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Herbal Supplements That Cleanse the Colon

Colon cleansing involves cleaning out the toxins and waste of the intestines and colon. Detox programs flush out toxic build-up along the colon walls. Excrement, pus and bacteria gradually accumulate in diverticula, the tiny pockets that form on the walls of the colon. A variety of cleansing diets and enema procedures are used to clean the colon. Certain herbal products can also be useful as an alternative or supplement to a standard colon-cleansing program.

  1. Cathartic Herbs

    • Take cathartic herbal supplements to stimulate bowel movement and flush out fecal matter. Cathartic herbs help achieve more regular and effective bowel function and are best taken with all meals for two or three days. Several cathartic herbs come in pill form. Try cape aloe leaf, a relative of aloe vera. This herbal supplement is a powerful cathartic agent. Also try senna leaf capsules, available at most health food stores. Buy senna capsules that contain the pure powdered form of the herb. You can also try a cascara sagrada supplement, an herb with potent detox properties.

    Absorbing Herbs

    • Combine cathartic herbs with absorbing herbs for a more effective colon cleanse. Absorbing herbs draw out toxins and waste build-up and scrub the intestinal tract. Take absorbing herbs in conjunction with cathartic herbs, but do not consume both supplement forms at the same time. Absorbing herbs are best taken alone on an empty stomach. Consume two teaspoons of the following absorbing herbs mixed with a glass of water or juice five times per day for two or three days. Try bentonite clay, also known as Aztec clay. This supplement uses electron reactions to absorb toxins in the body. Another option is activated charcoal, a powerful absorbing agent often used in poison control centers to draw toxic substances out of the body. You can also try apple pectin, a natural absorber of chemicals and toxins that may help heal inflamed colons.

    Additional Advice

    • Although herbal supplements may prove helpful, there is little scientific or medical evidence to support the benefits of a colon cleanse and the herbs. Proponents of colon cleansing suggest that herbal supplements help remove toxins, promoting healthy intestinal function and boosting your immune system. Dr. Michael Picco of the Mayo Clinic points out that in most cases the body's digestive system naturally eliminates waste without the need for enemas and pills. If you take herbal supplements for colon cleansing, drink plenty of water. Cleansing herbs may lead to constipation and dehydration, so drink at least 16 ounces of water with every dose of cathartic or absorbing herbs to stay properly hydrated.

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