MICROgenics^® Herbal Laxative

Constipation is a condition of the digestive system in which a person experiences hard, dry bowel motions (stools) that may be infrequent or difficult to pass. Constipation is medically defined as a bowel frequency less than three times a week. The most common causes of constipation includes; lack of fibre , reduced water intake, change in routine, stress, hormonal imbalance, side effect of medications, or insufficient muscle tone in the intestinal or abdominal wall due to a lack of exercise.

In Herbal medicine there is a traditional emphasis on normalising the functions of the gastrointestinal tract system (GIT). The GIT is considered the root of many disorders, correcting and improving GIT function will assist in the attaining overall health and well being, improving numerous conditions.

Herbalists and Naturopaths believe that regular bowel motions are necessary for reducing the accumulation of toxins and for maintaining good health. They employ a number of strategic treatment methods in order to normalise GIT health. For example management of constipation requires the use of bitter herbs, laxatives, stool bulking agents, mucous membrane support and probiotics (beneficial bacteria).

Dietary advice commonly recommended to correct bowel function and regularity includes; increase fibre foods such as psyllium, oat or wheat bran, vegetables, prunes or natural laxative supplements, increase water intake, regular exercise, bitter herbs prior to eating (chicory, dandelion leaf, rocket) , and consume foods which encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria (plain yoghurt, sauerkraut).

Long term use of laxatives is not recommended, as the visceral muscle of the colon and peristaltic action becomes lazy and dependent upon laxatives to pass a stool.

Natural Laxatives

• This formula incorporates herbal remedies which are designed to provide relief and aid in the management and treatment of constipation.
• Cascara has been utilised for its laxative effect in many cultures for numerous years. Cascara contains a group of compounds called anthraquinones which are responsible for the natural laxative effect.
• Cascara is commonly used by Herbalists in conditions where easy defecation is required
• Dandelion root is traditionally prescribed by Herbalists and Naturopaths for its ability to encourage the liver to secrete and produce bile. This mechanism is described as a choleretic action. Improving bile flow improves constipation and ease of evacuation.
• Psyllium is a plant remedy traditionally used as a bulking laxative. The characteristics of psyllium husks assists in conditions which require improvement or maintenance of regular transit time of faeces in the gastrointestinal tract, as psyllium helps to provide a constant volume of solid material through the GIT.
• Licorice is added for its gentle laxative effect. Studies have also found that licorice helps the environment of the stomach by increasing healthy mucous production and allowing healing to occur.
• Butternut is added to the formula based on its traditional use for gently stimulating action in the large bowel.