Digestive Aids

Bowel-Controlling Preparations

Because purging the system was long a major concern of herbal medicine, the laxative powers of many herbs are well documented. Today, however, we know that the powerful purgatives used in the past were not only of questionable value but downright dangerous. You should even avoid using milder laxatives regularly, since your system can become overly dependent on them. For chronic constipation, you can obtain safer, long-term results by changing to a diet with a higher fiber and liquid content and by strengthening your abdominal muscles through exercise.

If a doctor does recommend a laxative, however, there are some classic herbal preparations you might consider. One of the safest is powdered psyllium seed husks. Sold in drug stores as "natural fiber laxative," the powdered psyllium stimulates the bowel by increasing the bulk in it. Typically a teaspoon of powder is simply mixed with a glass of water.

Mild cases of diarrhea can often be controlled by teas made from herbs with a high tannin content, since the astringent property of the tannin has a binding effect on the bowel. Safe tannin-rich herbs include agrimony herb, purple loosestrife herb, meadowsweet plant, powdered bistort rootstock, and raspberry leaves. Common barberry bark and cranesbill root are also rich in tannin; the powdered form of either can be made into a decoction.

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