Laxative

Laxatives (L. laxare, to loose) increase or hasten intestinal evacuations: which excite moderate peristalsis, giving soft movements without irritation: magnesia, manna, sulfur, tamarind, almond and olive oils, fig, prune, oatmeal [Culbreth1927, pg 44].

Laxatives promote or stimulate active bowel movement. Most laxatives contain anthraquinone glycosides and are well indicated for long term, chronic use [Brammer BOTM744].

Used with sluggish emptying of the bowel with dry and hard stool to actively promote bowel movements. Bowel cleansing used in catarrhal conditions and high blood pressure as well as with other conditions for which eliminative remedies apply [Sanchez BOTM680].

Works by stimulating peristalsis; will not change chronic constipation. Used with dry, hard stools, mucousy stools, short term therapy! [Palmer2004].

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  Gastro-intestinal System (GI)

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  Coffee (Coffea arabica)
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  Couch Grass (Elymus repens)
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  Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
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  Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)

[Brammer BOTM744] Debra Brammer. Botanical Medicine 744 notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

[Culbreth1927] David Marvel Reynolds Culbreth. A Manual of Materia Medica and Pharmacology, Seventh Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger (1927). Online Reprint.

[Palmer2004] Michelle Palmer class notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

[Sanchez BOTM680] Joann Sanchez. Botanical Medicine 680 notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.