Herbal colon cleansing: How effective and safe are they?

Colon is an essential organ which is responsible for the excretion of waste materials from the body, in the form of stool. A regular colon cleansing is necessary to remove the undigested foods, toxic materials and hardened faeces, that get deposited in the colon over time.

Various methods of colon cleansing are being used. Of these methods, herbal colon cleansing is the most effective. This is an organic method with the least side effects. This method is non-invasive and easy to use. The benefits obtained from a herbal colon cleanse are the following:

• It prevents the growth of harmful bacteria within the intestine.
• It helps to reduce weight.
• It helps to eliminate various parasites from the body.
• Cures constipation, irritable bowel syndrome etc.
• Cures pain in the abdomen and pelvic area.
• It helps to prevent hormonal disorders.

The following are the different herbs that are being used for herbal colon cleansing:

• Garlic - It is a very useful herb that promotes intestinal movement or 'peristalsis', which is essential for the downward movement of bowel. It also controls the growth of harmful bacteria within the intestine and colon and prevents infections.
• Fennel - Helps to prevent the formation of gas.
• Psyllium - It is the most commonly used herb. Generally two teaspoons of psyllium husk are mixed with a cup of water and taken before going to bed. It is a very good laxative.
• Licorice root - It is also a mild laxative which helps in proper bowel movement.
• Flax seeds - Another important herbal ingredient. It also promotes 'peristalsis' and facilitates bowel movement.
• Cascara Sagrada - Commonly used as a laxative. Facilitates bowel movement by stimulating contractions of the colon.
• Dandelion root - Mild laxative and rich in antioxidants.

There are other herbs such as senna, aloe leaf, black radish, barberry, marshmellow etc. which are also used as herbal colon cleansers.

How safe are these herbal cleansers?

Though these herbal cleansers can be used safely for colon cleansing, there is another side of the story. These herbal cleansers can be obtained from the market as supplements, either in the capsule form or in the powder form. But some manufacturers may use cheap and sub-standard ingredients in their formulations which may be harmful for our health.

There may be other side effects too. For example, the use of psyllium may result in allergic reactions. A prolonged use of the herb may adversely affect the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. Other herbs such as cascara and senna contain a compound known as 'Anthraquinone' which has some side effects. Common side effects are diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. So before deciding the use of herbal colon cleansers, one should also consider these side effects.