The large intestine or colon performs the last step in the digestive tract and according to the book "The New Holistic Herbal" by herbalist David Hoffmann, it absorbs water and minerals in its process of elimination. Cleansing the colon can relieve constipation and bring tone to its walls. It can also help treat colon dysfunctions such as diverticulitis, which is when one or more small pouches in the colon are inflamed, causing pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Herbs that will cleanse the colon will be laxative, which means they promote the elimination of fecal matter, and mucilogenous, which according to the book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism" by Simon Mills, will soothe and coat the colon's mucus membranes.
Step 1
Boil a cup of filtered water one to two hours before bedtime and add 1 tsp. of organic and dry senna leaves along with 1 tsp. of organic and freshly chopped ginger root. Senna is a laxative herb that according to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life with Energy Health and Vitality," contains anthraquinone derivatives that simulate bowel movements. Ginger helps with cramps that may be caused by senna's laxative properties, says Gladstar.
Step 2
Simmer the herbs for at least five minutes and strain them out with a colander.
Step 3
Sweeten your tea with honey if you want and drink it slowly. It will take senna eight to 10 hours to work. Be sure to have extra time in the morning when the laxative effects of senna take effect.
Step 4
Prepare a plantain seed mixture in the morning by adding 2 tsp. ground and organic plantain seeds to a cup of warm water and stir it vigorously until all granules have dissolved.
Step 5
Drink your plantain seed drink quickly, because the seeds are mucilogenous and will make the water thick and slimy upon contact.
Step 6
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and make yourself an organic chamomile tea if you experience mild stomach pain during your bowel movements.
Step 7
Repeat each step every day for a full week and try to eat steamed vegetables, rice and broth in order to help your digestive system assimilate your colon cleanse.
Things You'll Need
- Organic senna leaf
- Organic ginger root
- Organic plantain seeds
- Organic chamomile (optional)
- Filtered water
- Pot
- Spoon
- Colander
- Honey (optional)
References
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.;1988
- "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
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