The Best Herbal Colon Cleansers

Herbal bitters improve the tone of the digestive tract, support liver health, and enhance the flow of bile. These actions facilitate colon cleansing and improve the health of the entire digestive tract. In fact, herbal bitters may make the entire body healthier. Wide ranging benefits include reducing musculo skeletal pain and improving the appearance of the skin.

Strong Laxatives are for Temporary Use Only

Laxative herbs clean the colon by strong actions which may produce cramping and result in loose stools. They should only be used occasionally as they are harsh. Unfortunately, senna, an important herb, is routinely recommended by mainstream heath practitioners for regular use. The result is that people who use senna regularly become dependent upon it.

Senna is a powerful herb which may be used if other methods fail. It works by speeding up the movement of the stool through the colon. Senna should not be used if abdominal pain is felt prior to or while consuming the herb. Some cramping may occur with use. If digestive ills are present, strong laxatives may aggravate pre existing conditions. Overuse of senna may result in potassium loss and interfere with absorption of nutrients and medications. It should not be used by children.

One half to two milliliters of senna tincture taken twice daily may be used occasionally. One to two tablets may be substituted for the tincture. Always begin with the smaller amount.

A better option to senna is Chinese rhubarb root. Chinese rhubarb root requires that you observe the same precautions as when taking senna. However, Chinese rhubarb root not only cleanses the bowel, but also has an astringent action which tones it, reducing the likelihood of loose stools. Garden rhubarb root is not interchangeable with Chinese rhubarb root. Chinese rhubarb root may give a harmless red or yellow tint to urine. One to two milliliters of Chinese rhubarb root tincture may be consumed twice daily for short term use; unless otherwise directed by a qualified health care practitioner.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2014 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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