Home Remedies and Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is one of two main forms of chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is also called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The other form of inflammation is called Crohn’s Disease.¹ UC manifests as ongoing inflammation and ulcers of the innermost layers of the large intestine (colon) and the rectum. The ulcers bleed and produce mucus and pus, also causing diarrhea. Normally, the large intestine draws water from the stool turning it from a liquid to a solid. The inflammation from ulcerated colitis prevents the water from being taken from the stool. ^1,2

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis causes are not truly known, although there is proof of it being hereditary. Faulty immune system responses and environmental influences are also suspected to be ulcerative colitis causes. High saturated fat diets and salty foods may be contributors as well as bacterial or viral infections of the gastrointestinal system.^3,4 UC can happen at any age but usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. Some people have short episodes of ulcerative colitis and go with long periods of remission. In severe cases of ulcerative colitis, the colon may need to be surgically removed.^3,4

Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

The most common ulcerative colitis symptoms are pain in the abdomen and blood or pus in a diarrhea discharge. Other symptoms may include:^2,3,4

• Loss of appetite
• Anemia (low iron)
• Weight loss
• Severe tiredness
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Rectal bleeding and bloody stool
• Urgent need to defecate
• Sores on the skin
• Joint pain
• Growth failure in children

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis

While there is no definite cure, there are a number of effective ulcerative colitis home remedies. Ulcerative colitis natural treatment includes ingestion of these foods and food supplements:

• Fennel Seed - Fennel is a flowering plant from the carrot family and is widely grown around the world. It has a highly aromatic odor and a strong licorice or absinthe taste. Fennel bulbs are often used in cooking and the seeds are well known to have health benefits including relieving the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis.
• Bromelain - Bromelain is an enzyme that is responsible for digesting protein. One of the highest sources of bromelain is the pineapple fruit and has been used for centuries to treat digestive conditions and reduce inflammation. Bromelain is an excellent aid to digestion and makes it one of the top ulcerative colitis home remedies.
• Psyllium Seed Husks - Psyllium seed comes from the plantago ovata plant and is native to south Asia. The husks of the psyllium seeds are indigestible which makes them ideally suited as a fiber supplement in order to bind the stool and relieve symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
• Pineapple - Because pineapple is extremely high in bromelain, the enzyme active in processing digestion, it is highly regarded as an ulcerative colitis natural treatment. Pineapple is widely available as a raw fruit or processed in canned or dried form.
• Cabbage Juice - Cabbage juice is a little known but very effective form of ulcerative colitis home remedies. It’s not normally available on a commercial basis but is easily made from boiling cabbage and retaining the juice.
• Aloe Juice - Another little known ulcerative colitis natural treatment is juice made from the Aloe Vera plant. Aloe is widely known as a skin medicine but when ingested, the plant juice is effective in treating ulcerative colitis symptoms.

References

1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0022830/
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ulcerative-colitis/basics/definition/con-20043763
3. https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/ulcerative-colitis