Certain substances never produce active purgation, but simply unload the bowels by slightly increasing both peristalsis and secretion, expelling the feces in a softened, though solid and formed, condition, without irritation and without perceptibly affecting the general system.

These agents are especially useful where we wish to evacuate the bowels with the least possible local derangement, as in simple constipation from dyspepsia, in children, pregnant women, convalescents from acute disease, or patients affected with hemorrhoids, hernia, affections of the rectum or womb, typhoid fever, early simple diarrhea, or in inflammation or surgical operations about the abdomen and pelvis.

In addition to the laxative drugs here mentioned there are many articles of diet which by purely mechanical action produce catharsis, such as oatmeal, brown bread, whole flour, molasses, prunes, figs, onions, spinach, celery, lettuce, etc.