Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which ulcers form in the lining of the rectum and colon, causing bouts of bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms of ulcerative colitis include abdominal cramps, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite and joint pain. Certain herbs may be helpful in treating ulcerative colitis, in conjunction with a well-rounded treatment plan. Consult with a licensed standard physician as well as a botanically-trained health care professional, such as a naturopathic physician, for proper diagnosis, a holistic treatment plan and personalized advice on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm, also known by its Latin names Ulmus fulva and Ulmus rubra, is tree and a member of the Ulmaceae or elm family. The inner bark is used medicinally and it has a tangy taste. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," slippery elm soothes and heals the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Slippery elm is available as a tea, tincture or capsule.
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as purple cone flower or by its Latin name Echinacea angustifolia, is an attractive and aromatic plant and a member of the Asteraceae or aster family. The root, seeds and flowers are used medicinally and they have a slightly sweet taste. Echinacea is thought to help normalize the immune system, which tends to be dysfunctional with ulcerative colitis. Dr. Tilgner reports that echinacea decreases inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, decreases over-active immune response to mild food allergies and stimulates healing of the gastrointestinal tissues. Echinacea may be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule.
Geranium
Geranium maculatum root is an astringent herb. Astringents are drying and they cause contraction of the mucous membranes -- the type of tissue that lines the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, astringent herbs, such as geranium, decrease diarrhea and bleeding, which are prominent symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Geranium also contains tanins, which protect and heal wounded gastrointestinal tissue. Geranium may be taken as a decoction or a dry liquid extract.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a member of the Ranunculaceae or buttercup family. The bright yellow root is used for medicine and it has a bitter taste. According to Dr. Tilgner, goldenseal is well known for its antimicrobial effects in the body. This may be useful in ulcerative colitis because bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal or viral infection is hypothesized to be a contributing factor to the disease. Goldenseal also has astringent properties and can decrease bleeding. Goldenseal may be prepared as a decoction or a liquid extract, or it can be taken as a capsule. Because over-harvesting threatens goldenseal's survival, it should be used sparingly.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Ulcerative Colitis
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. & Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
