Herbs That Cleanse the Bowels

Cleansing the bowels, also identified as colonic irrigation or colon cleansing, is a method for detoxifying the body and eliminating bacteria in the intestinal tract. While there are over-the-counter methods for cleansing the colon, such methods can prove dangerous by causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Thankfully, there are some herbal alternatives you can turn to when you want to irrigate your colon.

Burdock

• Burdock is an herb that has been used as a purifier for the blood and helps the body rid itself of toxins. This herb has inulin, a source of dietary fiber that can make your bowel movements regular. This herb offers antibacterial properties, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Burdock seeds are a demulcent, which promotes the production of mucous membranes inside the intestinal tract; this can help in promoting regular bowel movements. You can consume 1 to 2 grams of burdock in capsule form three times daily to encourage regular bowel movements and colonic irrigation. You can also consume burdock as a tea by steeping 2 to 6 grams of the dried herb in 500 milliliters of water; the tea can be consumed three times a day.

Cascara Sagrada

• Cascara sagrada is an herb that is known for its laxative effects. This herb can help to moisten bowels, so that they can be removed in a more effective and efficient manner. This herb is available in capsule form; you can consume cascara sagrada at a dosage of one to two 900 milligram capsules two times a day, with juice or water when your stomach is completely empty for natural colonic irrigation.

Peppermint

• Peppermint is an herb that has antibacterial and antiviral properties. This herb also has the ability to sooth digestive issues by enhancing the production of bile and by soothing stomach muscles. This action encourages faster digestive processes, and therefore, encourages swift removal of the bowels. Peppermint can be consumed as a tea or in capsule form at a dosage of two 400 milligram capsules daily to promote digestive health and to make bowel movements more expedient.

Rhubarb

• Rhubarb is an all natural laxative that works well to alleviate constipation. This herb also naturally stimulates mucous production in the upper intestines, which makes bowel removal more efficient. Rhubarb can be consumed as an organic extract by adding 14 to 18 drops of the extract to an 8 oz. glass of water. The concoction must be consumed two to three times a day for no more than 14 days for natural colonic irrigation.

Senna

• Senna is a natural laxative that is often used in over-the-counter laxatives. Senna has anthraquinone glycosides that work to soften hard stools and to intensify intestinal contractions, so that natural colonic irrigation can occur. This herb also aids in balancing electrolytes in the body and increasing water amounts in your body, so that hard stools do not form. Dried senna leaves can be used to consume the herb as a tea, or you can take senna in capsule form at a dosage of one 470 milligram capsule three times a day for natural colonic irrigation.