Natural ingredients that are friends of the intestine

When laying the foundation of Western medicine, Hippocrates was careful to establish first do no harm (Primum non nocere). The body must be treated with respect, the functions of the body must not be forced but normalised. By applying this general rule to the intestine, we must learn to re-educate it, trying to re-establish the delicate balance of bowel movements, rather than force the evacuation of faeces. In particular, this approach must most of all provide guidance in certain conditions, such as in the issue of occasional constipation in children, in the elderly or when there is an inflammation or when the gut is particularly sensitive and delicate. It is preferable, once we have sought the advice of a doctor, to use aids and medicinal plants that perform a modulating action on the intestine, without irritating the colon.

The seeds of Fennel, an aromatic herb in the Umbelliferae family of Mediterranean origin and nicknamed “daughter of the sun”, were recommended by the Schola Medica Salernitana for bloating, to calm flatulence.

The fruit of the Tamarind, an evergreen tree that grows in India and Tropical Africa, is used as a bland laxative.

Lactulose is a type of sugar that is traditionally used in case of constipation for its laxative and prebiotic effect. It works by bringing enough water into the intestinal lumen to soften the stool (through osmosis) and stimulate the contractions of the intestinal wall.

Concentrated Prune juice has a laxative effect because of its content of organic acids, sugars that provide an osmotic and oxyphenisatinic action.

Ash Manna, which the ancients called “air honey” is a sweet exudate that drips naturally or by cutting the stalk.

The presence of mannitol gives manna gentle laxative properties that are helpful for stypsis in children and the elderly.

The flowers and leaves of Mallow, because of their mucilage content, are used as a bland laxative with softening properties, which are essential for protecting inflamed intestinal mucosa.

The balanced formula and the pleasant flavour are particularly suited for delicate people with a sensitive gut (children, the elderly).