Physic vs. Laxative — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
A physic is a broad term for any medicine that cures or treats disorders, whereas a laxative specifically refers to a medicine used to encourage bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Difference Between Physic and Laxative
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Physic encompasses a wide range of medicinal treatments aimed at various health issues, from digestive to respiratory disorders. On the other hand, laxatives are specifically designed to alleviate constipation by softening stools or stimulating bowel movements.
Physic can include remedies that have either systemic or targeted effects on the body, addressing multiple health concerns or specific ailments. Whereas, laxatives focus primarily on the digestive system, specifically the lower bowel, to promote stool passage.
The term "physic" is somewhat archaic and less commonly used in modern medical terminology, often replaced by more specific terms related to its intended treatment. On the other hand, "laxative" remains a common and widely understood term used specifically for agents that aid in defecation.
While physicks can be formulated in various forms like pills, liquids, or topical applications depending on the type of treatment, laxatives are generally available in forms such as tablets, suppositories, or powders that specifically cater to accelerating bowel activity.
The effectiveness of physicks can vary widely based on the condition being treated and the type of medicine used, reflecting a broad spectrum of pharmaceutical science. Conversely, laxatives are typically evaluated by their ability to produce timely bowel movements, with effectiveness closely tied to digestive health.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Treats various disorders
Promotes bowel movements
Specificity
Broad, varies by condition
Specific to digestive system
Modern Usage
Less common, archaic
Common and specialized
Forms Available
Pills, liquids, topical
Tablets, powders, suppositories
Primary Effect
Systemic or targeted
Stimulates lower bowel
Compare with Definitions
Physic
Any medicine that purges the body of illness.
The doctor prescribed a mild physic to alleviate her symptoms.
Laxative
Acts by softening the stool or stimulating the intestinal muscles.
The laxative works by softening the stool to make passage easier.
Physic
A remedy used to treat health issues broadly.
His grandmother always had a variety of old physicks in her cabinet.
Laxative
Often used to treat temporary or chronic constipation.
She found that a gentle laxative helped manage her chronic condition.
Physic
An outdated term often associated with herbal medicines.
The herbalist concocted a physic from natural ingredients.
Laxative
Can be overused, leading to dependency for bowel function.
Overuse of laxatives can lead to dependence, a concern mentioned by the doctor.
Physic
In literature, often used to mean a cure or remedy.
In the novel, the character sought a rare physic to cure the king.
Laxative
A medication that facilitates easier bowel movements.
The physician recommended taking a laxative to relieve the constipation.
Physic
Historically, a term for any therapeutic treatment.
The ancient texts described various physicks used to treat diseases.
Laxative
Available in various forms like tablets or dietary fibers.
He chose a fiber-based laxative as a natural option.
Physic
(Archaic) The art or profession of medicine.
Laxative
Having the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.
Physic
To cure or heal.
Laxative
Having a tendency to loosen or relax.
Physic
A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic.
Laxative
Having the effect of loosening or opening the intestines, and relieving from constipation; - opposed to astringent.
Physic
To act on as a cathartic.
Laxative
Laxatives, purgatives, or aperients are substances that loosen stools and increase bowel movements. They are used to treat and prevent constipation.
Physic
To treat with or as if with medicine.
Laxative
A food or drug that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.
Physic
Relating to or concerning existent materials; physical.
Laxative
Stimulating evacuation of the bowels.
Physic
A medicine or drug, especially a cathartic or purgative.
Laxative
Causing looseness or relaxation, especially of the bowels.
Physic
The art or profession of healing disease; medicine.
Laxative
Any substance, such as a food or in the form of a medicine which has a laxative effect.
Physic
Natural philosophy; physics.
Laxative
A mild cathartic
Physic
(obsolete) A physician.
Laxative
Stimulating evacuation of feces
Physic
(transitive) To cure or heal.
Physic
(transitive) To administer medicine to, especially a purgative.
Physic
The art of healing diseases; the science of medicine; the theory or practice of medicine.
Physic
A specific internal application for the cure or relief of sickness; a remedy for disease; a medicine.
Physic
Specifically, a medicine that purges; a cathartic.
Physic
A physician.
Physic
To treat with physic or medicine; to administer medicine to, esp. a cathartic; to operate on as a cathartic; to purge.
Physic
To work on as a remedy; to heal; to cure.
The labor we delight in physics pain.
A mind diseased no remedy can physic.
Physic
A purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between physic and laxative?
Physic refers to any medicinal cure, while laxative specifically targets easing bowel movements.
How do laxatives work?
Laxatives work by softening stools, increasing stool volume, or stimulating intestinal muscle contractions.
What are some conditions that physicks treat?
Physicks can treat a variety of conditions from digestive issues to respiratory and skin disorders, depending on the type.
Can physicks be natural or herbal?
Yes, many traditional physicks are based on herbal or natural remedies.
Is the term 'physic' still commonly used today?
The term 'physic' is largely outdated and has been replaced by more specific medical terminology.
What are some common forms of laxatives?
Laxatives commonly come in forms such as tablets, dietary fibers, and suppositories.
Can a laxative be considered a type of physic?
Yes, a laxative can be considered a specific type of physic aimed at treating constipation.
How quickly do laxatives work?
The onset of action for laxatives can vary, with some working within a few hours and others taking several days.
Are there any risks associated with using laxatives?
Yes, overuse of laxatives can lead to dependency and disrupt natural bowel function.
Is it safe to use physicks without a doctor’s advice?
It’s generally recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any type of physic, especially those that are old or traditional.
What should one consider before using a laxative?
It’s important to consider potential dependency, the type of laxative, and underlying health conditions.
Can both physic and laxatives be bought over the counter?
While many laxatives are available over the counter, physicks, depending on their type, might also be available OTC or may require a prescription.
Who should not use laxatives?
Individuals with certain medical conditions like bowel obstructions should avoid laxatives.
What are the long-term effects of using physic?
The long-term effects of using physicks depend on the type of medicine and the condition being treated.
Why is it important to differentiate between a general physic and a specific treatment like a laxative?
Differentiating these helps ensure appropriate and effective treatment for specific conditions, avoiding misuse and potential side effects.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
