Melanosis Coli is caused by the anthragamone containing laxitives such as turkey rhubarb, cascara, senna and aloe based products. The dark color that is seen are pigment laden macrophages. This condition is said to be benign and goes away when the laxitives are no longer used.

It is suggested that a person who is constipated eat lots of fiber rich foods, drink lots of water and get daily exercise (as able) and stay away from processed nutrition empty foods. When these efforts fail then it seems the herbs are helpful but, one must weight the pros and cons of constipation vs. darkened colonic mucosa caused by the herbs that keep the bowels moving. I suggest a study that will educate oneself on the problems caused by constipation. Keeping in mind the healthy Diet recommended above is a good place to start for healthy colon. It is a nightmare for me to think that anyone would use herbs for constipation while allowing themselves to feed on white rice, white pasta, boxed foods, soda and on and on. So, please begin with a healthy Diet and exercise.

Sharon