Re: What about these herbs/ingredients?

Nopal Cactus is a bulk forming stool softener due to its high fiber content.

It also slows the absoption of fat and carbohydrates, so it has been used as a weight loss aid (full disclosure: we sell one, but I'm not going to like to it here!)

It is a very gentle and safe laxative, especially if taken with enough water (a glass will do.) It takes about a day for it to work, as the fiber needs to work its way out the other end.

Rhubarb root, Aloe latex (not the gel that's usually used in foods and drinks, but th white latex that is generally removed in processing) and Senna are also laxatives, but work differently: they actually irritate the intestines and stimulate contractions. They can also cause upset stomach, nausea, abdominal discomfort (cramping) and etc. etc. They are, however, highly effective, especially when combined with licorice root.

If you do choose to use a laxitive of this type, it is best to combine it with something to soothe the digestive tract, such as peppermint, anise, ginger, galangal, etc. etc. Also, I seem to recall reading that Aloe was no longer recommended for this purpose, due to its adverse effects. Senna is used in several OTC medicines. Tweet