Gentle Lax (Excess)

A Classical Chinese Herbal Formula for Excess-Type Constipation & Intestinal Stagnation

Constipation is one of the most common and most uncomfortable digestive complaints, and not all constipation responds to the same approach. In Chinese medicine, excess-type constipation is a distinct pattern: acute, often accompanied by abdominal distension and pain, heat signs like a red face and yellow tongue coat, and a general sense of things stuck, backed up, and building pressure. This is not just sluggish digestion, it's accumulated heat and stagnation in the intestines that needs to be actively cleared and moved. Gentle Lax (Excess) is a potent classical formula designed for exactly this pattern. It combines strong purgative herbs with emollient and antispasmodic support to move stagnation effectively while protecting the intestinal lining and relieving associated pain.

How It Works

This formula uses a layered approach to address excess-type constipation from multiple angles simultaneously. Purgative herbs directly stimulate bowel movement and clear heat. Osmotic agents draw water into the intestines to soften stool and induce peristalsis. Emollient herbs lubricate the Large Intestine to ease passage. And blood-nourishing herbs calm the cramping and abdominal pain that often accompany acute constipation. Together, they create a reliable, coordinated clearing effect.

Key Herbs & What They Do

• Da Huang (Rhubarb Root): The chief purgative herb, with direct laxative action on the transverse and descending colon. Inhibits water reabsorption to produce effective evacuation, increases large intestinal peristalsis, and clears heat simultaneously, without interfering with nutrient absorption in the small intestine
• Mang Xiao (Sodium Sulfate): An osmotic agent that draws water into the intestinal lumen, increasing pressure and inducing peristalsis. Works synergistically with Da Huang in a complementary push-and-pull action to address acute and severe constipation reliably. Works best when taken with plenty of water
• Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf): A stimulant laxative that increases contraction and peristalsis of the large intestine, enhancing and extending the formula's clearing action
• Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange): Dissipates stagnation, reduces abdominal distension, and stimulates intestinal contractions to support the movement of accumulated food and waste
• Hou Po (Magnolia Bark): Promotes strong, rhythmic, forceful peristalsis through its excitatory effect on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, and further reduces distension and fullness
• Tao Ren (Peach Kernel): An emollient that lubricates the Large Intestine to soften stool and ease its passage
• Bai Shao (White Peony Root): Nourishes blood and relieves the intestinal cramping and abdominal pain that commonly accompany excess-type constipation

Supports

• Relief of moderate to severe excess-type constipation
• Reduction of abdominal distension, bloating, and pain
• Healthy intestinal peristalsis and motility
• Clearance of accumulated heat and food stagnation
• Support for drug-induced constipation, including that associated with opioids or antipsychotic medications

Best For

Excess-type constipation with signs of heat: acute or severe constipation, abdominal distension and pain, red face, or yellow tongue coat. Also appropriate for food stagnation and indigestion with bloating. Not intended for deficiency-type constipation or long-term daily use.

How to Use

Take 3 to 4 capsules, three times daily with warm water. For sensitive digestive systems, start with 2 capsules four times daily and take with meals. Stop taking once the desired effect is achieved.

Contains Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), a tree nut allergen. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Not recommended for prolonged use or at high doses, as this may cause diarrhea and dehydration. Do not use if you have diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain. Consult your healthcare provider if you have hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, or are taking medications. Seek immediate medical attention if constipation is accompanied by vomiting, blood in the stool, weight loss, or a distended abdomen.

Full Ingredients

Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), Fan Xie Ye (Folium Sennae), Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis), Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas), Tao Ren (Semen Persicae), Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus)