Digestive problems, including constipation, have occurred for centuries. The Native Americans relied on herbs and plants to cure their bathroom woes. Because their diets were limited to the foods they could readily find in the woods and on the prairies, they did not always consume enough fiber. While hunting, they might forego eating for a day or two. What the Native Americans ate depended solely on what was available for hunting and foraging.
As you might suspect, this type of lifestyle led to troublesome constipation now and then. Native Americans learned quickly which plants acted as laxatives to safely ease their constipation and return their digestive systems to a state of normalcy.
Throughout history, people have relied on natural laxatives to ease their constipation. In fact, it is still common practice in Chinese medicine to ingest a mixture of rhubarb root, ginger root, and licorice root instead of over-the-counter medications. The most common Indian (Ayurvedic) natural laxative formula is a mixture of psyllium, flax, and chia seeds steeped in black cherry juice.
The Best Natural Laxative
Some of the most common constipation cures throughout history:
For centuries, the beverage form of Aloe Vera has been used as a natural laxative for even the worst cases of constipation. The juice should be made from the powder of the ground up leaves.
Many people use basil in everyday cooking. Throughout history, basil leaves brewed as tea have been proven to help reduce gas, reduce stomach cramps, and relieve constipation.
To prevent constipation, many Indian tribes relied on natural laxative plants to support proper digestion. Logically, if the body can digest food effectively, constipation can be avoided. Bottle Gentian was used as a juice to aid digestion and even suppress the appetite.
Around 2 A.D., a Greek physician touted the use of Buckthorn for a number of ailments. One method of preparation involved using the bark to make a tea, and this natural laxative is still in use today. Also, the tea helps ease related symptoms of constipation as well.
Discovered by Spanish explorers, Cascara Sagrada, or “Sacred Bark,” is considered a stimulant laxative. In fact, Spanish explorers showed Native Americans how to use it in this regard. Cascara Sagrada extracts are used today in some stimulant laxative formulas. Cascara Sagrada is still commonly used by Asians. However, this powerful stimulant may generate unsafe side effects so conduct research before considering this option.
While Chamomile cannot cure constipation or even relieve its symptoms, Chamomile can help reduce gas to aid in easy digestion. If your system is digesting food more effectively, constipation can be avoided before it starts. For best results, steep the chamomile flowers in hot water for at least three minutes.
When the Native Americans found themselves battling malaria, they would use Culver’s Root as a natural laxative for the bedridden. Culver’s Root can be toxic, so it’s definitely not a choice for the novice!
Dandelion leaves taste bitter, but many people enjoy adding them to salads or steeping them for tea. Dandelion contains properties acting as a mild natural laxative. While dandelion leaves may not suit everyone’s tastes, they are extremely nutritious and good for the body.
The Mesquakies Indians discovered Flowering Spurge worked as a laxative when ingested as a tea. The root was infused with hot water and drank in the morning to help keep the tribes’ digestive systems regular.
New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea was made from the roots of Ceanothus Americanus and turned into a tea. Because tea was hard to come by during the Revolutionary War, New Jersey Tea became a common substitute. During the process, it was discovered this beverage worked as a mild natural laxative.
If your constipation is tied to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, studies show peppermint leaves steeped in tea can help relieve pain and discomfort. This can help the intestines and bowel to relax, which helps the eliminatory process in turn.
People have been using Psyllium for years to relieve constipation. Psyllium husk is high in fiber and holds moisture. The additional moisture adds water to the stool. Psyllium is used in many over-the-counter laxatives. However, this is yet another substance that can cause severe side effects and is not safe for long-term use.
Discovered by the Moors (ancient Arabs), Senna has been used to treat constipation for centuries. Doctors state Senna is safe for short-term use as a laxative. However, it is easy to become physiologically dependent on this plant. That factor, coupled with a host of potentially negative side effects, keeps Senna from being the best option as well.
The ancient Egyptians believed massive amounts of garlic and Tamarind were best for curing constipation. They also relied on mint to aid with digestion as well as prevent constipation.
Native Americans used a mixture of buffalo lard and Wild Indigo to help diminish intestinal troubles. With a reduction of gas and intestinal pain, people were more likely to effectively eliminate waste.