Know of any natural laxatives?

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HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
11,256
4,876
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#21
I will continue to post in the health forum as I don't want to take advantage of you. We seem to have extremely similar views on health, besides mental health prescriptions, I think.

I always love to hear your thoughts on these matters because I know how much research you do on these topics.

I don't mean to flatter you.
I didn't take it that way. I'm glad anytime you are helped.
I learn from you and the others too.
We all need compassion and help when facing certain challenges.
I don't know if I told you, but I'm a nutritionist and have done consultations for a long time.
 
Mar 14, 2025
85
46
18
#22
Just started taking Hydroxyzine at night to help me sleep. I read online that it causes dry mouth for like the first week and the side effect is supposed to go away.

The thing is not only have I been waking up with dry mouth but I’ve had the worst build up of stool in my colon the last two days that I had to use the restroom. I’m not going to go into detail but I’m concerned.
Hello , I know of a natural bowel stimulant . It's not exactly a laxative , it softens hard poop , not to the point of sloppyness though . Linseeds or some people call them flax seeds . They r totally natural and inexpensive . Buy them in any good health food store , best to get the golden not the brown . U must take them every day at approximately the same time . I take them just before my evening meal and I go to the toilet every morning because of them , I've been taking them every day for about 30 years . The amount u need may take a little while to get right as it's very individual . I would start with one tablespoon every day , if u have cereal for breakfast then just put them on your cereal . Im at the stage where I just fill the spoon up , put it in my mouth then take a big drink of water to wash them down no problem . I do this over the sink as sometimes some of the seeds fall off of the spoon . If after one tablespoon a day , every day for a few days , u still haven't gone to the toilet then go up to two tablespoons at the same time each day . It sounds like a bit of an inconvenience but it really isn't compared to the alternative , medicines that cost a lot and can have awful side effects and/or continuing constipation . Give them a go , I'm sure if u follow my instructions u will b very happy 😁 let me know how it goes please .
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
11,256
4,876
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#23
Hello , I know of a natural bowel stimulant . It's not exactly a laxative , it softens hard poop , not to the point of sloppyness though . Linseeds or some people call them flax seeds . They r totally natural and inexpensive . Buy them in any good health food store , best to get the golden not the brown . U must take them every day at approximately the same time . I take them just before my evening meal and I go to the toilet every morning because of them , I've been taking them every day for about 30 years . The amount u need may take a little while to get right as it's very individual . I would start with one tablespoon every day , if u have cereal for breakfast then just put them on your cereal . Im at the stage where I just fill the spoon up , put it in my mouth then take a big drink of water to wash them down no problem . I do this over the sink as sometimes some of the seeds fall off of the spoon . If after one tablespoon a day , every day for a few days , u still haven't gone to the toilet then go up to two tablespoons at the same time each day . It sounds like a bit of an inconvenience but it really isn't compared to the alternative , medicines that cost a lot and can have awful side effects and/or continuing constipation . Give them a go , I'm sure if u follow my instructions u will b very happy 😁 let me know how it goes please .

Welcome Suze.
Glad to hear that recommendation too.
May I add something?
Some people let the whole seeds soak overnight so they hydrate, swell and form the gel. That is supposed to break the cell wall so you can get additional benefits from the omega 3 fatty acids they contain. It's anti inflammatory and has many benefits like heart and brain health.

Another way is to use a low cost coffee/ spice grinder. Mix the ground seeds in water and soak for a while before drinking.

I appreciate you bringing up the ingredient that has multiple benefits.
🍵🙂👍
 

bluejean_bible

Well-known member
Feb 15, 2025
619
309
63
#24
Be careful with Senna. Herbal laxatives work because their properties irritate the colon walls. As a defense the colon expell's the irritant. Senna is one of the strongest herbal laxatives out there.

Prune juice at room temperature is very gentle and effective. Small bottles are best because a regular size bottle needs refrigeration after opening. While companies like Motts sell six packs.

Cascara Sagrada is another herbal laxative. Far more gentle than Senna.

Don't use laxatives overlong. Your diet and hydration,water,while consuming lower amounts of caffeine, should keep you regular.

I knew someone who utilized coffee enemas on a regular basis. After awhile he was unable to move on his own. That old adage,if you don't use it you lose it.

Hope that helps.
 
Mar 14, 2025
85
46
18
#26
Welcome Suze.
Glad to hear that recommendation too.
May I add something?
Some people let the whole seeds soak overnight so they hydrate, swell and form the gel. That is supposed to break the cell wall so you can get additional benefits from the omega 3 fatty acids they contain. It's anti inflammatory and has many benefits like heart and brain health.

Another way is to use a low cost coffee/ spice grinder. Mix the ground seeds in water and soak for a while before drinking.

I appreciate you bringing up the ingredient that has multiple benefits.
🍵🙂👍
I suffer from a very spastic colon . When I was a teenager I thought it was normal to only go to the toilet once a week and with great difficulty . By the time I was in my early twenties I was in big trouble with my bowels but too embarrassed to c a doctor . I was having other health problems that lead me to believe I might have M.S. So I read a book by a lady who has M.S. and she recommended linseeds/flaxseeds for constipation . They r not strictly a laxative , they stimulate nerves that affect the bulking mechanism of the bowel . For all of our ailments I believe that God has created the cure , somewhere in nature He has provided for all our problems . Sadly , we humans r destroying our God given environment faster that we could ever find all these natural remedies . Thy Kingdom Come .
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
11,256
4,876
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#27
Be careful with Senna. Herbal laxatives work because their properties irritate the colon walls. As a defense the colon expell's the irritant. Senna is one of the strongest herbal laxatives out there.

Prune juice at room temperature is very gentle and effective. Small bottles are best because a regular size bottle needs refrigeration after opening. While companies like Motts sell six packs.

Cascara Sagrada is another herbal laxative. Far more gentle than Senna.

Don't use laxatives overlong. Your diet and hydration,water,while consuming lower amounts of caffeine, should keep you regular.

I knew someone who utilized coffee enemas on a regular basis. After awhile he was unable to move on his own. That old adage,if you don't use it you lose it.

Hope that helps.


Blue Jean Bible,

I appreciate the details.
@Suze beat me to it.
I wrote the following last night and decided to hold off posting this until the next day when I had some sleep.
I don't want to come across as a know it all because I don't. Then I think, I've taken classes since I was a kid so I could help others. Perhaps the information might be of help to someone else reading. It does no good to keep it to myself.



Anyone who suffers IBS of any kind should be cautious of herbal laxatives for the reason you already stated. They can be rough on an already inflamed tissue.

What @HopeinHim98 added with senna, when used for the occasional use by the average person with no complications, made another good suggestion. It could be used low dose as a brewed small cup of tea to get things going. I don't recommend it for normal use, but we weren't getting into specifics as much as just making a list. It's really dose dependent. Start small and gradually increase to desired effect.
I've found that some people tolerate it and others don't, so it's good you brought that up. Dr Daniel's formula has had good reports and contains a little bit of Senna in the capsule form too. Some do fine with 1 cap and others may need to work their way up to 4 as advised for them.

Hot peppers are likewise, as they can inflame too, but can be good for circulation.
I often add a habanero (no seeds) to enhance absorption of food nutrients and personal supplements. Your experience may vary.

It really is important to determine why there's constipation to begin with.
Diet, dehydration, medications are the usual reasons for digestive challenges.
When the cause is corrected, there's no need for drastic measures.

I wonder what percentage of gastroenterologists even ask their patients about their diets?
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,406
1,800
113
Midwest
#28
Precious friends, I came across this and it is Very Comprehensive about the human body's 5 'defense systems' and a LOT of the 'natural foods' that will help them = Enjoy!:

Eat To Beat Diet (preview of 41 pages from Dr. William Li)

Best regards.
 
Mar 14, 2025
85
46
18
#29
Precious friends, I came across this and it is Very Comprehensive about the human body's 5 'defense systems' and a LOT of the 'natural foods' that will help them = Enjoy!:

Eat To Beat Diet (preview of 41 pages from Dr. William Li)

Best regards.
Hi Grace ambassador , I used to read and enjoy your posts on another forum . It's nice to hear a familiar voice 😁 much love to u in Christ .
 
#30
Hello , I know of a natural bowel stimulant . It's not exactly a laxative , it softens hard poop , not to the point of sloppyness though . Linseeds or some people call them flax seeds . They r totally natural and inexpensive . Buy them in any good health food store , best to get the golden not the brown . U must take them every day at approximately the same time . I take them just before my evening meal and I go to the toilet every morning because of them , I've been taking them every day for about 30 years . The amount u need may take a little while to get right as it's very individual . I would start with one tablespoon every day , if u have cereal for breakfast then just put them on your cereal . Im at the stage where I just fill the spoon up , put it in my mouth then take a big drink of water to wash them down no problem . I do this over the sink as sometimes some of the seeds fall off of the spoon . If after one tablespoon a day , every day for a few days , u still haven't gone to the toilet then go up to two tablespoons at the same time each day . It sounds like a bit of an inconvenience but it really isn't compared to the alternative , medicines that cost a lot and can have awful side effects and/or continuing constipation . Give them a go , I'm sure if u follow my instructions u will b very happy 😁 let me know how it goes please .
Thank you. I think I actually have a giant bag of flax seed that I never touched. Not sure if it is expired but if it isn’t, ill give it a go.
 
#31
I didn't take it that way. I'm glad anytime you are helped.
I learn from you and the others too.
We all need compassion and help when facing certain challenges.
I don't know if I told you, but I'm a nutritionist and have done consultations for a long time.
You seem like you definitely are a nutritionist. I appreciate it.
 
#32
Welcome Suze.
Glad to hear that recommendation too.
May I add something?
Some people let the whole seeds soak overnight so they hydrate, swell and form the gel. That is supposed to break the cell wall so you can get additional benefits from the omega 3 fatty acids they contain. It's anti inflammatory and has many benefits like heart and brain health.

Another way is to use a low cost coffee/ spice grinder. Mix the ground seeds in water and soak for a while before drinking.

I appreciate you bringing up the ingredient that has multiple benefits.
🍵🙂👍
Very cool
 
#33
Blue Jean Bible,

I appreciate the details.
@Suze beat me to it.
I wrote the following last night and decided to hold off posting this until the next day when I had some sleep.
I don't want to come across as a know it all because I don't. Then I think, I've taken classes since I was a kid so I could help others. Perhaps the information might be of help to someone else reading. It does no good to keep it to myself.



Anyone who suffers IBS of any kind should be cautious of herbal laxatives for the reason you already stated. They can be rough on an already inflamed tissue.

What @HopeinHim98 added with senna, when used for the occasional use by the average person with no complications, made another good suggestion. It could be used low dose as a brewed small cup of tea to get things going. I don't recommend it for normal use, but we weren't getting into specifics as much as just making a list. It's really dose dependent. Start small and gradually increase to desired effect.
I've found that some people tolerate it and others don't, so it's good you brought that up. Dr Daniel's formula has had good reports and contains a little bit of Senna in the capsule form too. Some do fine with 1 cap and others may need to work their way up to 4 as advised for them.

Hot peppers are likewise, as they can inflame too, but can be good for circulation.
I often add a habanero (no seeds) to enhance absorption of food nutrients and personal supplements. Your experience may vary.

It really is important to determine why there's constipation to begin with.
Diet, dehydration, medications are the usual reasons for digestive challenges.
When the cause is corrected, there's no need for drastic measures.

I wonder what percentage of gastroenterologists even ask their patients about their diets?
For me, it’s diet, along side dehydration from a new prescription med, where the side effect is supposed to only last about a week and should go back to normal after daily use.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
11,256
4,876
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#34
Thank you. I think I actually have a giant bag of flax seed that I never touched. Not sure if it is expired but if it isn’t, ill give it a go.
If you smell it and taste a little after soaking, you can probably tell.
When it goes rancid, it's taste unpleasant.

Once you open it, squeeze out the air and you can freeze it in a heavy plastic ziplock freezer bag to make it last longer.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
11,256
4,876
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#35
For me, it’s diet, along side dehydration from a new prescription med, where the side effect is supposed to only last about a week and should go back to normal after daily use.
Sounds like you are keeping your Dr informed and working with him on it.
What beverages do you usually drink?
 
#36
If you smell it and taste a little after soaking, you can probably tell.
When it goes rancid, it's taste unpleasant.

Once you open it, squeeze out the air and you can freeze it in a heavy plastic ziplock freezer bag to make it last longer.
Thank you H&H. It’s really probably time for me to buy a new bag. I think I bought the last one in 2022 lol
 
#37
Sounds like you are keeping your Dr informed and working with him on it.
What beverages do you usually drink?
This is going to sound really really bad but I’ve been eating a lot of flakes and Cheerio like cereals with 2% milk.

When I’m not drinking 2% milk, I’m drinking Dasani water, cold stevia passion or mint tea, zero sugar cranberry juice and stevia sweetened creamy root beer
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
11,256
4,876
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#38
Thank you H&H. It’s really probably time for me to buy a new bag. I think I bought the last one in 2022 lol
If it was in a cool place it might still be fine. Check it out before you discard it. I've had whole seed keep a long time in my pantry. Always buy whole seed and grind it yourself.
This is going to sound really really bad but I’ve been eating a lot of flakes and Cheerio like cereals with 2% milk.

When I’m not drinking 2% milk, I’m drinking Dasani water, cold stevia passion or mint tea, zero sugar cranberry juice and stevia sweetened creamy root beer
When someone gets a good filter/ purifier they normally find it easier to transition to drinking more water.
Initial purchase can be sticker shock, but I added up what I spent on bottled spring water in a year and decided to get one. If you ever decide to, there are some recommendations and reviews on types. Otherwise it can be overwhelming not knowing where to start.

It's good that you're using stevia for a sweetener instead of the chemical sweeteners.

I better get back to finish my project. Have a great day.
 
#39
If it was in a cool place it might still be fine. Check it out before you discard it. I've had whole seed keep a long time in my pantry. Always buy whole seed and grind it yourself.


When someone gets a good filter/ purifier they normally find it easier to transition to drinking more water.
Initial purchase can be sticker shock, but I added up what I spent on bottled spring water in a year and decided to get one. If you ever decide to, there are some recommendations and reviews on types. Otherwise it can be overwhelming not knowing where to start.

It's good that you're using stevia for a sweetener instead of the chemical sweeteners.

I better get back to finish my project. Have a great day.
I appreciate you taking time out of your day to respond. Thank you, H&H
 

Genez

Junior Member
Oct 12, 2017
4,250
716
113
#40
Just started taking Hydroxyzine at night to help me sleep. I read online that it causes dry mouth for like the first week and the side effect is supposed to go away.

The thing is not only have I been waking up with dry mouth but I’ve had the worst build up of stool in my colon the last two days that I had to use the restroom. I’m not going to go into detail but I’m concerned.

Sounds like you need to rebuild your gut biome. What do you eat?????? One medication is not the solution.