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Women's Health
Laxatives: Natural and Herbal
Constipation can be extremely painful. It is good to know that you don't have to depend on chemicals to take you out of
that suffering. Thankfully, there are many
natural and herbal laxatives to come to your assistance.
The most natural way to relieve constipation is through food. You can drink prune juice or grape juice for instance, and usually you'll find your bowels move within an hour afterwards. You can also eat some fiber rich foods, take fiber supplements, or drink lots of extra water. All of these methods usually relieve constipation within twelve to twenty four hours.
There are several specific herbs which can be used for quick constipation relief too though. Cascara Sagrada for instance, is an herb used primarily as a natural laxative. It's been used by Native Americans for centuries, and is known to some as "The Sacred Bark", and it's also called the californian buckthorn.
This herb is known to help increase bile production in the liver, as well as secretions of the stomach, pancreas and lower bowel. It actually promotes peristaltic action in the bowel, which are that cause you have the urge to have a bowel movement.
Some experts believe Cascara Sagrada is not a habit forming herb, and is safe for use in pregnant women and children. Others disagree though, and part of the reason for these conflicting opinions is due to the lack of official scientific testing.
It seems like many of listed side effects and precautions for herbal remedies are based on the side effects and precautions listed for synthetic versions of the same medications though. More often than not however, herbal remedies don't have the same types of side effects prescription medications do, which is why many people choose to use them. Regardless, always use caution when taking any new herb, because anyone can have an adverse reaction to anything.
Cascara can be purchased at any health food or herbal store in pills, capsules, liquid, powders and dried bark forms. Regardless of how you decide to take the Cascara, be sure you're purchasing cured Cascara Sagrada, because the fresh bark can cause bloody stools and other problems.
Cascara is considered to be a gentle herb for use in cleansing the bowel, because it is not a purgative.
Senna is another strong herbal laxative, and it is a purgative. Purgatives should not be taken by pregnant women because they can cause a miscarriage. This herb is often taken in tea form, and it also causes peristaltic contractions. Many people swear by how well this herb works, but they also note that it can make you feel very sick, and you that you shouldn't be away from the bathroom for a couple of hours after taking it. If Senna makes you nauseous, adding a bit of ginger or cinnamon can sometimes help.
Discover How To Get Rid Of Constipation Using Natural Remedies. All
Aspects Of Colon And Constipation Are Covered
Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.
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