Laxative Herbs: Understand Before You Use

Laxative herbs, also known as “ta hạ” in traditional Chinese medicine, are used to treat various conditions such as:

• Constipation: Due to heat accumulation in the intestines, leading to dry and difficult bowel movements, abdominal distension, dry mouth, thirst, yellow urine, red tongue, and yellow or dry tongue coating.

• Abdominal distension and indigestion: Caused by heat accumulation and food stagnation in the stomach and large intestine.

• Edema: Resulting from damp heat or stagnation of Qi and blood.

• Boils and pimples: Caused by toxic heat.

Important Notes: Laxative herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Never self-medicate. Here’s why:

• Potential Side Effects: Some herbs in laxative formulas may cause side effects like diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and blurred vision.

• Not Suitable for Everyone: Laxative herbs are not suitable for individuals with:

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea with loose stools, dull abdominal pain, may indicate cold and dampness, making laxative herbs contraindicated.

• Debilitation: Individuals with weak constitutions and prone to catching colds should avoid laxative herbs.

• Pregnancy: Laxative herbs are generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

• Breastfeeding: Laxative herbs should be used with caution during breastfeeding.

Here’s a breakdown of the properties and actions of commonly used herbs in laxative formulas:

1. Tvqk Ta Ha (Sophora Flavescens):

• Action: Clears heat, detoxifies, promotes bowel movement, eliminates dampness.

• Nature & Flavor: Spicy and bitter, cold, enters the large intestine and the three energizers.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cold deficiency, diarrhea, or cold abdominal pain.

2. Rheum Palmatum (Da Huang):

• Action: Clears heat, cools blood, promotes bowel movement, promotes urination, eliminates stagnation, detoxifies.

• Nature & Flavor: Bitter and cold, enters the spleen, stomach, large intestine, heart, and liver.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cold deficiency, diarrhea, or cold abdominal pain.

3. Aloe (Luo Hui):

• Action: Clears heat, lubricates the intestines, detoxifies, disinfects, treats burns.

• Nature & Flavor: Bitter and cold, enters the liver, spleen, stomach, and large intestine.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cold deficiency, diarrhea, or cold abdominal pain.

4. Senna (Phan Ta Diep):

• Action: Clears heat, lubricates the intestines, detoxifies, treats constipation.

• Nature & Flavor: Bitter and cold, enters the stomach and large intestine.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cold deficiency, diarrhea, or cold abdominal pain.

5. Cassia Fistula (Muong Trau):

• Action: Clears heat, lubricates the intestines, detoxifies, treats constipation.

• Nature & Flavor: Bitter and slightly cool, enters the stomach and large intestine.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cold deficiency, diarrhea, or cold abdominal pain.

6. Honey (Mat Ong):

• Action: Harmonizes, replenishes the lungs, lubricates the spleen and stomach, and the large intestine.

• Nature & Flavor: Sweet and neutral, enters the lungs, spleen, and large intestine.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cough due to lung heat.

7. Poppy Seed (Ma Nhan):

• Action: Harmonizes, calms the mind, replenishes the lungs, lubricates the spleen, nourishes the liver and kidneys.

• Nature & Flavor: Sweet and neutral, enters the heart, lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys.

• Precautions: Not for individuals with cold deficiency, diarrhea, or cold abdominal pain.

General Precautions:

• Laxative herbs are only one aspect of treatment and should not replace proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

• Always use laxative herbs under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, adhering to dosage, treatment duration, and usage instructions.

• Understand the ingredients and potential side effects of the herbs before using them.

Stay Healthy!