Traditional Laxative

Stéphanie Bureau, n.d.

Constipation is one of the most Whether frequent, chronic or occasional constipation occurs, phytotherapy is a tra- phytotherapy is common digestive problems in North ditional approach that offers effective and America - it occurs when bowel safe solutions to help alleviate symptoms. a traditional approach movements become difficult or less Some of the most effective are: that offers effective and safe solutions frequent than normal. Some people Aloe ferox (cape Aloe) is a species of aloe have bowel movements several arborescens indigenous to southern Africa. to help alleviate It is a wonderful short term healer for the symptoms. times a day while others only one to gut. The Aloe vera plant itself has been used two times a week. Going longer than medicinally for thousands of years. While its gel is effective at treating burns and skin ir- three days without a bowel move- vel to the colon. Once in the colon, intestinal ritations, the plant's latex (aloe latex), is re- bacteria remove the sugars from the glyco- ment is generally recognized as too cognized as a powerful laxative and a great sides, creating compounds that inhibit the long and potentially detrimental to solution for short-term constipation. In fact, absorption of water and electrolytes from it is recommended by the German Commis- health. the colon. This results in softening and bulk- sion E and the World Health Organization ing of the stools. (WHO) for the treatment of constipation. Often, constipation is caused by inadequate Purshiana frangula also has other active fiber in the diet or a disruption of the regular Aloe latex contains chloride, which eases compounds that stimulate local prostaglan- diet or routine. Chronic constipation may be the bowel release process by increasing din production and contribute to the ca- due to a poor diet, dehydration, certain me- water level in the stool. Aloe latex also thartic action. The resultant laxative effect dications (chiefly antidepressants and pain contains substances called anthroquinones usually takes place about six to ten hours medications), and stress. Various medical and anthrones, which produce a laxative after dosing, so the best time to take it is be- conditions can also cause or aggravate effect by increasing colonic peristalsis and fore bedtime. This promotes a normal bowel constipation, among which are endocrine intestinal water content, by opening chlo - movement in the morning. disorders. ride channels of the colonic membrane to cause a net reduction of liquid absorption by the colon. Ulmus rubra, or Slippery elm or Red elm, is a species of elm tree that has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for hun- Purshiana frangula, or Cascara sagrada, is a dreds of years. Therapeutically speaking, it stimulant laxative native to the Pacific coast is extremely versatile, providing relief from a of North America, that comes from the bark wide variety of ailments, including Irritable of a tree called the California buckthorn. It Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and sore throats. was historically used by Native Americans to treat a host of issues including constipa- tion, digestive problems, joint and muscle The inner bark of ulmus rubra contains bio- pain, gonorrhea, gallstones and dysentery. flavanoids, calcium, starch and vitamin E. Today it is widely recognized as an effective It is also is exceptionally rich in mucilage and classic natural laxative and is recom- consisting of insoluble polysaccharides mended by the Commission E German for (primarily hexose, pentose and methylpen- the treatment of constipation. tose), which, when broken down and com- bined with water, forms a thick and slippery gel that reduces gastrointestinal transit time Purshiana frangula contains anthraquinone and acts as a bulk-forming laxative. glycosides, compounds which cannot be absorbed in the small intestine, but that tra- UÉ AU Q IQ U R É B B E A

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Since 1974 Concomitant Medicinal products properties Concomitant products: Consti- • Cathartic pation should always be treated on an individual basis and the tools selected • Demulcent to address the condition should always be adapted according to the patient, the • Laxative symptoms and the frequency (chronic, oc- casional,...). A holistic treatment is always • Purgative recommended - one that takes a healthy li- festyle approach to treating the patient, and includes diet, exercise and stress manage- ment techniques. Phytotherapy combines exceedingly well with this comprehensive Pathologies approach. Other adjunctives that may be considered on a case by case basis in more Constipation : Just as constipation can frequent or chronic cases of constipation, have many causes and include many contri- are digestive enzymes, pre and probiotic buting factors, herbal laxatives each have a formulations, psyllium, lemon, olive oil, fen- very specific mode of action and range of nel, figs, rhubarb, castor oil, flax seeds, and therapeutic action. An ideal herbal laxative senna leaf among others. formula should contain a combination of plants that complement one another in their mode of action (stimulant, demulcent, pur- gative ...) and work synergistically to provide effective relief from constipation.

1. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to hydroxyanthracene derivatives and improvement of bowel function pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/20061 EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) 2, 3 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy 2. Sikarwar Mukesh et al / International Journal of Pharma Sciences and Research (IJPSR) Vol.1(1), 2010, 7-10 3. AKS Rawat, Sharad Srivastava, Sanjeev Kumar Ojha. Herbal Remedies for Management of Constipation and its Ayurvedic Perspectives. JIMSA January-March 2012 Vol. 25 No. 1 4. European Medicines Agency Post-authorisation Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use Assessment Report: rhamnus purshianus d.c.; rhamni purshianae cortex; cascara and herbal Since 1974 preparation(s) thereof with well-established use and traditional use. London 5 June 2008. 5. http://s3.gi.org/meetings/bp2012/2012BP_0022.pdf. Lawrence R Schiller, MD, FACG. Digestive Health Associates of Texas. Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas."Approach to the patient with chronic constipation". Léo Désilets Maître Herboriste Inc. 6. http://www.promedics.ca/site/downloads/Slippery%20Elm.pdf. The Numerous Healing Properties of Slippery Elm 35, rue du Victoria O, Scotstown, QC, J0B 3B0 (819) 657-4733 • www.leo-desilets.com