Constipation

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

Habitat: Eastern deciduous forest & tallgrass prairie

Active Chemical Ingredient: Cinnamic Acid (C₉H₈O₂) acts as a laxative.

Season: June-October

Uses: Milkweed acts as a laxative for constipation.

Preparation: Infuse the root of the plant in water and drink to assist with constipation. 

 

Cinnamic Acid (n.d) Retrieved September 5, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamic_acid

Chicory

Cichorium intybus

Habitat: Eastern deciduous forest & tallgrass prairie

Season: July-October

Active Chemical Ingredient: Inulin (C_6nH_10n+2O_5n+1) assists with bowel movement.

Uses: Chicory has a mild laxative effect, helping with constipation.

Preparation: The leaves can be eaten directly or the leaves and root can be boiled into a tea.

Inulin (n.d) Retrieved September 6, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inulin