Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by inflammation of the inner layers of the colon and rectum. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it affects more than half a million people in the United States and causes a variety of symptoms including abdominal cramps, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. There is no cure for this condition, but it can usually be managed by combining drug therapy with diet and lifestyle modifications. Some herbs may help reduce inflammation, but they should not be used as sole treatments for ulcerative colitis. Consult a doctor before using herbs to treat a condition.
Examples
Several herbs may prove beneficial for colitis sufferers. These include boswellia and turmeric, both of which may help reduce inflammation. Turmeric is commonly used to flavor foods, but it is also used as an alternative remedy for a variety of conditions including dyspepsia, and as a wound healing aid. Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an Ayurvedic herb that is used to treat diseases characterized by inflammation, including asthma, arthritis and colitis. UMMC suggests taking 550mg of boswellia three times per day for up to six weeks, or 1g to 2g of turmeric daily. Check with your doctor that these dosages are safe for you.
Effectiveness
The results of a clinical trial by H. Hanai et al published in the December 2006 issue of "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology," showed that turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, helps maintain remission in patients with ulcerative colitis. Studies examining the role of boswellia in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are lacking. In addition, research by P.R. Kiela published in the April 2005 edition of the "American Journal of Physiology, Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology" found that boswellia does not reduce symptoms of colitis and may even be hepatotoxic at higher doses. This study was carried out in an animal model and not in humans with the condition.
Safety
Boswellia seems to be safe for most people, according to RxList. However, it may cause side effects including nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. MedlinePlus adds that consuming medicinal quantities of turmeric is possibly safe, but adds that it may cause diarrhea or nausea.
Considerations
Turmeric and boswellia may not be suitable herbal treatments for everyone with ulcerative colitis. Do not use either of these herbs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and avoid turmeric if you have gallbladder problems as it may make your condition worse. Also avoid turmeric if you are scheduled to undergo surgery within two weeks as it may cause bleeding during and after the procedure.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ulcerative Colitis
- MedlinePlus: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Boswellia
- PubMed.gov: Curcumin Maintenance Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis: Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; H. Hanai et al; December 2006
- PubMed.gov: Effects of Boswellia Serrata in Mouse Models of Chemically Induced Colitis; P.R. Kiela; April 2005
