The chief function of our colon is to drive away the waste material and bacteria inside our body and absorb water along with mineral salts so that the fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained. When a colon, because of impacted fecal matter cannot perform these functions normally, toxins are created inside our body which can spread all through our body and may be absorbed by the fluids inside our body. A clean colon would make anyone feel healthier and more energetic.

One can get his colon cleansed by enrolling in a colon cleansing program where all the stuff inside his colon is flushed out by forcing purified water into the colon through a pipe. These programs generally extend over two months and require you to attend 10 to 12 sessions.

One can also use laxatives but the problem with that is most physicians won't prescribe those drugs unless and until they find it absolutely necessary.

The colon cleanse herbs and the herbal laxatives claim to be harmless and position themselves as alternatives to commercial laxatives. They further their claim saying that since they are natural, they are safe. The bone of contention is that whether they are justified in their claims.

It is a fact that most of the popular colon cleanse herbs do contain substances which fall under the category of anthraquinones. These would include cascara sagrada, rhubarb, and senna. That the herbs have laxative effects can be attributed to the presence of the anthraquinone substabces. But at the same time they are also source for several other side effects. Following is a list of some of the side effects that you can face after the consumption of a colon cleanse herb or herbal laxatives.

-Balance of electrolyte inside our body getting disturbed due to loss of potassium and body fluids.

-Use of herbs over a period of time can lead to a dark pigmentation of the colon. This is called melanosis coli.

-Muscle contractions in the stomach region leading to strong and acute pains. The pain is cramping and gripping in nature.

-Nausea accompanied by diarrhea and occasionally rashes.

There is another form of natural colon cleanser which is available today in the market. It is an oxygen based formula. The mixture reacts chemically with the hydrochloric acid present in our stomach. After the chemical reaction takes place the fecal matter, also known as the plaque, would melt into a liquid and gas. This then can be easily expelled.