The Herbs Used For Colon Cleansing
There are many different ways to cleanse the colon.
One of more mainstream methods of colon cleansing, is to use a unique formulation of herbs that all promote optimal digestion & constipation relief. Most of these herbs are completely harmless and provide different benefits to your body. However, there are also a few herbs that consumers should ALWAYS be aware of, and only use after doctor consultation.
The following two herbs are frequently used in colon cleansing products, but consumers should ALWAYS be very cautious when using Senna and/or Cascara Sagrada.
Senna
Senna Links:
- Senna Fact Sheet
- Senna Info on Yahoo!
- Senna Info on Drugs.com
- Information About Senna
- Senna Research
The main benefit of Senna is it’s ability for relieving constipation naturally. The reason why it is commonly usedfor constipation, is because Senna has a very powerful laxative effect.
Senna works great for constipation, if you use it every once in awhile. However, something many people don’t understand, is that excessive use of senna (longer than 7 days) can cause many problems for your digestive system, including a high possibility of bowel dependency. Senna can also interfere with certain prescription medications or supplements you may already be taking.
It is always wise to consult with your doctor or gastroenterologist, prior to taking Senna.
Cascara Sagrada
Cascara Sagrada Links:
- Cascara Sagrada Fact Sheet
- Cascara Sagrada FAQ’s
- Cascara Sagrada Information
- Cascara Sagrada Info
- Cascara Sagrada Research
Cascara Sagrada is very similar to Senna. It’s also a powerful laxative that can help ease your constipation symptoms. However, just like Senna, you MUST be very cautious when taking Cascara Sagrada.
Cascara Sagrada comes from the bark of the Rhamnus Purshiana tree. Once the bark is peeled, it must be prepared properly before ingestion. This process is very complicated, because the bark must sit & cure for at least one year before ingestion. If Cascara Sagrada is not prepared correctly, it can cause all sorts of problems inside of you, the worst being Severe, Bloody Diarrhea!
Cascara Sagrada should NEVER be used for longer than 7 consecutive days and should NEVER be taken without consulting with your doctor first. Cascara Sagrada can interfere with medications you may currently be taking, and it can also aggravate any previous digestive disorders that you may already have. Such as, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis, or Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis.
Warning About Excessive Use
It is very important to understand what these two herbs can do to you if used excessively.
If you used either of these herbs for longer than 7 consecutive days, then you are putting yourself at risk for many digestive complications! The main concern is Bowel Dependency, which means that you have “trained” your bowels to only have a bowel movement, when you take these herbs. When you don’t take these herbs, then it can be rather difficult for you to have a bowel movement.
Remember to talk to your doctor about the safety & side effects of Senna & Cascara Sagrada BEFORE you take it!
Planter said,
December 27, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
I want to thank you for posting this about Senna.
I took Senna laxatives weekly for about twenty years, and it really did a number on me. I now have trouble pooping when I need too. It’s not really fair to me, because my doctor was the one prescribing or recommending me these laxatives, and now I am unable to poop on command.
People need to understand that while these herbs are “natural” doesn’t mean that they are safe. PLEASE BE CAREFUL USING SENNA BECAUSE IT CAN HARM YOU!!!
ok… my rant is over!
Beulah said,
October 25, 2008 @ 12:19 am
This is great info to know.
Herbal Colon Cleansing Ingredients (VIDEO) | My Colon Cleansing Blog said,
November 4, 2008 @ 12:11 pm
[...] Here’s the article about herbal colon cleansers that was mentioned in the video. Here’s another blogpost that goes more indepth on colon cleansing herbs. [...]
shudson said,
February 2, 2009 @ 7:25 am
I have never known anyone who could “poop on command.” this is a foriegn to me. Understanding physiology, This doesn’t make sense to me. can you explain it?
Nancy Reinitz said,
July 4, 2009 @ 11:31 am
I just got a colonsocopy just as a routine measure. I found that my colon was stained and instead of being a pretty healthy looking pink, it was somewhat gray and not so pretty. The doctor said it was from too much laxative use. I don’t over do it by any means and told him so. He ask me what I used, and I told him Cascara Sagrata on occasion. He said, “Stop using that!” That and other products like that, such as Senna will stain your colon. So he prescribe Miralax, which is Polyethylene Glycol. I did my research after that and found out more about all of this. No more Cascara for me. Reseach hasn’t shown the staining to be of any consequence so far, but I’m not taking any chances. I’m finished with this herb.
What Does Your Colon Do? | My Colon Cleansing Blog said,
July 22, 2009 @ 10:03 am
[...] are now many colon cleansing herbal remedies on the market. These are usually taken 3 or 4 times a year and involve ingesting certain natural [...]
gualiaw said,
October 29, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
If there is another road, i suppose you should pass there.
It’s no greater than my notice, so don’t be angry.
cheers,
______________