Plants and other natural substances have been used in native and folk medicine for hundreds of years. The Herb Society of America explains that "herb," as we use the term today, refers to a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, vines, ferns and mosses, as well as algae, lichen and fungi. Along with their common uses, many herbs have medicinal properties which make them valuable in natural healing. The following herbal remedies may be used specifically to cleanse and detoxify the colon.
Aloe Vera
The juice of the aloe vera plant has been used by native American herbalists for centuries to treat external injuries, especially burns. The plant is prized for its healing properties, and is used by herbalists today internally as well as externally. According to the Clayton College of Natural Health (CCNH) herb guide, aloe has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. It is a natural laxative and is healing to both the liver and digestive tract. Herbalists recommend drinking two to four ounces per day.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara sagrada is Spanish for "sacred bark". It is used in traditional native American herbal medicine to treat gallstones, liver disorders and constipation. It is a powerful laxative that should only be used temporarily to treat constipation and cleanse the large intestine. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center explains that the herb contains cascarosides, which stimulate the large intestine. It also increases the water content in the bowel, which further facilitates bowel movements. The typical dose is 300 mg once a day.
Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a mild herbal laxative which is considered safe for long-term use. The CCNH herb guide lists constipation, gallstones and ulcerative colitis (a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine) among its key targets. They note the supplement is even gentle enough for use by children. This herb can be combined with other cleansing herbs such as cascara sagrada and aloe vera to detoxify the colon and digestive tract. The University of Michigan Health System recommends taking 20-30 mg per day, as needed.
Psyllium
One of the easiest ways to keep the colon clean and functioning properly is by taking a gentle fiber supplement such as psyllium seed or psyllium husk powder. These supplements are readily available in most health food stores and supermarkets. They can be taken in capsule form or as a powder added to juice or water. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many studies have shown that psyllium effectively relieves constipation. It helps provide bulk in the intestinal tract and encourages movement of the colon. It should be taken only as indicated by product directions, since too much psyllium can actual worsen symptoms of constipation.
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