Colon cleansing refers to the process of cleaning out the colons and the intestines. Those who are suffering from diarrhea, constipation and ulcerative colitis usually need it as a part of their treatment. It is an important process for the body to get rid of potential parasites, excess sugars and toxins. It is generally done by taking anti-parasites, enzymes and laxatives.
There are plenty of herbs that can perform this task quite efficiently. However, colon cleansing treatments, including the ones involving herbs, should always be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Following are some of the best herbs that are used for colon cleansing.
Herbs for Colon Cleansing
Rhubarb
The roots of the rhubarb plant contain bitter, tannins and anthraquinones. It possesses laxative (due to its anthraquinones content), antispasmodic, antiseptic, astringent (due to its tannins content) and purgative properties that make this herb a wonderful stomach tonic.
The anthraquinones promote a healthy colon and helps in flushing toxins and waste products from the gastrointestinal tract. It is due to its potent colon cleansing functions why it is used so commonly in the treatment of diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulcers and constipation.
It is generally taken in the form of tincture, 1-2 tsp. for 3 times daily. However, pregnant women and those who are suffering from kidney malfunctioning should avoid taking this herb.
Psyllium
Psyllium has high fiber content, which helps them to work as a powerful laxative. Many bulk laxatives like Serutan and Metamucil use Psyllium as an important ingredient. The mucilage in Psyllium absorbs the moisture out from the intestines, which eventually helps in regulating the entire digestive process.
When you consume Psyllium husks, it turns into a clear, jelly like substance inside the stomach that helps in gently pushing the toxins and harmful materials out of the colon. It also acts as a bulk laxative and helps in adding bulk to the stools in the colon. It is generally taken in the form of seed husks.
Since this herb mainly works by absorbing water, those who are taking it must drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you have never used Psyllium before, you should start with the lowest possible dosage. The general recommended dosage is 1-2 tsp. of Psyllium powder into 8 oz of fruit juice or water, once daily. Excessive dosage should be avoided, as it can cause certain side effects, such as low blood pressure.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm possesses soothing mucilage that can be very effective in coating the intestines and the stomach, which eventually helps in colon cleansing. It also soothes ulcers by helping in flushing harmful acids out of the body. In general, 4 grams of slippery elm can be taken with two cups of hot water.
Black Walnut
Black walnut contains iodine, tannins, sterol and omega-3 fatty acids. The herb possesses anti-parasitic, laxative and astringent properties. Its leaves and bark infusions are used for colon cleansing purposes. It acts like a mild laxative, helps in flushing the intestinal tract and promotes the elimination of toxins and waste from the colon.
Black walnut also acts like a germicide, anti-parasitic and antiseptic. It helps your body to get rid of tapeworm or parasites. It can be taken in the form of herbal tea, which you can prepare by steeping black walnut leaves in hot water. The general recommended dosage is 1-2 tsp. just once a week. However, those who are allergic to pecans should avoid walnut remedies.
Clove
Eugenol is the main active component in clove that makes it a powerful antibacterial, analgesic and antiseptic. It is mainly due to its antiseptic nature why it is also used in various colon cleansing formulas. It improves your body’s ability to get rid of parasites and toxins.
Excessive dosage should be avoided, as it can cause certain side effects, such as blood disorders, sore throat, vomiting, sedation, seizure and bleeding. Consult your doctor for proper dosage guidelines.
Cascara
Cascara is also referred to as sacred bark. It contains cascarosides that possess wonderful laxative properties. The herb cleanses the bowel and relieves constipation by speeding contractions in the bowels, but it does so very gently. Cascarosides help in the elimination of waste by contracting the bowel and causing water build up in the colon.
Cascara is also used in diet formulation to lose weight. For colon cleansing purposes, it is generally used in combination with senna. The general recommended dosage is 325 mg of dried herb or 2-6 ml in fluid extract form or 1 gram of bark. However, long term use of this herb should be avoided, as it can cause mineral depletion and weakening of the bowel functioning. Nursing and pregnant women should not use this herb.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains linseed that carries very effective laxative and bowel cleansing properties. Flaxseeds are generally safe, but diarrhea patients should not consume it in large quantity. In general, the daily recommended dosage is 20-25 grams.
Senna
Senna contains senna glycosides that possess highly effective laxative properties. It contains ex-lax, which acts similarly as a pharmaceutical laxative. It cleanses colon by stimulating evacuation of waste materials from the bowels.
It produces contractions in the intestine muscles and helps in moving things in the bowel through the digestive tract for expulsion. It can be very helpful in relieving constipation and other diseases that require colon cleansing, but you are advised not to use it for a prolonged period, as in that case, it can disturb electrolyte balance in your body and may cause dehydration. The general recommended dosage is 15 mg in capsule form, once daily.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera leaves contain a clear-jelly like substance that carries cathartic and colon-cleansing properties. It can be very effective in evacuating impurities from the colon. The general recommended dosage is 330 mg.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a high-fiber bulking agent that is used alone in combination with other herbs to perform colon cleansing tasks. It increases the production of oxytocin that helps in evacuation of harmful waste products from colon. However, pregnant women and people who are diabetic or are taking anti-coagulation medications should avoid this herb. In general, the dosage of fenugreek seeds for colon-cleansing purpose should not exceed 100 grams.
Chickweed
Chickweed contains carboxylic acids, triterpenoids, glycoside rutin, cumarins, silica, saponins and mucilage. The combined effect of all these ingredients prompts colon-cleansing action within hours. It is generally taken in the form of herbal tea, ½ cup (with 2 oz of fresh leaves) for 3-4 times daily.
Alternatively, it can also be used in salads. Colon cleansing herbs must be taken with great caution. Therefore, you are strongly recommended to use it under the supervision of an experienced herbal practitioner only.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
