The colon, is responsible for the absorption of minerals and water, according to "The New Holistic Herbal," by herbalist David Hoffmann. Both constipation and diarrhea can be caused by a dysfunction present in the colon that may lead to colitis and diverticulitis. Herbal colon cleanses are a remedy that help restore colon health. The combination of senna leaves and psyllium help your colon fully cleanse out matter that may otherwise cause illness. Always consult your doctor before using herbal remedies if you are under treatment or taking medication.
Step 1
Prepare a colon cleansing senna leaf tea before going to bed. Boil a cup of filtered water in a pot or kettle, and pour it into a cup. Add 2 tbsp. of organic dry senna leaves. You can sweeten your senna tea with organic licorice root or organic honey. Let the herbs steep for at least five minutes.
Step 2
Drink your senna-leaf tea slowly. According to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book, "Family Herbal: A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality," the anthraquinone derivatives present in senna leaves make it a stimulant for the colon, causing contractions and acting as a mild laxative. It takes approximately six to eight hours for senna leaves to take effect, so you should experience your first bowel movements early in the morning.
Step 3
Prepare the second stage of your colon cleanse by making a psyllium drink. Use a small coffee grinder to grind 1 to 2 tbsp. of organic psyllium. Psyllium is a common name for the seeds of the herb plantain, and they are used in many commercially available laxatives. They will serve as support to the senna leaves as they also work as a laxative, but in a much milder manner, due to their high mucilage content. Mucilage is a complex carbohydrate that becomes slimy when it comes in contact with moisture, and this helps relieve inflammation in the mucus membranes of the stomach and intestines, according to Simon Mills in "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism."
Step 4
Pour warm water into a tea cup and add the ground plantain seeds. Mix the water and psyllium well, getting rid of any granules.
Step 5
Drink this mixture while it is still warm and before it has a chance to settle, since the mucilage content of psyllium will make it thicken and it will be hard to swallow.
Step 6
Expect more bowel movements following the ones triggered by the senna leaves throughout the day after taking your plantain seed drink. Drink chamomile tea throughout the day to help relax your gastrointestinal tract and calm your stomach, explains herbalist Richo Cech in his book "Making Plant Medicine."
Step 7
Follow each step for two more days to complete a three day colon cleanse treatment of senna leaves and psyllium. While you are on the cleanse, favor easy-to-digest foods, such as steamed vegetables and rice, or vegetable broth, and drink at least eight glasses of water to remain hydrated throughout the cleanse.
Things You'll Need
- Organic senna leaves
- Organic licorice root (optional)
- Organic psyllium (plantain seeds)
- Organic German chamomile
- Organic honey (optional)
- Teakettle
- Filtered water
- Spoon
- Tea cup
References
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "Family Herbal a Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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