Herbs as a Colon Cleanser

Practitioners of folk medicine routinely use herbs as an effective treatment for irregularity. By the preparation of a tea, you can ingest cleansing herbs that produce powerful colon cleansing effects within six to 12 hours. Such herbs, which coax your intestines into expelling waste, are considered stimulant laxatives. Some herbs, such as aloe vera, are equally effective, and you can ingest the contents of the leaf itself can be ingested whole or by blending and juicing. Moderation is key, as the University of Maryland Medical Center affirms that if you overuse any colon-cleansing herb, it can lead to dependency.

Cascara Sagrada

The Native Americans who first used Cascara Sagrada considered it a gentle laxative. The name means "sacred bark," according to "Cascara Sagrada: Nature's Gentle Answer to Constipation." The bark was traditionally peeled from the wood of a buckthorn tree, collected in the spring and summer and allowed to dry in the shade. You can use Ccascara Sagrada, a stimulant laxative, to assist bowel evacuation. Stimulant laxatives work by causing the muscles in your large intestine to contract, evacuating 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. You must ingest aloe vera to reap the colon-cleansing benefits of the herb. By ingesting aloe, you can heal intestinal disorders in addition to evacuating stool and impurities from your colon. The clear jelly-like substance from within the leaves contains this herb's healing capabilities. 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 your large intestine to contract, evacuating stool. Senna is recommended for your short-term use and can cause dehydration and problems with your body's electrolyte balance if abused, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.