Among the functions of the colon, also referred to as the large intestine, is the absorption of water and minerals, notes herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal." Common dysfunctions of the colon include colitis, an inflammation that can cause both diarrhea and constipation, and diverticulitis, a weakening of the colon wall in which pockets can develop and accumulate waste material. Performing a colon cleanse with herbs may help restore and maintain colon health. Herbal cleanses fall under the category of naturopathic medicine, which promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Step 1
Make a senna tea by adding 2 tbsp. of organic dry senna leaves to a cup of filtered boiling water and letting it steep for five to 10 minutes.
Step 2
Drink the senna-leaf tea before bedtime. Senna leaves contain anthraquinone derivatives that stimulate contractions in the colon, acting as a laxative, says herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality."
Step 3
Grind 2 tbsp. of organic plantain seeds the next morning, after you have had a couple of bowel movements. Plantain seed is commonly known as psyllium and is commercially available already ground. If you're grinding them yourself, grind them in a coffee blender until they're a thin powder.
Step 4
Add the ground plantain seeds to a cup of warm water and mix until all granules are dissolved.
Step 5
Drink the psyllium mixture quickly, before it thickens. Plantain seeds contain a substantial amount of mucilage. According to Simon Mills in "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism," this complex carbohydrate becomes slippery when moistened and helps your colon release fecal matter smoothly, also helping relieve inflammation.
Step 6
Drink organic German chamomile tea throughout the day to help with your digestion and to relax your large intestine after the laxative effects of the senna leaves and the psyllium.
Step 7
Repeat each step for two more days to fully cleanse your colon. Eat easy-to-digest foods, such as broths and rice, while you're performing your colon cleanse.
Tips and Warnings
- Adding honey to your teas can improve the flavor. Drink the plantain leaf drink only when you have at least 45 minutes free; it will prompt bowel movements.
- Don't take any laxative teas if you are experiencing diarrhea.
Things You'll Need
- Organic senna leaves
- Organic plantain seeds (psyllium)
- Organic German chamomile
- Small pot
- Filtered water
- Cup
- Spoon
- Organic honey (optional)
References
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
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