushe licoricehe plantainthe psyllium waves 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 have a mild laxative and cleansing action. You need to purchase the same amount of each of the plants in the formula.

Ingredients:

Preparation:

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

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

strong natural laxatives

Among the strongest laxative plants we have the psylliumthe Senna leavesthe frangulathe cascara sagrada wave ispaghulawhich should be used only in a more punctual way.

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

The frequent use of these plants, instead of improving the situation, can make it worse, since it usually causes intestinal dependence, that is, there comes a time when, without this help, you can no longer evacuate normally. As noted in the vademecum of plants, 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 recurring intestinal problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, meteorism, flatulence, colic, etc. There are cases of imbalances in the levels of sodium and potassium, which can aggravate the symptoms of hypertension or hypotension, vitamin deficiencies and problems in the absorption of nutrients.

These cathartic herbs, on the other hand, should not be taken in pregnancy (In pregnancy you have other softer solutions to improve constipation). Neither in case of suffering from 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 only be taken occasionally, in consultation with your doctor. Again, you will need the same amount of each plant.

Ingredients:

IspaghulaSenna leavesPsyllumMarshmallowPlantainFennel

Preparation:

Mix the plants in equal parts (for example, 20 g of each plant), mixing them well on a surface. Again, separate 5 grams of the mixture for each cup of water. Boil 3-4 minutes and let stand 10 more. 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 the main meals, but only very occasionally, as indicated by the doctor. 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, cleanses 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 in capsules,

frangula (Rhamnus frangula)

Herbalists prescribed until not long ago the sacred shellthat was withdrawn due to several episodes of toxicity for improper use.

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

favors the increased hydration of stool and allows an evacuation without discomfort when the muscles of the colon 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, on the other hand it is astringent at low doses. It is useful in mild and punctual constipation, gradually relieving.

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

Sen (Cassia senna, C. angustifolia)

A legume, the 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.