If you're one of the 500,000 Americans suffering from the inflammatory bowel disease that doctors call ulcerative colitis, you may be looking to herbal medicine for help. Though doctors don't understand exactly what causes ulcerative colitis, emerging research suggests that certain herbal medications, coupled with dietary changes, may give ulcerative colitis sufferers more control over this painful condition.
Multivitamins for Ulcerative Colitis
People with ulcerative colitis often suffer severe bouts of diarrhea. This, coupled with decreased nutrient absorption in the colon, makes ulcerative colitis sufferers especially vulnerable to malnutrition. Though there's no credible research linking any specific vitamin or mineral to a decreased risk of colitis flare-ups, most ulcerative colitis sufferers are advised to take a daily multivitamin.
Probiotics for Ulcerative Colitis
Probiotics aren't actually herbal medicines but some preliminary human studies suggest that supplements of "good" bacteria like lactobacillus may help prevent ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
Flaxseed Oil for Ulcerative Colitis
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements don't perform as well as prescription medications at preventing flare-ups, but some studies have found that coupling omega-3 supplements with the drug sulfasalazine may increase the effectiveness of the prescription drug. One of the richest herbal sources of omega-3 fatty acids is flaxseed oil.
Bromelain for Ulcerative Colitis
Emerging research on pineapple suggests that pineapple's "active" component, bromelain, may help relieve the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Additionally, bromelain, which is an enzyme traditionally associated with improved digestion, may also help colitis sufferers better digest food.
Psyllium for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis sufferers are often urged to observe a bland, low-fiber diet during flare-ups so it may seem odd that psyllium, one of the best sources of natural fiber, is gaining respect among colitis researchers. Between flare-ups, psyllium may help normalize bowel movements and decrease recurrence of symptoms.
Other Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis
Other herbs commonly recommended for ulcerative colitis, but which aren't supported by research, include:
- Marshmallow root
- Cat's claw
- Wild Indigo
- Siberian ginseng
- Green tea
- Wild yam
- German chamomile
Some, like marshmallow root and cat's claw, have long been regarded as soothing to the digestive tract. Others, like green tea, have anti-inflammatory properties.
Before you begin an herbal regimen for your ulcerative colitis, talk to your doctor. Herbal medicines are often unproven and can interact with prescription medications in ways you and your doctor may not suspect. Remember, any herbal medicine capable of causing positive change in your body is also capable of side effects.
Only your doctor can tell you if herbal medicine can help your ulcerative colitis. But today, you have more treatment options than ever before.
