Ulcerative colitis, which is also known as Colitis ulcerosa, is a common and chronic ailment of the colon. It is basically a form of inflammatory bowel disease. The causes of ulcerative colitis are still unknown but the evidence is building that ulcerative colitis may be linked to a lack of biodiversity in your gut bacteria which itself is linked to stress, lack of sleep, intake of antibiotics for a long time, and a poor unbalanced diet. Intermittent rectal bleeding, diarrhea, cramps in abdomen, anemia, fever, loss of appetite, bloody stool, and weight loss are some of the warning signs of this ailment. Let’s have a look at some of the home remedies to get rid of ulcerative colitis.
Home Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis
Here are some of the natural remedies for ulcerative colitis which you can try to get relief.
1. Turmeric
Curcumin found in turmeric is beneficial in ulcerative colitis. Take 1-2 gm turmeric on daily basis. You can also intake it in the capsule form.
- Or else, steep 1 tablespoon of slippery elm bark (powdered) in hot water (1 cup). After some time, strain it. Sip it 2 times a day.
2. Probiotics
Consume probiotic food and supplements since they are very effective in inflammatory bowel diseases. It causes no irritation and side-effects. Probiotics also protect the mucus lining of gut and control harmful bacteria.
3. Buttermilk
Drink 3 glasses of buttermilk on daily basis to overcome ulcerative colitis. It aids in cleaning the colon.
Note – Don’t add salt to it.
4. Bananas
Consume at least 2-3 bananas a day to decrease irritation in the colon.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil works great in ulcerative colitis. Consume a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil thrice a day to get relief.
6. Cabbage Juice
Drink 4 oz of cabbage juice. The juice must be organic. It will provide you instant relief from abdominal pain.
7. Coconut Water and Honey
Boil 3-5 drumsticks in water for some time. Crush them after peeling off their skin. Extract the juice. Add this juice to a glass of coconut water. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey to it. Drink it at least once daily.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids help reduce IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Include flaxseed oil, walnuts, salmon, roasted soybeans, oysters, fish oil, etc., in your diet as they are some of the rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
9. Ginger
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger keep the symptoms of ulcerative colitis under check. Add grated ginger to a cup of boiling water. Simmer it for 10 minutes and then strain. Add honey and lemon juice to it. Drink it twice a day.
10. Fenugreek
Fenugreek forms a defensive coat along the digestive tract. Take a cup of hot water. Add crushed fenugreek seeds (1 teaspoon) in it. Allow it to steep for 4-5 minutes. Drink this tea daily until you observe the effects.
11. Apples
Apples are affluent in phosphorous and iron. Cut an apple into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Put this bowl in a pan containing boiling water. Steam until the apple pieces become soft. Eat them twice daily.
Herbal Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis
12. Psyllium Seeds
Psyllium seeds, being well-off in soluble fiber, help improve gut mobility. Just add 1-2 teaspoons of psyllium seeds (ground) in a cup of warm water. Before it becomes thick, drink it. Use this remedy daily to see the improvement.
Note –
- Drink plenty of water, if you employ this remedy.
- Do not use this remedy, if you have bowel spasms or obstructions.
13. Wheat Grass Root
Drink wheat grass root to cure rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
14. Calendula
Calendula improves digestion and alleviates ulcerative colitis. Prepare calendula tea by steeping calendula flowers (1-2 teaspoons) in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea. Sip it twice or thrice a day.
15. Chamomile
Chamomile is very useful in soothing the digestive tract. All you need to do is steep dried chamomile flowers (3 teaspoons) in hot water (1 cup) for 10 minutes. Strain and drink it.
16. Boswellia
Boswellia is a good herbal remedy for ulcerative colitis. It stops the chemical reactions associated with inflammation, thereby cures ulcerative colitis. This herb is also available in the form of pills.
17. Licorice
Drink licorice root tea to soothe the pain. For preparing tea, boil ½ ounce of licorice root in 2 cups of water. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink it. Licorice is also available in the form of extract and tablets.
18. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an ancient remedy which is used in treating diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease. Take 2 cups of hot water. Add 1 teaspoon each of sugar and slippery elm to it. Consume this gruel 2 times a day.
19. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice can do wonders. Drink a glass of aloe vera juice on daily basis.
- Alternatively, take some aloe vera leaves and peel off their outer skin. Remove the gel. In a glass of lukewarm water, mix 3 tablespoons of gel. Drink it twice a day.
Do’s
- Limit consumption of dairy products.
- Take vitamin C and protein supplements.
- Consume liquids.
- Indulge yourself into exercise and stress-relieving therapies
Don’ts
- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Refrain from processed food, caffeine, carbonated beverages and meat.
- Do not eat large meals.
did you say, “Don’t quite smoking or consuming alcohol”?