Herbal Action: Aperient

Constipation

Aperient herbs produce a mild laxative effect and are used as an alterative for bowel elimination — a gentle stimulant to digestion with a very mild laxative action, rather than a strong purgative effect. Always identify the root cause of constipation first to prevent long-term dependence on them.

How they're used:

Aperient herbs are commonly taken as teas, added to food, or eaten directly as food. Bulking herbs should always be taken with generous water; stronger stimulant laxatives are best use for short-term, acute use rather than daily reliance.

When to consider them:

General bowel elimination support, sluggish digestion, and constipation.

Herbs

• Artichoke leaf

• Barberry

• Boneset

• Burdock

• Butcher's broom

• Carob

• Chicory

• Cleavers

• Dandelion root

• Dong quai root

• Elder berry

• Horehound

• Hyssop

• Licorice root

• Marshmallow root

• Oregon grape

• Rose hips

• Wood betony

• Yellow dock

Strong Stimulant Aperients

• Cascara sagrada

• Rhubarb root

• Triphala

• Turkey rhubarb

Bulking Aperients

Provide fiber and work by absorbing water — these must always be taken with plenty of water to encourage a bowel movement, rather than worsening constipation.

• Chia

• Flax seeds

• Psyllium (seeds + hulls)

Other Aperients

• Olive oil

• Prunes

• Raisins

• Safflower

• Watermelon

• Figs

• Fruit

• Apple fiber