Home Remedies and Herbs for Colon Cleansing

Colon cleansing refers to a range of therapies that aim to remove toxins from the intestinal tract and colon. It’s intended to detoxify and restore digestive health.¹ Certain types of colon cleansing therapies, such as the colon lavage method, have been used as far back as 1500 B.C. in ancient Egypt.¹ There are several types of colon cleanses. Some rely on diets or supplements for an at-home remedy while others involve performing an enema to cleanse the colon.¹ In some cases, professional intervention is required while other options can be done at home.¹ Examples of colon cleanse techniques include going on a juice fast, using laxatives, or inserting a tube into the rectum and rinsing it with water.¹ It can also be performed by a medical professional prior to procedures like a colonoscopy.²

Colon Cleansing Health Benefits

Colon cleanses have many health benefits, including that they help reduce irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract.³ Certain types of cleanses help relax smooth muscle, improve circulation, and increase bile production needed for proper digestion.¹ They can also help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently.¹ By removing toxins from your body through colon cleansing, it may improve your health and immune system, particularly for patients with conditions like asthma, arthritis, and allergies.²

Colon Cleansing Precautions

Although there are many colon cleansing benefits, it’s important to proceed cautiously with the therapy. Possible colon cleansing side effects may include nausea, vomiting, cramping, and bloating.² Colon cleansing can also increase risk of infection and dehydration, lead to bowel perforations, and affect electrolyte levels.² Talk to your doctor about pursuing colon cleansing therapy if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or other health problems that could be affected by an electrolyte imbalance.² Certain types of colon cleansing, such as colon hydrotherapy, can worsen medical conditions, or these conditions can increase the risks of therapy.⁴ Do not receive colon cleansing therapies if you have intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis, tumors, diverticulitis, or Crohn’s disease.⁴ Avoid if you have hemorrhoids.⁴ Be careful about performing at-home colon cleanses as some techniques require an experienced professional. Talk to your doctor before starting on a colon cleanse to ensure this therapy is a good option for you. Ensure you are well hydrated during and after therapy to avoid dehydration.²

References

1. https://draxe.com/colon-cleanse/
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/colon-cleansing/faq-20058435
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17182488
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/125547-risks-colon-hydrotherapy/