This article aims to help the reader in the rapid identification of natural remedies useful in the treatment of various symptoms, disorders and pathologies. For some of the listed remedies, this utility may not have been confirmed by sufficient experimental tests conducted with a scientific method. Furthermore, any natural remedy presents potential risks and contraindications.
If available, we therefore recommend that you click on the link corresponding to the individual remedy to learn more about the topic. In any case, we remind you of the importance of avoiding self-treatment and to consult your doctor beforehand to ascertain the absence of contraindications and drug interactions.
Colonoscopy is a diagnostic examination aimed at the visual investigation of the internal walls of the large intestine; in particular circumstances it can also have therapeutic value.
The need to investigate colon health, by directly exploring the mucosa, lies mainly in the high incidence of tumors in this section of intestine; thanks to colonoscopy, the doctor can investigate not only the origin of suspected symptoms or diagnose the presence of polyps and tumors, but also remove precancerous lesions, make biopsy samples, dilate stenosis and so on.
Many people are reluctant to undergo colonoscopy, but beyond understandable embarrassment, the exam is usually well tolerated. Fundamental - for the diagnostic accuracy and to allow the doctor to operate in absolute tranquility - is the dietetic-behavioral preparation, to be carried out in the days preceding the colonoscopy according to medical prescriptions. In particular, it requires the combination of a diet poor in waste and laxatives, to be taken until the emission of watery and clear stools.
Furthermore, before the examination, it is necessary to administer sedative drugs in order to alleviate pain and discomfort by improving patient collaboration.
If you intend to prepare yourself for colonoscopy using herbal remedies instead of synthetic drugs, contact your doctor to ascertain the absence of contraindications and establish the most suitable intake scheme. To avoid in the most absolute way the "do-it-yourself", for the possible risk of summation of the effects, undesired reactions and pharmacological interactions.
Medicinal plants and supplements useful in the preparation of colonoscopy
Osmotic laxatives - such as isomalt, lactulose, mannitol, mannite, maltitol and polyhydric alcohols in general - are particularly suitable: they retain water in the intestinal lumen due to an osmotic effect and thus produce fluid stools (it is important to use it with plenty of water).
Particularly suitable are plants with sedative and antispastic action, such as Valeriana, Passiflora, Chamomile, linden, peppermint, hawthorn, elderberry, mistletoe, hops, kava kava, Melissa and Achillea millefoglie.
In view of the colonoscopy it is important to stop the use of medicinal herbs able to decrease the coagulative capacity of the blood such as gingko biloba and garlic.
