Diverticulitis occurs when one or more diverticula in the digestive tract become infected or inflamed. Diverticula are small pouches that can form anywhere along your digestive tract from the esophagus to the large intestine. Herbalists use Ulmus fulva, or slippery elm, to treat many intestinal problems, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis. Consult with your doctor before using slippery elm to treat your diverticulitis.
Slippery Elm
Native Americans have used slippery elm medicinally for centuries. The elm is native to North America and can grow to roughly 50 feet in height. Herbalists use the reddish brown or orange bark of the elm to create poultices, teas, tinctures, ointments, lozenges and salves to treat a number of conditions. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that slippery elm bark has a gummy consistency and contains mucilage, a substance that has a slick consistency when in contact with water.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is more common after the age of 40 and often brings sudden, severe pain in the lower left side of the abdomen that often starts as mild but becomes worse. MayoClinic.com explains that symptoms of diverticulitis include changes in bowel movements, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and sometimes rectal bleeding. Diverticulitis often occurs when weak spots along the colon rupture and small pouches protrude through the wall of the colon. Though the cause of inflammation in diverticulitis is unknown, one theory is that fecal matter become trapped in the pouches and become infected. Treatments often include dietary changes and, in extreme cases, surgery. Slippery elm might help prevent diverticulitis.
Slippery Elm and Diverticulitis
When you take slippery elm preparations internally, a reflex stimulation of the gastrointestinal tract's nerve endings occurs, leading to an increase in mucus production. This increased mucus production coats the intestines, protecting them from ulcers associated with colitis, gut inflammation, acidity and diverticulitis, according to Drugs.com.
Warnings
People who take slippery elm do not commonly experience any side effects, but slippery elm can coat the intestinal tract, interfering with absorption of medications. Always take slippery elm two hours before or two hours after any other medications.
Considerations
The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements, so there is no guarantee of safety, effectiveness and purity. Some herbal supplements have contained drugs or toxic metals, so always use a reputable and certified herbalist. Consult with your physician before using slippery elm or any other herbal supplement.
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