Colon cleansing is one way to improve your body's ability to absorb nutrients, whether they are from foods or from supplements. Herbs have been used for centuries for relief of constipation and for colon cleansing. Cleansing herbs work in different ways. Some add bulk or fiber, some work as a laxative and others kill parasites. Herbs can react with medications you may be taking or with pre-existing health conditions you may have, and you should seek your doctor's advice about which type of herbal cleanse is right for you.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is derived from dried fenugreek seeds. A common Ayurvedic remedy for various digestive problems, fenugreek is a high-fiber bulking agent that may be used alone or in herbal colon cleanse combinations. Memorial Sloane-Kettering cautions not to use fenugreek if you are on anti-coagulant medication, because it may increase the power of the drug. Fenugreek stimulates production of oxytocin, a uterine stimulant, and should not be used by pregnant women. It is, however, used in folk medicine as an herbal aid to improve lactation. Fenugreek may affect blood glucose and should be used carefully if you are diabetic.
Chinese Rhubarb
Chinese rhubarb is a 6-foot-tall Asian plant, not the rhubarb stalks known as a pie ingredient in the U.S. According to Herbs2000.com, the roots and rhizomes of Chinese rhubarb are used as an herbal colon-cleansing agent. The active agents are anthraquinones and tannins. The anthraquinones promote a laxative effect, while tannins have the opposite effect. The roots and rhizomes are prepared according to the intended use. The correct anthraquinone or tannin extract from Chinese rhubarb is typically used instead of roots. The anthraquinones are valuable for colon cleansing in instances where bowel muscles are weak. They stimulate movement without causing abdominal cramping.
Chickweed
Although you can purchase prepared chickweed at health-food stores or herbal suppliers, you may find chickweed growing wild in your yard. As one of the earliest green plants to appear in the spring, chickweed is one of the traditional edible wild spring greens. According to Altnature.com, there are many species of chickweed found all over the world, and they all have similar medicinal properties. May through July is the best time to gather chickweed, when the tiny white flowers are blooming. Gather the entire above-ground plants. Use chickweed fresh, or dry it for later use. Eat the plants in salads, or cook them like spinach or other greens. Eating chickweed prompts colon-cleansing action within hours. For a more subtle effect, drink about 1/2 cup of chickweed tea three or four times a day. Chickweed is loaded with vitamins and minerals, and it also contains essential fatty acids.
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