Herbal Laxative
Tips for Using an Herbal Laxative as a Home Remedy
A lot of people are starting to turn to an herbal laxative as a home remedy to relieve constipation. Having a problem with constipation can be very uncomfortable; it can lead to a feeling of being bloated, and sometimes cause pain due to trapped gas. Commercial laxatives can be harsh, so for many this type of remedy isn’t the best solution, but there are natural ways that you can relieve constipation.
One of the easiest methods of relieving constipation without harsh commercial laxatives is to drink a lot of fruit juice. The best choices of fruit juice are prune and grape juice; not only are these juices good for you but they can help to bring you relieve from constipation fairly quickly.
If you are looking for a natural method of relieving constipation there is always the option of using an herbal laxative instead of a commercial laxative. One example of an herbal laxative that can help with constipation is Cascara Sagrada; Native Americans have used this herb for generations as a treatment for problems with constipation.
Cascara Sagrada aids the production of bile in the liver, plus it can help with the proper function of the lower bowels and the pancreas. This herb will also cause contraction of the peristaltic, which is how it works as a laxative.
Another herbal laxative that causes contraction of the peristaltic is Senna; this is an herb that is usually taken as a tea. Although a lot of people swear by this herbal laxative remedy, it is known to make you feel a little sick and it is necessary that you be near a bathroom for some time after taking it. If you find that drinking Senna tea tends to make you feel nauseated, you can try adding some cinnamon or ginger to the tea.
Slippery elm is an herbal laxative that is also known to help with diarrhea, as well as constipation. The reason that this herb can help with both diarrhea and constipation is that it works to ensure that the stool is normal, plus it coats the intestines and stomach. This herb is taken with a lot of water, which is necessary to get it through your system and working.
If you tend to have a frequent problem with constipation it is important that you increase your fiber intake. Fiber can help to get your bowels moving and relieve constipation, but even better than this, a high fiber diet might help prevent the problem in the first place. If you have been constipated for more than a day or two, trying to relieve the problem with high fiber foods probably won’t be enough. In this case you will likely want to use an herbal laxative to remedy the problem.
One important thing to keep in mind about taking an herbal laxative is that there is always the possibility that what you are taking could become habit forming. Doctors will warn you against taking herbal laxatives for an extended period of time because it is believed that they can be habit forming, just like over the counter or prescription laxatives. For this reason you will only want to take an over the counter or herbal laxative if you need it, but it is better to change your diet to remedy the problem and get long-term relief. Always check with your healthcare provider before you begin taking an herbal laxative to ensure that it is the right remedy for you, as some herbs can be dangerous for people with certain health problems.