Looking for a laxative?

Sadly, this perfect body we've been given is sometimes, well, less than perfect. Happily, there may be simple solutions to problems which are significant but still within the realm of self-treatment.

Constipation would fit that description (most of the time). Take simple steps: drink enough, especially water; chew well at meals and keep quantities moderate; check for foods that irritate you; get enough of the good fats that promote proper intestinal function; coddle your good flora so the acidophilus and friends thrive; love your fibers and they will return the love. Sometimes: enzymes when digestion needs a boost; magnesium when all of the above need integration (and when your calcium supplement seems to be causing more problems than it solves). And always, leave the stress behind when you eat.

For years an older woman came to my store, looking for the ingredients to make a natural laxative. She had found the recipe in an old "doctor book" and passed it on to friends and family. That's how good it was...Ready to try it?

RECIPE FOR NATURAL LAXATIVE
Mix together: 1 cup whey powder, 1 1/2 cups brewers (nutritional) yeast, 1 cup wheat germ, 1/2 cup psyllium seed, 1/2 cup flax seed, 1/2 cup mustard seed. Take 2 tablespoons in 8 oz. yogurt. Do not chew!

(My notes: best to refrigerate because of the wheat germ. Use yogurt with live cultures.)

Simple remedies? Simple solutions? Tell me more.