Common Herbs in Colon Cleansers 

If you get your colon cleanse information from TV you may believe that all natural products consist only of psyllium. You really need to read the ingredients label.  Some products may contain 3 or 4 ingredients and some may contain 10 or more herbs.  Some of those herbs can be habit forming and some can increase your blood pressure.  The idea is that a colon cleanse is not a daily, weekly or even monthly activity but is instead used a few times a year. 

While psyllium can be safely used everyday - provided there is a sufficient intake of water, other herbs are not safe when used day after day after day.

There are three different components you should expect to find in a natural cleansing product:

1. First and foremost are stool softeners or laxatives.

Consider the fact that the average American adult has not had a colon cleanse in years – in some cases more than likely the number of years can be measured in decades – and thus a large amount of fecal matter has been built up, compacted, and become devoid of liquid, a softening of this stool is required in order to get things moving.

Trifolium pretense, also known as red clover, is most commonly found on the list of ingredients, although cascara buckthorn is also quite frequently used. If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid natural cleanses that include red clover and instead search for those that use cascara sagrada, also known as cascara buckthorn. Another item that might find its way onto this list is rhubarb root which is famous for its laxative effects.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please speak with your doctor before taking any colon cleanse product.  Remember, everything you put in your body is passed on to your child.  Take the bottle or copy down a list of ingredients to show your health care giver.

2. The second type of herbs used in natural colon cleansers are the toxin and parasite removers.

Dandelion root is a well known diuretic available in most health food stores, and most commonly also finds its way into the ingredients list of natural colon cleanses. Cayenne pepper is known to be useful when dealing with sore throats, but it also helps the gastrointestinal tract find relief from gas pains and also cramps, while at the same time draw out toxins. You may see apple pectin - both a source of fiber and a means to detoxify heavy metals. Garlic is added to eliminate parasites.

3. Last but not least is the group of ingredients that seek to build a healthy environment for the newly cleansed colon.

At the top of the ingredients list is usually orange root, also known as goldenseal, which is known as a mild laxative but also a soothing substance that promotes gastric and colon health. A somewhat surprising addition may be Echinacea which most know as an immune system booster but which also helps to fight internal infections. It is important to remember that Echinacea is counter indicated when using hepatotoxic substances, thus care is required when reading labels! Marshmallow (not the white sugar toasting kind) should be listed as it restores the acid/alkaline balance of the colon.

Probiotics will not be included in your colon cleanse formula.  You will need to buy them separately, store them in the your refrigerator and take them during time you are on the colon clease program and after as well.

The list of herbs may go on and on. 

Some manufacturers believe that the more stuff they put in the more you will buy their product.  If one is good - two is better.  Since there are a wide variety of herbs to accomplish any desired result, duplicating them in one product may work against you.  Depending on your other health conditions such as high blood pressure, there are herbs you should not take. 

Most health care givers now understand the importance of a healthy colon and can help you determine what products you can use.