This overview can help you make an educated decision about whether or not herbal laxatives are right for you.

How Do They Work?

Herbal laxatives contain chemical compounds called anthranoids, which stimulate cells in the intestine.

A woman taking homeopathic medicine

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Anthranoids inducegut motility, which leads to a decrease in transit time.

Conflicting results have been seen in animal studies, and studies on humans remain limited.

Herbal laxatives are not for long-term use.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before taking an herbal stimulant laxative.

Additionally, some herbal stimulant laxatives may interact with other medications that you are taking.

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