Herbal laxatives: All you need to know
Whether you drink senna tea, pop psyllium capsules, or chug aloe juice... there is a lot you probably don't know about these remedies. I reveal the science behind herbs for constipation.
I'm excited to share an update on my Botanical Medicine and Health class at Emory University. We’ve reached mid-semester, and this is my favorite point in the class as students have built a strong foundation in some of the course’s core topics; they grasp the botany now and are becoming more familiar with the safety and efficacy of many classes of plant-derived bioactive molecules.
Currently, we're delving deep into the section on the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants for various body systems. In our most recent class, we explored the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, covering a range of indications such as heartburn, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and diarrhea.
The full scope of the GI lecture is hard to cover in a single newsletter post, so I’ll hone in on the one aspect I think may be of greatest interest to you all, my dear readers: herbal remedies for constipation.
What is constipation?
Constipation is not a disease, per se, but rather a symptom of another medical problem, and it can afflict anyone of any age. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, constipation is common in the US, with 16% of all adults and 33% of all adults over 60 experiencing symptoms. Notably, some people battle chronic constipation, while others may experience it only sporadically as a temporary issue.
Symptoms of constipation include:
less than three bowel movements a week
stools that are hard, dry, or lumpy
stools that are difficult or painful to pass
a feeling that not all stool has passed
How do herbal remedies work to treat constipation?
Herbs have been used for millennia to relieve the symptoms of constipation. Here are the primary mechanisms of action through which they elicit these effects:
Stimulant laxatives: These herbs stimulate peristalsis to move the intestinal contents down the tube. Many stimulant laxative herbs also have the added benefit of acting as osmotic agents. They draw water into the bowel to soften the stool and increase the stool volume, assisting in triggering a bowel movement.
Bulk-forming laxatives: These herbs absorb water and increase the bulk of the stool’s material. Different herbs have different capacities for absorbing water, known as the swelling factor. I provide comparisons of swelling factor efficiency for different herbs below. The resulting larger stool can trigger the bowel to contract and result in a bowel movement.
Peristalsis is defined as the constriction and relaxation of the intestine muscles, creating wave-like movements that push the canal’s contents forward.
Most importantly, there are different safety and efficacy parameters to consider when selecting an herbal laxative. Not all of these are safe for regular use. I provide a simple breakdown of when to use or avoid certain herbal laxatives here for the paid and founding subscribers.
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