subject: Laxatives Natural Herbs For Constipation [print this page] Constipation can be a frustrating and painful condition, which is easily prevented if you eat more foods that work as natural laxatives. Adding foods that act as a natural laxative is not as difficult as many people may believe.
Just having a handy list of high fiber foods may give you more new choices. Fruits, nuts, vegetables and even some herbs can work as a laxative to restore regularity and balance to your digestive system with regular bowel movements.
Natural laxative foods have been known to restore balance and regularity to the digestive system and bowel movement. Vegetables that offer high fiber include avocados, tomatoes, artichokes, lima beans, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, eggplant, green beans and okra are just a few vegetables that you may wish to consider adding to your diet.
Apricots, mangos, peaches, pears, apples, coconut, grapes, plums and pineapple are all great sources of fiber. Snacking on nuts is a great source of protein, B-vitamins, calcium, zinc, selenium, vitamin E antioxidants, folic acid and fiber.
Consider eating peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pecans, walnuts, and almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds. You can benefit from nuts which are nutrient-dense in any form such as roasted, shelled, unshelled, and salted or honey coated. Herbs can also act as a natural laxative. High fiber herbs include triphala, alfalfa, cassia pulp, dandelion leaves, senna pods and turkey rhubarb.
Herbs That Act As Natural Laxatives
Ginger-
Ginger has been shown to have beneficial effects for many digestive disorders, including nausea, vomiting, and seasickness. Most importantly here though, is that it has a role in relieving constipation. Unlike the laxatives it is not habit-forming, and doesn't lead to a "lazy" bowel.
Flaxseed-
A wide variety of herbs can help for constipation. But flaxseed may be at the top of the list. For those who want the simple solution, they can use Uncle Sam's Laxative Cereal which contains flaxseed. This can help you get it regularly and keep the bowels and intestines clean by keeping this high fiber food in your diet.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most powerful herbal constipation cures you will find, and this involves using the outer part of the leave instead of the juice of the plant. This herb should be used cautiously because of the strength, but it will effectively empty your bowels.
Elderflower
An infusion of Elderflower can be very beneficial to your bowel movements, especially if these are irregular at times. Take the herb and steep it in boiling water, then cool. Drink this infusion once every day, and before you know it you will be extremely regular.
Cascara Sagrada
One of the most popular herbs used as a treatment for constipation is Cascara Sagrada, and one of the reasons for this is that this herb is gentler than some of the other options but will help your bowel moves every time and is very reliable.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a common herbal laxative for many. You can eat the leaves, and they are often mixed in with other greens for salads. You can as well create a combination or tincture which can be in use daily.
Yellow Dock
Yellow Dock is a well known remedy for constipation. In addition, this herb is also rich in iron and other nutrients, so it provides nutritional support as well as helping you stay regular. This herb can be taken in capsule, dried, or powdered form or it can be used to make a tincture or infusion.
Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a very powerful herb which has laxative properties. This remedy should only be used when all else fails because of the strong effective that it has. It may be recommended after certain surgical procedures, including hemorrhoid treatments, and is very effective at causing a bowel movement.
Senna
Senna is commonly used to treat constipation, and this remedy is very gentle and works without any painful cramps, gas, bloating, or a sudden urge to go immediately.
Licorice
Licorice is a common home remedy that works as a gentle laxative, and also helps soothe and prevent irritation in your digestive system. You can make a tea using the licorice plant, or you can search for candy that is made from real licorice and nibble on some.
