PRODUCT DETAILS

Composition

Atwood Laxative Bitters is a herbal stimulant laxative syrup/mixture. Typical ingredients include:

• Senna (Cassia senna) → stimulant laxative (increases bowel movement)
• Cascara sagrada → stimulates intestinal muscles
• Aloe vera extract → laxative effect (bowel stimulation)
• Dandelion root → mild digestive/“detox” support
• Gentian root / bitter herbs → stimulate digestion and appetite

It is a plant-based laxative (“bitters”) mixture used to stimulate bowel activity.

Uses / Indications

• Constipation (main use)
• Sluggish bowel movement
• Bloating and indigestion
• Sometimes traditionally used for:
• “loss of appetite”
• digestive cleansing / detox support
• general stomach discomfort

Main medical use = short-term relief of constipation.

Direction of Use

• Taken orally (liquid syrup or bitters)
• Usually:
• Adults: taken once daily, often at night
• Works within:
• 6–12 hours (often next morning bowel movement)
• Should be used short term only (few days) unless directed by a healthcare professional
• Measure dose carefully with cup/spoon

Side Effects

Common:

• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

Less common but important:

• Weakness
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance (loss of salts)
• Dizziness

Overuse can lead to:

• “lazy bowel” (dependence on laxatives)
• kidney strain or electrolyte problems

Warnings / Precautions

• Do NOT use long-term (risk of bowel dependence)
• Avoid if you have:
• intestinal obstruction
• severe dehydration
• unknown abdominal pain
• Use caution in:
• pregnancy
• elderly patients
• Stop if:
• severe diarrhoea occurs
• rectal bleeding appears

Drug Interactions

• Diuretics (“water pills”) → increased potassium loss
• Heart medicines (digoxin) → electrolyte imbalance risk
• Corticosteroids → increased potassium loss
• Other laxatives → excessive bowel effect

Contraindications / Caution

Avoid if:

• Allergy to herbal ingredients (senna, cascara, aloe)
• Acute abdominal conditions (appendicitis, obstruction)
• Chronic constipation needing medical evaluation