Constipation is uncomfortable and can make life uncomfortable. When you’re feeling weighed down and bloated, you want fast relief. You may be able to use natural remedies to relieve your constipation.

Constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week. It may be chronic, or happen occasionally. Some symptoms include:

It’s pretty easy to find herbal remedies for constipation. In fact, many over-the-counter laxatives contain herbal ingredients. Most laxative herbs contain anthraquinones, or substances that have a stimulant effect on the intestines. These laxatives work by drawing in fluid to the colon and increasing peristalsis. Peristalsis is the contraction of the intestines that helps move material through the colon to the rectum. Adding fiber and fluids is essential when constipated.

Read on to learn about five herbal remedies you may want to consider for your constipation.

This is a popular herbal laxative that comes from the bark extract of a species of buckthorn tree. This extract works by irritating the colon enough to promote bowel movements. Short-term use is usually well tolerated, but it may cause abdominal pain or electrolyte imbalance. Long-term use may cause liver injury ranging from mild to acute liver failure. Learn more about cascara sagrada.

A member of the plantain plant species, psyllium is a natural fiber laxative that helps create bulk stools. Psyllium is often used to treat chronic constipation and may be combined with other laxatives, both natural and synthetic. It may cause certain side effects, such as:

While it may be best known as an ingredient for pie, this vegetable is also used to treat constipation. Rhubarb has a laxative effect, but a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that it also has antidiarrheal effects because of its tannin content. As a result, rhubarb should only be used on a short-term basis for constipation.

Senna is used to treat constipation and clear the bowel before some medical procedures. The fruit is thought to be gentler than the leaf. Still, it should only be used in the short term and at the recommended doses. Senna pills are effective against constipation and can be purchased at most drug stores. Long-term and high-dose use has been reported to cause liver damage.

This herb has a history of use for constipation. It stimulates nerves in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which leads to mucus production and provides relief from constipation. Limited research has been done to determine long-term effects. Slippery elm contains the sticky substance mucilage, which coats the GI tract. As a result, it may reduce absorption of some medications if taken at the same time.

Constipation is caused by many factors, including:

There are other herbs that don’t treat constipation directly by inducing bowel movements, but may help relieve associated symptoms.

For example, mint tea helps soothe nausea and bloating. Witch hazel and chamomile applied externally relieve hemorrhoid pain and rectal irritation.

And, don’t forget that the most basic remedy for constipation and for preventing it: eating more fiber. Whole grains and plants will help you meet your daily fiber needs. Make these plants a major part of your diet:

If constipation happens now and then, it’s probably nothing more than an uncomfortable nuisance. But if it happens regularly, or is accompanied by these symptoms, give your doctor a call:

Also contact your doctor if laxatives aren’t working after several weeks of use.

Some people believe that all herbs are safe because they’re natural. While it’s true that in some cases herbs are a gentler alternative, they’re still powerful and have the potential to cause drug interactions or negative side effects.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using an herbal remedy to treat constipation, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Children should be treated for reoccurring constipation in consultation with a health care provider.