Natural Laxative By Gaia Herbs Overview & Drug Interactions

Senna is a plant that belongs to the legume family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and it is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Senna contains compounds called sennosides, which are found in the leaves, stem, and pods of the plant. These compounds stimulate the muscles in the walls of the intestine, causing the bowel to contract and move waste through the intestines. Senna is used as a natural laxative to help relieve constipation. It is often marketed as a 'natural vegetable laxative'. It is available in a number of forms, including tablets, capsules, and a liquid extract. Although it can cause dependence with long-term use (i.e., the body becomes dependent on it for regular bowel movements), when compared to other stimulant laxatives, like bisacodyl, it is considered safer in that regard.

Caraway is an herb native to Asia, Africa, and Europe. The seeds, fruit, and oil are used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Its seeds have a pungent, anise-like flavor and aroma. In regard to its medical use, it has been historically used to increase breast milk production, and to treat a variety of conditions such as gastrointestinal issues, asthma, amenorrhea, and obesity, to name a few.

Licorice, also known as glycyrrhiza, is a plant native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. The root of the plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is often consumed in the form of candy, tea, and supplements. Licorice has a number of purported health benefits, including the ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and improve digestive problems. It may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Licorice naturally contains glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid, which can have toxic effects if consumed in large amounts. However, licorice can be processed to remove glycyrrhizin, resulting in DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Many dietary supplements that contain deglycyrrhizinated licorice are often simply named 'DGL'.

Fennel is a plant species in the carrot family and native to the Mediterranean region. Fennell seeds are often used as a spice, and other parts as food. Fennel has a distinctive, sweet, licorice-like flavor and is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as sauces, salads, and baked goods. It is used in traditional medicine as a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C. It has also been used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.

Rooibos is a plant that is native to South Africa. The leaves and stems of the rooibos plant are used to make a tea, which has a unique, slightly sweet flavor and is known for its soothing properties. It is caffeine-free and high in antioxidants. Rooibos tea has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of age-related cognitive decline, hay fever, anxiety, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions and obesity. Research of rooibos extracts indicate it contains over 187 different compounds, some of which may have medicinal effects.

Fennel is a plant species in the carrot family and native to the Mediterranean region. Fennell seeds are often used as a spice, and other parts as food. Fennel has a distinctive, sweet, licorice-like flavor and is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes such as sauces, salads, and baked goods. It is used in traditional medicine as a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, beta-carotene and vitamin C. It has also been used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.