Ulcerative colitis is also called as Crohn’s disease in which linings of intestine and rectum get affected. This disease is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome. Though the cause of this disease is not known but it is related to problems in the immune system.
Symptoms related to this disease include fever, abdominal pain, weight loss, rectal pain, joint pain, inflammation etc. Age, race, family history etc. are some of the factors that affect this disease. Ulcerative Colitis can happen to both men and women. Complicated cases of this disease may lead to liver problems, severe bleeding, inflammation, colon cancer etc.
Changes in diet and lifestyle can help in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. The disease can be detected using blood tests, colonoscopy, x-ray, CT Scan etc. There are surgical treatments available that are useful in curing the disease. Medicinal herbs can help in reducing the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. These natural remedies are effective as well as cheap. One should always consult doctor before consuming these herbs.
Top Herbal Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis
Aloe Vera
Use aloe vera in the form of gel for the treatment of ulcerative colitis as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective as well as safe for use. Consuming hundred millilitres of aloe vera gel is recommended by the researchers. Aloe vera in the form of juice has anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating ulcerative colitis.
Boswellia
The herb contains resin that helps in reducing inflammation caused due to ulcerative colitis. Few side effects like skin rash, diarrhoea and nausea may be caused by consuming this herb.
Three hundred fifty milligrams of this herb in the form of extract can be consumed for three times in a day. It is also available in the form of pills and should not be taken for more than eight to twelve weeks unless prescribed by a health practitioner.
Flaxseed Oil
The oil has anti-inflammatory properties and contains omega 3 fatty acids. Consuming this oil as one to two tablespoons per day is beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It can also be used by combining it with other medicinal herbs. It can be consumed in the form of capsules as one to two capsules per day. Consult the physician before consuming this herb.
Licorice
Root of licorice herb is effective in treating ulcerative colitis. It is also beneficial for the immune system. The herb can be taken in the form of tablet, tea, extract or capsule. Extract of this herb contains deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which is useful for the treatment of ulcer. 0.4 to 1.6 grams of this herb can be consumed for up to three times in a day.
Always consult the doctor before consuming this herb. It should never be taken for more than thirty grams per day. Though the herb is safe, it may cause some side effects. It has anti-inflammatory properties that have a soothing effect. Licorice root in the form of capsule can be taken as five to six grams once a day.
The herb in the form of concentrated extract can be consumed as two hundred fifty to five hundred milligrams for three times in a day. Prepare licorice tea by boiling half ounce of root in one pint of water for fifteen minutes. Drinking this tea as two to three cups once a day is recommended. Side effects of this herb may include high blood pressure, water retention or deficiency of potassium.
Slippery Elm
Consume slippery elm in the form of supplements for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is useful for reducing inflammation associated with the disease. Prepare tea by soaking two tablespoons of bark of this herb in powdered form in two cups of hot water for three to five minutes.
It is also available in the form of tincture. Take one teaspoon of powdered slippery elm in two ounces of water. Add two drops of honey and drink three times in a day. Those suffering from cancer and bronchitis should not consume this herb. It contains mucilage that helps in reducing ache associated with the disease. It may cause side effects like joint pain, hair loss, decreased libido etc. Consume up to six capsules of this herb for three times in a day.
Tormentil
Extract of tormentil herb has antioxidative properties. It is available in the form of capsules. Consuming three thousand milligrams of this herb per day is safe for use.
Wheatgrass
Juice of wheat grass is safe as well as effective to consume for treating ulcerative colitis. It can also be consumed in the form of powder. Chemicals contained in the herb have anti-oxidant properties and are helpful in reducing inflammation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using this herb.
Curcumin
The ingredient found in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is also available in the form of capsule. One to two grams of turmeric can be consumed on daily basis for reducing inflammation. It is a safe herb but consuming it in excessive amount can cause side effects like diarrhoea and indigestion. Four hundred to six hundred milligrams of curcumin in the form of capsules can be taken for two to three times in a day.
Bromelain
The herb has anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for reducing swelling and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis. The herb can be consumed in the form of tablet or capsule. Five hundred milligrams of this herb can be consumed per day.
Marshmallow
Consuming capsules of marshmallow root helps in reducing inflammation caused due to ulcerative colitis. Prepare marshmallow tea by soaking two to five grams of dried leaves or five grams of dried root in one cup of boiling water. Strain and drink this tea after cooling it. Diabetic patients should avoid using this herb.
Chamomile
Prepare tea by soaking two to three grams of chamomile powder in one cup of boiling water. Drinking this herbal tea for three times in a day is beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Psyllium
Twenty grams of psyllium seeds are recommended for use and should be taken for two times in a day.
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Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.