Colon Cleansing Remedies

Although studies indicate that colon cleansing is not essential--and may actually be detrimental--to maintaining overall health, many holistic and alternative practitioners believe that it is beneficial. According to "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," the retention of toxins in the colon can lead to fatigue, depression, mental confusion and irritability. Higher levels of toxicity can lead to even more serious health problems. There are a variety of methods available for cleansing the colon of toxins and maintaining optimal colon health.

Fasting

One method for cleansing the colon is fasting. "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing" recommends fasting at least three days each month and undergoing a longer, 10-day fast at least twice a year. The fasting need not be done on water alone, as this causes toxins to release too quickly and can lead to headaches and other forms of discomfort. Instead, limit food intake to raw fruits and vegetables for two days before beginning the fast, then drink eight 8-oz. glasses of steam-distilled water each day along with pure, unsweetened juices such as beet, carrot, celery, lemon, apple and grape. All juices should be diluted to one part steam-distilled water to three parts juice. Avoid tomato and orange juice while fasting. Herbal teas made from detoxifying herbs can also be consumed up to twice a day. "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing" recommends consuming only raw fruits and vegetables for the two days following the fast.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies can also be used to cleanse the colon. According to "Herbal Medicine," apple pectin is good for removing radiation and metals from the body. Other colon-cleansing herbs include fennel, marshmallow, aloe vera, licorice and slippery elm. These herbs can be purchased online and at most health food stores, and come in tea and pill forms. According to "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," licorice can raise blood pressure and should therefore be avoided if you have high blood pressure. The National Institutes of Health, however, states that DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) does not have the same harmful side effects as regular licorice.

Enemas

According to "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," a coffee enema may be effective in cleansing the colon and removing toxins from the body. Use pure, ground coffee for this process--never decaffeinated or instant coffee. Other types of enemas recommended by "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing" include a catnip tea enema and a lemon juice cleansing enema. All should be made with steam-distilled water.