Natural Laxatives
Laxative helps to loosen the bowel and provide relief from constipation. Nature has given us some outstanding laxatives. Although natural laxatives are usually safe for consumption, you should be cautious while taking them. Overuse of natural laxatives could lead to adverse side effects. Senna
The leaves and seeds of senna are used for softening stool and regulating bowel movement. Senna laxatives are effective in treating constipation. While consuming senna laxative, you should strictly adhere to the instruction given on the package of the laxative or the instructions given by your physician. Overuse of senna laxatives could lead to health problems such as nausea, abdominal cramp and diarrhea. Senna should be avoided by people suffering from colitis, ulcers and hemorrhoids. You should drink at least six to eight glasses of water throughout the day while you are on senna laxatives. You should not consume senna laxative for more than two weeks. If you want to prepare an herbal tea with senna leaves, remember to add sugar, honey or any sweetener. Adding turmeric or ginger to senna tea could minimize the risk of adverse side effects.
Prune
Prune could provide relief from constipation. Prune juice is a mild laxative. Sorbitol present in prunes could not be digested properly. As sorbitol passes through the gut, it absorbs adequate water, making the stool soft. prunes are safe for treating constipation in children.
Psyllium husk
Taking one to two teaspoons of psyllium husk with warm water or milk could help to ease the bowel movement. It is more effective than most over the counter laxatives for healing constipation. Although psyllium husk is not known to produce any adverse side effect, excess dosage of psyllium could increase the risk of blockage in the digestive tract.
Dandelion
If you are suffering from constipation, you can loosen your bowel movement by drinking dandelion tea. Having a cup of dandelion tea, two to three times a day could improve bowel movement.
Passionflower
Passionflower tea could cure constipation. Chronic constipation could be treated by drinking two to three cups of passionflower tea everyday until your constipation is cured. To prepare passionflower tea, steep one teaspoon of passionflower herb in a cup of water for about 5 to 10 minutes.
