Colitis is a swelling of your colon, or large intestine, that may be caused by numerous factors. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that possible causes of colitis include inflammatory bowel disorders; radiation treatments targeting your intestines; irritable bowel; and ischemic colitis, or reduced colon circulation. Herbal therapies for colitis may help reduce your symptoms, but you should always discuss the safety and effectiveness of herbal remedies with your doctor before using them.
Colitis and Health
Colitis is a relatively common health problem, and there are many different kinds of colitis. MedlinePlus states that possible types of colitis include the following: CMV colitis, Crohn's disease, ischemic colitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, ulcerative colitis and cryptosporidium enterocolitis. Common colitis-related symptoms include blood in your stools, abdominal pain and bloating, an unrelenting urge to defecate, dehydration, and gas. Colitis complications include toxic megacolon; colon perforation, or a hole in your colon; and colon ulcerations.
Appropriate Herbal Therapies
Herbal remedies for colitis, especially ulcerative colitis, include evening primrose, German chamomile, green tea, marshmallow, psyllium and slippery elm, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other helpful herbal therapies for colitis include herbs that reduce inflammation, such as boswellia, bromelain and turmeric, and nettle and lobelia. Herbs that help cleanse your blood are also important in treating colitis.
Featured Herb
German chamomile is a helpful herb in treating colitis. The University of Michigan Health System states that German chamomile is also used to help treat chest colds, wounds, gum inflammation, colic, psoriasis, eczema, chickenpox and diaper rash. German chamomile may be purchased as a dried flower, infusion or tea, liquid extract, tincture, cream, or ointment. If you are allergic to ragweed, or if you are pregnant, you should avoid using this herb, notes UMHS.
Disclaimer
Herbal medicines should be used with a great deal of caution. Like prescription medicines, herbal therapies may cause unwanted side effects, negatively interact with your current medications or supplements, or cause allergic reactions. It is always wise to discuss herbal remedies -- including dosage, treatment duration and other topics -- with your doctor before using herbs. In some cases, it may not be safe to use herbal remedies in lieu of other treatments recommended by your doctor.
