Laxatives
People often think that laxatives all work in the same way for constipation, but actually they vary widely in function and effect. Far from being a single category, laxatives—especially herbal ones—are classified by their mechanisms, such as stimulating the gut, softening stool, or adding bulk. This diversity means they address constipation differently, from speeding up digestion to easing passage, offering tailored relief based on how they interact with the body. The following list outlines the main categories of herbal laxatives and how each type works to relieve constipation naturally.
- BULK-FORMING LAXATIVES: These increase stool mass and water content, easing passage. Natural fibers like psyllium (from the plantago herb) are classic here, but basil seeds (similar to chia) also swell with water to add bulk. Slippery elm bark and marshmallow root, both mucilaginous herbs, soften stool by forming a gel-like coating, aiding hydration and movement, though they’re gentler than stimulants.
- STIMULANT LAXATIVES: These trigger intestinal contractions to speed bowel movements. Herbal examples include senna, rhubarb root, cape aloe leaf (like aloe latex), and cascara sagrada (from the bark of a buckthorn tree). They’re rich in anthraquinones, irritating the gut lining to prompt peristalsis within 6-12 hours.
- OSMOTIC LAXATIVES: These draw water into the colon to soften stool. Magnesium (e.g., magnesium citrate) is key, pulling water osmotically. Rhubarb root has mild osmotic properties too, alongside its stimulant action. Lactulose, a sugar derived from lactose (not strictly herbal but natural), works similarly by retaining water in the gut, though it’s more pharmaceutical-leaning.
- LUBRICANT LAXATIVES: These ease stool passage by coating the intestinal walls. Mineral oil is typical, but herbal options like aloe juice and slippery elm bark offer mild lubrication via their mucilage, though slippery elm is more bulk-forming. Marshmallow root also lubricates slightly while soothing the gut lining.
- TONIC OR RESTORATIVE LAXATIVES: These aid bowel movement while strengthening and healing the digestive tract. Triphala fruit, an Ayurvedic blend of three fruits (amla, bibhitaki, haritaki), stands out with its mild laxative effect paired with toning and antioxidant-rich healing properties. Licorice root, mildly laxative yet soothing and gut-healing, and dandelion root, a gentle stimulant that supports liver and gut health, also fit here for their restorative synergy.
For individuals with neurogenic bowel conditions like Spina Bifida, responses to laxatives vary widely due to differences in nerve signaling and gut motility, meaning no single approach works universally, as noted by experts in gastrointestinal health. Stimulant laxatives such as senna, cascara sagrada, cape aloe leaf, and rhubarb root can be habit-forming over time; their repeated irritation of the bowel wall may reduce natural function, potentially worsening dependency in those with already compromised neural control. In contrast, tonic or restorative laxatives like triphala, licorice root, and dandelion root support long-term bowel health by enhancing gut strength and resilience, offering a rebuilding effect suited to Spina Bifida’s challenges. Between these extremes, bulk-forming options (e.g., basil seeds, slippery elm bark, marshmallow root), osmotic agents (e.g., magnesium, lactulose), and lubricants (e.g., aloe juice) provide temporary relief without significantly altering bowel function, acting as neutral aids to maintain regularity when needed. Tailoring choices to individual reactions is key for effective management.
Cleanse More – This product has worked wonders for a number of kiddos. It’s a combination of all the laxative types listed above.
I am super leery of the word “cure”, but I don’t know how else to put it except to say except that Cleanse More from Renew Life cured Tillian’s bowel. Read More
-Tina Sparks
Toilet Training Methods
Diaphragmatic Breathing Protocol
Part I
Part II
Part III
Once we overcame constipation, we needed to work on continence. Having limited sensation, it was hard for her to know when she needed to go. So on the recommendation of our urologist, we visited a local continence center. It was here that we learned the Diaphragmatic Breathing Protocol, which changed our lives. It not only works for Tillian, but other family members also use when the have bouts of constipation. I think a lot of people think you have to push harder when you are constipated, but it’s actually the opposite, relaxing and breathing is the best way to get things moving along. So whenever Tillian uses the bathroom to cath herself, she uses the Diaphragmatic Breathing method to move the stool while she is sitting on the toilet. Read More
-Tina Sparks
Other Methods
Homeopathy – to strengthen & heal the bowel
Remember when we found homeopathy I was in hot pursuit of an enema routine? That quickly ended. One of the first things we focused on was constipation. In a few months, constipation was a memory. Next, we focused on continence. . . Right now at age seven, Ada is completely daytime continent. She goes to the bathroom at will, no timed breaks, no pad in the underwear. Read More
-Charmian Klem