Herbs That Cleanse the Colon

There are many types of herbs that can be taken in tea, powder or liquid form to cleanse the colon or large intestine of waste. This is appropriate for healthy individuals to help improve digestion and to relieve occasional constipation.
Commonly-used herbs include senna, cascara sagrada, buckthorn root, barberry, licorice root, comfrey, mullein, marshmallow root and Irish moss, according to Carrie L'Esperance, author of The Ancient Cookfire (1989, Bear & Co., Santa Fe).

Why Ceanse the Colon?

• If you have two to three daily bowel movements you are in the minority: many people report having two or three per week. Chronic constipation can result in skin rashes, weight gain, a sense of malaise and may be the result of eating a low-fiber diet, overeating or poor food combinations.
  Cleansing the colon by drinking herbal teas or taking them in powder or liquid form is a way to keep the colon clear. This is important to encourage proper digestion and prevent putrefaction in the large intestine that can cause bloating.
  The goal is to establish healthy bowel movements. Getting regular exercise and eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help do this.

How Do I Know What to Take and How Often?

• There are many commercial herbal teas, powders and liquid supplements called "colon cleanse" or detox teas. The detoxification occurs from the herbs acting as an intestinal "broom" to loosen hardened waste on the inner walls of the colon.
  If you choose to use a detox tea or a colon cleanse product, follow the directions precisely. You will notice the first day if the product is appropriate for you. If you have diarrhea, it is not.
  Some products include pysillium seed which absorbs water and helps shorten the transit time of waste moving out of the body. If you become bloated and constipated from it, switch to products with slippery elm or ground flax seed or fennel seed instead.

Safeguards

• If you have any history of eating disorders, diverticulosis, leaky gut syndrome, colon cancer, diabetes, liver disorder or any other serious health issues, get medical clearance from your doctor first. For example, if you have experienced chronic irregularity for years, it may be too extreme to do a colon cleanse on your own. Instead, your doctor might direct you to get colonics in a clinic or hospital to remove impacted waste that have accumulated for years.
  Fasting and doing a colon cleanse is not a good way to lose weight quickly. Instead, see a nutritionist for guidelines.