Not all herbal laxatives are the same!
Feeling stuck & want to keep things moving in the digestion department?
Many people rely on supplements or medication to keep things smooth.
It’s important to understand that not all laxatives work the same – hopefully, this is not learned the hard way!
There are 3 categories of herbal laxatives that an herbalist should know.
Demulcent Herbs
The gentlest laxatives are demulcent herbs. These herbs are mucilaginous in nature and may consist of both soluble and insoluble fibers.
The soluble fiber absorb fluid and create a mucilaginous bolus – this can lubricate and help repair the gut lining if inflammation or irritation is present.
Some common demulcent herbs include Psyllium husks, Flax seeds, Castor oil, and Cannabis seeds.
This category of herbs can be gentle enough for deficient types such as children or elderly.
Note: Castor Oil is not commonly recommended for internal use.
2. Purgative Herbs
The next category of laxatives are purgatives. Purgative herbs scrape the bowels through slight irritation. They stimulate the bowels to encourage bowel movement and are stronger than demulcents.
If you’ve ever used an herbal laxative tea that caused you pain and discomfort, this may be due to purgative herbs used in the formula.
These are best used in acute situations since overuse can result in dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Rhubarb root, Cascara sagrada bark, and Aloe latex are some examples of purgatives. Some of these, like Senna leaf, can cause possible griping.
Many of the herbs in this category are generally Cold and Bitter and purge internal Heat.
Some purgative herbs contain anthraquinones, which are responsible for this action and considered slightly toxic. Herbs with anthraquinones may be cured for over one year before use to lessen their dramatic effects.
Many formulas add digestive and/or antispasmodic herbs like ginger and fennel to purgative formulas to lessen griping.
Because these herbs have powerful downward draining effects, they are mostly contraindicated in pregnancy.
Use these herbs with caution for those with Spleen or Stomach deficiency Cold as well as those with IBS, ulcerative colitis, and bowel inflammation.
3. Cathartic Herbs
The third category of laxatives are the most dangerous and are not commonly used in modern practice – cathartic herbs. Cathartic herbs expel waste through sudden vomiting and bowel evacuation. These are hardly, if ever, used in clinical practice.
Cathartic herbs can clear Damp-Heat and most are diuretic. Some of the herbs in this category can dispel Phlegm. Some are anti-parasitic, likely due to their toxic nature.
Cathartic herbs can help express toxic sores and nodules. They were traditionally used for severe constipation, chest edema, ascites, and general fluid retention.
Use with extreme caution and only in acute situations. Excessive diarrhea and dehydration can result from the use of cathartics.
This category includes herbs like Genkwa flower, Chinese poke root, Morning glory seeds, and Spurge peking root.
You’ll find that many formulas for bowel regularity contain either a gentle demulcent like psyllium seeds or some kind of purgative herb, like cascara sagrada.
Using herbs to maintain regularity is helpful when one wants to stay away from unnatural medication that can lead to dependency.
Using herbs is an easy and efficient way to maintain great digestive health. Symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, etc. are all signs that our digestive system could use more love.
Need help keeping regular? I’d be happy to give a free 15-minute consultation to meet you and discuss your most present health needs. We’ll look at potential root causes, easy ways to incorporate herbs and health foods into your lifestyle, and gentle movement like qigong and massage to keep your Qi flowing. Acupuncture and herbal medicine work well together for digestive health!
~Meghane Hernandez, licensed Maui acupuncturist and herbalist
