Herbal Remedies For Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition in which small pouches, or diverticula, in the walls of your colon become inflamed or infected. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that 10 to 25 percent of people who have diverticulosis, or colon outpouching, develop diverticulitis. Diverticula are most common in your sigmoid colon, or the terminal end of your colon. Certain herbal remedies may be beneficial for treating your diverticulitis, but you should discuss the merits and drawbacks of herbs with your doctor before using herbal medicine.

About Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis causes you to experience severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits, abdominal tenderness, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and, in certain people, rectal bleeding. Increased pressure in your colon may contribute to the breakdown of the walls of your diverticula, which can lead to infection. Other possible causes of diverticulitis include trapped fecal matter in your colon leading to infection and an obstruction or narrowing of a diverticulum leading to decreased circulation and inflammation.

Effective Herbal Remedies

Many herbal remedies may effectively treat diverticulitis. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that herbs for diverticulitis include alfalfa, aloe vera, pau d'arco, cayenne, chamomile, goldenseal, papaya, red clover, slippery elm bark and yarrow extract. Some of these herbs provide valuable vitamins and minerals, some promote healing of inflamed areas in your colon and some are gentle laxatives that help soothe your digestive tract.

Featured Remedy

Slippery elm is a remedy that is often used to treat diverticulitis and other colon-related disorders. Balch states that slippery elm soothes the mucus membranes of the bowels, stomach and urinary tract. Slippery elm has been used to treat diverticulitis, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, ulcers, colds, flu and sore throat. Slippery elm is a safe and effective herbal remedy that contains beta-carotene, mucilage and tannin. The inner bark of the tree is used for medicinal purposes.

Additional Information

One of the most important factors in controlling your diverticulitis, states Balch, is consuming sufficient amounts of fiber and drinking large amounts of quality water. A low-carbohydrate diet containing high levels of protein from vegetable sources and fish may also be helpful. Foods you may want to avoid include dairy products, red meat, sugar-containing foods, fried foods and processed foods. Some people with diverticulitis have benefited from abdominal massage, which may help relieve abdominal pain.