Herbal laxatives affect the body in different ways. Strong herbs work directly on the intestinal walls, irritating the intestinal lining and stimulating peristalsis (contractions that move waste through the large intestines). Gentle herbs stimulate bile, which acts as the body's natural laxative. You can drink the gentle herbal laxative teas every day to tone your digestive system and prevent constipation, but the stronger stimulant laxatives should only be used to relieve occasional constipation.
Balmony
Balmony (Chelone glabra) tea is a mild laxative that benefits your entire digestive system. Balmony stimulates the secretion of liver bile, which aids the intestines in absorbing nutrients and eliminating wastes.
Barberry
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a bitter herb that aids liver function and has a mild laxative effect. The alkaloids in barberry stimulate appetite and liver bile, making barberry a useful herb if loss of appetite and weakness accompany constipation. You should not take barberry if you are pregnant.
Yellow Dock
Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) contains chemicals that have a powerful cathartic activity. In his book "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," herbalist David Hoffmann recommends yellow dock as a remedy for constipation because it works by aiding the liver and gall bladder, rather than simply stimulating the intestines. Your entire digestive system will benefit from yellow dock.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) acts on the liver and gall bladder to increase the flow of bile. In their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch recommend milk thistle as a remedy for constipation because bile aids digestion and softens stools.
Wahoo
Wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a liver tonic. Herbalist David Hoffmann calls wahoo one of the major liver herbs because it stimulates bile and supports the digestive process. It is the herbal tea to use if your constipation is due to problems with your liver or gall bladder. Do not take wahoo if you are taking any type of heart medication.
Buckthorn
Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) contains plant compounds that are strong stimulant laxatives. Aloin, barbaloin and aloe emodin are all powerful laxatives that act through peristalsis. Buckthorn tea takes approximately 12 hours to show effect. Use this tea in moderation, as too much may cause diarrhea. Do not take buckthorn for chronic constipation, as this may indicate an underlying medical problem.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus pushiana) is a strong herb that contains stimulant-laxative chemicals known as anthraquinones. Cascara sagrada works through peristalsis, and usually takes 8 hours to become effective. If you drink this tea before going to bed, it will take effect by morning. Do not take cascara sagrada for chronic constipation.
Senna
Senna (Senna alexandrina) pods contain powerful anthraquinones that stimulate the intestinal walls through peristalsis and quickly bring about elimination. You can drink senna tea to relieve occasional constipation. Do not take senna for chronic constipation or if you have any intestinal blockage or abdominal pain.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: the Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Balch, Dr. James and Phyllis Balch; 2000
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