In the 'Supplements And Medications' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about strong laxative use:
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On average, how often do you use over-the-counter herbal / chemical agents as a stimulant laxative/cathartic? Stimulant laxatives include aloe, senna, cascara, castor oil, Fleet Laxative (Bisacodyl) and others.
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"Never / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"Less than once per week" |
Infrequent use of strong laxatives |
A risk factor |
| 3. |
"1-4 times per week" |
Regular use of strong laxatives |
A risk factor |
| 4. |
"Approximately daily" |
Daily use of strong laxatives |
A risk factor |
| 5. |
"More than once daily" |
Abuse of strong laxatives |
A risk factor |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
GLOSSARY
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Laxative (Laxatives)
A substance (food, herb, chemical) that stimulates evacuation of the bowels. Examples include cascara sagrada, senna, castor oil, aloe vera, bisacodyl, phenolphthalein and many others.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Stimulant Laxative (Stimulant Laxatives)
Stimulant laxatives are believed to stimulate nerve endings in the nerve plexuses of the bowel wall, increasing the movement of its content via several mechanisms. The most common active ingredients include the Anthraquinones (Senna, Aloin, Frangula, Cascara and Powdered rhubarb) and the Diphenylmethane derivatives (Bisacodyl, Sodium picosulfate, Phenolphthalein). Traditionally-used castor oil has fallen into disuse because of its 'drastic' action and unpleasant taste.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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