Herbs That Detox the Colon

The colon is an important part of the digestive system, responsible for eliminating waste and toxins from the body. When it is not functioning well due to waste buildup, many diseases and ailments can occur. There are many herbs that are detoxifiers for the colon. They not only assist in cleansing, soothing and relining the coat of the colon but they also help to keep regular healthy bowel movements in the colon to prevent a buildup of wastes from reoccurring.

Cleansing herbs

• When the colon becomes blocked, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, bloating and headaches. As the toxins get reabsorbed by the body, the colon becomes a breeding ground for diseases, including cancer. It puts a strain on the body and general well-being becomes harder to accomplish.

  Herbs have been used for centuries to assist with colon cleansing. Psyllium husk is one of the most popular herbs for cleansing the colon and keeping it healthy on a daily basis. It is a fiber that forms a gel in the intestines, cleaning everything in its path, as it eliminated through bowel movements. It also strengthens the intestine walls. Flax seeds also tend to remove waste in this way. It is essential that a minimum of eight glasses of water is consumed within the day in order to prevent the intestines from becoming blocked.

  Slippery elm bark will soothe and coat the lining of the intestines. Fennel seeds, licorice root, marshmallow root and aloe vera all tend to have a soothing, cleansing effect on the intestines. They also coat the lining of the intestines and assist with digestion.

How to use the herbs

• Herbs for supporting the colon can be taken every morning with breakfast. Flax seed and slippery elm bark can be used in cereals, smoothies or protein shakes. Psyllium husk and aloe vera are usually taken with a glass of water or juice. Fennel seeds, marshmallow root and licorice root are used as a tea. A teaspoon can be placed in a glass of boiled water and left to seep for three to five minutes, then strained.

  When taking herbs to detox the colon, it is essential that between eight to 12 glasses of water be consumed daily. Herbs for the colon tend to use up a lot of the body's water and constipation can occur if there is not enough water to cleanse the waste from the colon.