Herbal Laxatives

One herb that is used primarily as a natural laxative is Cascara Sagrada. Native Americans have used Cascara for centuries, and it is often referred to as California Buckthorn, or "The Sacred Bark" .

It is known for helping to increase lower bowel, stomach and pancreas secretions, and for helping to increase the liver's bile production. Cascara promotes bowel contractions (peristaltic action), which results in the urge to have bowel movements.

Cascara Sagrada is believed by some sources to be safe for use by children and pregnant women, and not habit forming. Other sources, however, have conflicting opinions, and this is due mainly to the lack of scientific studies.

It seems that many of the precautions and side effects listed on herbal remedies are actually based on the precautions and side effects listed for prescription medications.

The majority of herbal remedies, however, do not have the same kinds of side effects as prescription drugs, and this is the reason most people choose to take them. It is still wise to use caution when taking a new herbal remedy, because there is the potential for adverse reactions to almost anything.

You can buy Cascara at any herbal or health food store in liquid, capsule, tablet, dried bark and powder forms. Be sure to buy cured Cascara, regardless of which form you buy, because the fresh bark may cause bloody stools, along with other problems.

Because it's not purgative, Cascara Sagrada is considered to be a gentle herbal remedy to use for cleansing the bowel.

Another powerful herbal laxative, that is not considered a purgative, is Senna. Senna also causes bowel contractions, and is most often taken as a tea. A lot of people swear by this herb, but they also caution that it can cause nausea. If you find that this herb makes you feel sick, try adding a little cinnamon or ginger. This sometimes helps.