Information On The Best Herbs For Colon Cleansing

In folk medicine, herbs were routinely and effectively used to treat irregularity. Usually by the preparation of a tea, the herbs were ingested and produced powerful colon cleansing effects within six to 12 hours. Such herbs, which coax the intestines into expelling waste, are considered stimulant laxatives. Some herbs, such as aloe vera, are equally effective and the contents of the leaf itself are ingested whole or by blending and juicing. Moderation is key as the University of Maryland Medical Center affirms that the overuse of any colon cleansing herb can lead to dependency.

Cascara Sagrada

Cascara sagrada has been considered a gentle laxative by the Native Americans who first used it. The name means "sacred bark," according to "Cascara Sagrada: Nature's Gentle Answer to Constipation." The bark was traditionally peeled from the wood, collected in the spring and summer and allowed to dry in the shade. Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative whose function is to assist bowel evacuation. Stimulant laxatives work by causing the muscles in the large intestine to contract, evacuating the stool. Cascara has a bitter taste and is most easily taken in capsule form.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an ancient natural medicinal herb used for colon cleansing. It must be taken orally to reap the colon cleansing benefits of the herb. The ingestion of aloe is believed to heal intestinal disorders in addition to evacuating the stool and impurities from the colon. The clear jelly-like substance from within the leaves contains this herb's healing abilities. The Mayo clinic confirms aloe vera's ancient use as an oral laxative due to the cathartic properties found in this herb.

Senna

Senna is a stimulant laxative herb that grows throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. Senna works by effectively assisting bowel evacuation by causing the muscles in the large intestine to contract, evacuating the stool. Senna is recommended for short-term use and can cause dehydration and problems with the body's electrolyte balance if abused, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.