Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes sores and inflammation in the colon and rectum. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is not clearly understood, but it may be the result of the immune system reacting abnormally to bacteria in the digestive tract. If you have ulcerative colitis, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs or immunomodulators. Herbal medicine is sometimes used to relieve symptoms of ulcerative coltis, but scientific evidence to back its use is limited. Talk to your doctor before using herbs to treat your condition.
Examples
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) cites several herbs that may relieve ulcerative colitis symptoms, including boswellia and turmeric, both of which may have anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric is often used to flavor foods and as a fabric dye, but it is also used to treat a number of medical ailments, including arthritis and stomach ulcers. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is a traditional remedy for several ailments, including ulcerative colitis.
Efficacy
The results of a study published in the January 1997 issue of the "European Journal of Medical Research" show that 82 percent of ulcerative patients who received 350 mg of boswellia three times daily for 6 weeks went into remission. However, more recent studies are lacking. Findings of research published in the June 2009 issue of "Food and Chemical Toxicology" suggest that an ingredient found in turmeric, known as curcumin, may offer protection against ulcerative colitis. However, the study was carried out on animals, not humans.
Use
UMMC suggests taking 550 mg of boswellia three times daily for up to six weeks to benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties. Alternatively, you may prefer to take 1 to 2 g of turmeric once daily. These doses and treatment schedules are intended as a guideline only. Ask your doctor about the right dose and treatment plan for you.
Side Effects
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that turmeric is safe for most adults, but high doses or long-term use may cause side effects including nausea and diarrhea. The long-term safety of boswellia is unknown, although no serious side effects have been reported in clinical studies.
Contraindications
Do not take turmeric if you have gallbladder disease, as it may make your condition worse. Avoid using boswellia if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as safety data is lacking. Talk to your doctor before using either of these herbs to treat ulcerative colitis.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- PubMed: Effects of Boswellia Serrata Gum Resin in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
- PubMed: Prophylactic Role of Curcumin in Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Murine Model
