Colon cleansing, the practice of flushing fecal waste from the colon, takes one of two forms, either by introducing water into the colon through the rectum or by consuming substances that cause the bowels to evacuate. By taking herbal supplements or drinking herbal teas you can purge your bowels, but this may cause pain, cramping and other side effects. Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, Dr. Michaelo Picco, advises readers to check with their medical providers before taking colon-cleansing herbs.
Agar
Agar, or Gelidium amansii, is perennial seaweed, from which comes a gelatin extract with colon cleansing properties, according to the PDR for Herbal Medicines. The PDR suggests that a standard dose is up to two tsp. of the dried herb, stirred quickly into a glass of juice or water and consumed before the liquid thickens. Agar absorbs liquids and softens fecal matter, encouraging waste to pass smoothly through the colon. Talk to your doctor about using agar to aid in colon cleansing.
Aloe
The succulent leaves of the aloe vera plant contain anthranoids that can flush out the colon when taken orally. The PDR advises that aloe stimulates the secretion of fluid and electrolytes in the bowels, creating a laxative effect that can last up to nine hours. The PDR recommends a standard dosage of 0.1 g of powdered aloe, preferably taken before bed. In some individuals, aloe may cause cramping, heart arrhythmia, water retention and bone deterioration. Use aloe as a colon cleanse only under a doctor's supervision.
Stimulant Laxatives
The bark of cascara sagrada and the senna herb are both stimulant laxatives, meaning they increase the volume of fecal waste in the colon until the pressure stimulates bowel movement. The PDR warns that both of these herbs may reduce electrolyte levels in the body and using them over a prolonged period could lead to serious side effects, including kidney irritation. Consult a medical professional before using these herbs to cleanse your colon.
The PDR suggests a standard dose of cascara sagrada, made by steeping two g of chopped herb in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes before straining and drinking. Consume up to two cups per day.
A standard dose of senna is two chewable tablets daily or one tsp. of senna granules taken twice a day by mouth reports the PDR. Doctors may prescribe senna to evacuate the bowels of their patients before undergoing surgery.
Psyllium
A gentler way to encourage the removal of fecal waste from the colon is psyllium. The seed husk of this common herb is available in the laxative aisle of most grocery stores.
Psyllium is a bulk-forming fiber, containing mucilage that softens and increases the moisture content in the stool. Unlike other laxatives, psyllium does not cause diarrhea because it absorbs excess water in the bowel, according to the PDR. However, taking psyllium is not without some risk, and consuming the fiber with insufficient liquid may cause choking or an esophageal blockage.
Use psyllium as directed on the manufacturer's package, or consult your doctor for a customized dosage to suit your needs.
References
- Mayo Clinic, Colon Cleansing: Is it Helpful or Harmful?
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition"; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
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