Ulcerative colitis is a chronic, or long-term, disease of your colon. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America states that ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of your colon. If you are considering using herbal supplements to help heal or treat your ulcerative colitis, first talk with your physician to get more detailed information about what herbs may be able to do for your colon health.
Ulcerative Colitis
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that ulcerative colitis causes ulcers to develop where inflammation has damaged the cells lining your colon. These ulcers then bleed and generate pus. Some of the most common signs and symptoms that occur with ulcerative colitis include abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, decreased weight, poor appetite, joint pain and anemia. Although ulcerative colitis can occur at any age, it is more common in people aged 15 to 30 years.
Useful Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements for ulcerative colitis are used to help reduce inflammation and pain in your gut. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, naturopathic physician, expert herbalist and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," notes that herbal supplements containing a combination of herbs are usually most effective in treating inflammatory bowel conditions and gastrointestinal irritation. Effective herbs for ulcerative colitis may include turmeric, geranium, marshmallow and echinacea. Slippery elm and goldenseal may also be helpful.
Featured Herb
Marshmallow is an herb that is commonly used to help reduce ulcerative colitis-related symptoms. The University of Michigan Health System reports that marshmallow -- the herbal supplement, not the white confectionary -- may help treat ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, indigestion, peptic ulcers and sore throat. Marshmallow is a plant indigenous to Europe, although it grows in wet, marshy areas throughout the United States too. Marshmallow has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic action. The marshmallow plant's roots are used in herbal supplements.
Considerations
Herbs may contain powerful constituents and should be afforded the same caution as pharmaceutical drugs. Before you take herbs to treat your health complaints or conditions, including ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory bowel disorders, meet with your doctor to review procedures, alternatives and risks. A health care professional with extensive training in nutrition or botanical medicine can tell you which herbs are best for your and your specific health complaint. Taking certain herbs if you are pregnant may disrupt your pregnancy.
References
- Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: About Ulcerative Colitis & Proctitis
- The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Ulcerative Colitis
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Michigan Health System: Marshmallow
