I don’t really believe in either approach, they’re rather harsh but probably harmless used in moderation. Some laxatives are harsher than others and are more habituating, leading to constipation if you try to quit after overusing them. Both hydrotherapists and the general medical community agree that the best thing is to increase the soluble fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables) and decrease fats and red meat. If that isn’t done, nothing will improve colon health. If it is done, it’s likely that no other therapy is needed.

Traveling medicine shows used to sell little bottles of white powder that cleansed the body from poisons. There was a lot of profit in that because yes, it did lead to a large bowel movement and a temporary feeling of lightness and well being…as well as being so cheap to produce it was almost pure profit. Epsom salts, little bottles and labels were the only cost. But back then you didn’t need to list ingredients, merely come up with an imaginative name.