Everybody's doing it these days, the herbal colons cleanse or some kind of colon cleanse. Seems we are a nation of people with mucous ridden, parasite infested, plaque covered bowels and the natural health practitioners won't rest until we've all been properly cleansed. And that's not just anal-y ... er uh annually, but some even suggest we drink some kind of concoction on a daily basis just to keep those pipes flushed and toxin free. It does make a certain amount of sense that those who are suffering with chronic constipation need a good cleansing. And I don't know if they are true, but many websites boast 40 pounds of toxic crap being removed from some famous dead people like John Wayne and Elvis Presley. Now, don't get mad at me for saying something so salacious against these two kings, I just report what I read.

So just for argument's sake, let's say we are going to do one of these things. Typically you must drink the stuff or take the pills for at least a month to get it really spic and span. Some people are so congested and clogged they may need longer. Apparently, you will know when it's working and all the stuff coming out makes you want to vomit. Then apparently your cheeks will bloom, eyes glisten and you will have a euphoric awakening. Alright, maybe you will just stop having constipation and your skin will clear up. But we are lead to believe something magical will actually happen inside of you and all of your aches and pains and even your mother in law will disappear.

Seems too good to be true. But don't let me stop you. Here are a few of the basics you need to know:

Herbal colon cleansing usually utilizes psyllium, which is a fiber generally taken in pill or capsule form to scrape through the gunk. Studies suggest most American adults hold about 8 meals in their bowels regularly while someone who takes additional fiber for cleansing will hold only about three meals. This alone should make you want to get rid of some of that.

A typical herbal colon cleanse will have the following standard components: fasting on water, juice or vegetable juices, probiotics, psyllium husk, bentonite clay, and salt water. Yes, that's about it. Now there are all kinds of herbal colon cleansing kits out there on the market but if you really study the ingredients they will contain these elements. So check out the price, consumer reviews, blogs and your local health food store to get an idea of which product is right for you,

Who knows, we could solve the world's problems if we all got rid of our toxic buildup. Perhaps we might even end wars, eliminate road rage and hateful postal workers if we all got an herbal colon cleanse.