Medicinal Action

Laxative
Laxatives work to ease the passage of stool and support digestive health by addressing sluggish bowels or occasional constipation. They can act in various ways, such as:
Stimulating intestinal movement (e.g., senna, Senna alexandrina).
Softening stool by increasing water content (e.g., aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis).
Adding bulk to stool (e.g., psyllium husk, Plantago ovata seed husk).
Magnesium in its various forms is widely used as a laxative due to its osmotic effect. Magnesium salts, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium hydroxide, work by drawing water into the intestines, softening stool, and stimulating bowel movements. These forms are effective for occasional constipation and are often used in higher doses for bowel preparation before medical procedures.
Herbal and mineral-based laxatives should be used mindfully to avoid dependency, and long-term issues should be addressed with a healthcare professional.

Products containing Laxative
Discover our collection of artisanal salves for holistic healing.
Divine Defender – Reishi Tincture
Balance and Resilience – A Full-Spectrum Formula for Vitality and Immune Support. Strengthen your defenses with this nourishing, adaptogenic blend.
Size 1oz
Viral Defense Tea Blend
A naturally caffeine-free herbal tea designed to support your immune system and promote overall wellness. With warming ginger, soothing anise seed, and immune-boosting elderberry and yarrow, this blend fortifies your body’s defenses and rejuvenates your spirit.
Monographs with the (Laxative) function
Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)
Historical Use:
Red clover has long been regarded in European and folk herbal traditions as a “blood purifier” and lymphatic tonic. Herbalists used the blossoms as an alterative to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, promote clearer skin, and ease stubborn, lingering congestion. The plant was also valued as a gentle expectorant to relieve coughs and bronchial irritation. Topically, poultices made from red clover were used to soothe rashes, eczema, and wounds.
Current Uses:
Today, red clover is most widely recognized for its phytoestrogenic properties. Isoflavones found in the blossoms have been studied for their ability to modulate estrogen activity, making red clover a common choice for easing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
Red clover also remains an important herb for lymphatic and “blood-cleansing” support in contemporary herbalism, used to promote healthy skin and gentle detoxification. It is sometimes included in formulations for chronic skin conditions, sluggish lymphatic flow, or recovery from long illness.
In cardiovascular health, red clover’s isoflavones have shown potential for improving vascular elasticity and supporting healthy lipid profiles, though research is mixed. Some practitioners also recommend red clover extracts for supporting bone density in postmenopausal women.
Respiratory uses continue today, with red clover being taken as a tea or syrup to support cough relief and promote the expectoration of mucus. Topically, it is used in salves, washes, and poultices to calm inflammatory skin conditions and support wound healing.
Learn More:
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Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus)
Historical Use:
Mullein has a long history of use in European folk medicine and among many Native American nations as a soothing herb for the lungs. The leaves and flowers were commonly brewed as a tea or smoked to ease coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The plant’s soft, velvety leaves were applied as poultices to calm inflammation and promote healing of burns, wounds, and skin irritations. Mullein flowers were traditionally infused into oil to relieve earaches and reduce pain and swelling in the ear.
Current Uses:
Mullein remains a popular respiratory remedy. Its expectorant and demulcent properties help thin and move mucus, making coughs more productive and easing breathing during colds, bronchitis, and other congestive conditions. Teas, tinctures, and syrups are frequently used to soothe sore throats and support overall lung health.
Externally, mullein is applied in infused oils, poultices, and compresses to calm irritation, reduce inflammation, and assist with wound healing. Mullein flower oil continues to be a staple in ear drop preparations to ease ear discomfort and support a healthy inflammatory response.
Beyond respiratory and topical uses, mullein is sometimes used to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract and gently support elimination when there is dryness or inflammation.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about energetics, history and more? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Uses
Historical Use:
Nettle has a long tradition of use across Europe and Asia as a strengthening spring tonic, valued for its ability to “cleanse the blood” and restore vitality after the winter months. Fresh nettles were sometimes used for urtication — intentionally brushed on the skin — to stimulate circulation and relieve joint pain or stiffness.
Current Uses:
Nettle leaf is now widely recognized as a nutrient-rich herb, abundant in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. The leaf is taken as tea, infusion, or food to replenish nutrients, support general health, and gently build strength. Its anti-inflammatory actions make it a key ally for easing arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Many herbalists recommend nettle leaf for reducing seasonal allergies and supporting clear, healthy breathing, likely due to its influence on histamine pathways.
Nettle leaf is also used to encourage healthy kidney and urinary function and is considered mildly diuretic, supporting the removal of excess fluids. Externally and internally, nettle leaf has been used to support healthy skin and hair, helping reduce dandruff, strengthen hair, and soothe skin conditions such as eczema.
Nettle root is distinct in its action, most notably used to support urinary flow and prostate health in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also considered mildly astringent and has been traditionally used to address excessive bleeding.
Nettle seed is prized as a nutritive tonic, rich in fatty acids and micronutrients. Contemporary herbalists use nettle seed as a rejuvenative herb, sometimes referred to as an adaptogen, to support energy, endurance, and overall vitality.
Learn More:
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Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Uses
Historical Use:
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has a long history of use as a nourishing tonic. Traditional herbalists valued it as a “food herb” to help restore strength, vitality, and general health. Its leaves were often prepared as a tea or eaten fresh to support recovery from illness and improve nutritional status.
Current Uses:
Nutritional Support: Alfalfa is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Today, it is used as a nutrient-dense infusion to help replenish minerals and support overall wellness.
Digestive Health: Alfalfa has been used to stimulate appetite and ease digestion, supporting conditions like mild gastritis, bloating, and sluggish digestion.
Anti-inflammatory Support: The leaves contain compounds with mild anti-inflammatory properties, traditionally used to reduce discomfort from arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
Blood and Organ Support: Alfalfa is still regarded by herbalists as a “blood purifier,” believed to support healthy liver and kidney function, aiding in detoxification and promoting clearer skin and better overall vitality.
Hormonal Support: Due to its natural phytoestrogen content, alfalfa is used in modern herbalism to help support women experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or irregular cycles.
Diuretic: Alfalfa may gently increase urine flow, helping to relieve water retention and support urinary tract health.
Cardiovascular Health: Modern research and tradition both support the use of alfalfa to help manage cholesterol levels and maintain healthy circulation.
Want to learn more? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to explore its history, uses, energetics, and more.