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Best Herbs for Crohn's disease, Colitis and Diverticulitis

Updated: Dec 15, 2023

The power of medical herbs

Herbal medicine is a powerful and very effective and safe tool in helping relieve symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and other health conditions. Medical herbs encourage and accelerate recovery naturally and safely, allowing relief of the symptoms within a relatively short period.

Herbs can boost energy levels, relieve stress, and strengthen the body. They may be combined with prescription drugs and in some cases can even replace them.

The adjustments of the herbal treatment are done according to the specific health condition and the symptoms of the patient. The precise and individual selection of herbal remedies for each patient, in the right dose and proportion, enables a very powerful, effective, and safe treatment.


Here are some of the best herbs for Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis and Diverticulitis:

1. Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a dietary supplement due to its potential health benefits. Some studies have suggested that curcumin may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms in people with Crohn's and Ulcerative colitis.

There are several different formulations of turmeric available, including:

- Turmeric powder: This is the most common and basic form of turmeric that is used in cooking. It can also be taken as a dietary supplement in capsule form.

- Curcumin supplements: Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric that is responsible for its health benefits. Curcumin supplements are often standardized to contain a certain percentage of curcuminoids, the active ingredients in curcumin.

- Turmeric tea: Turmeric can be brewed into a tea by steeping fresh or dried turmeric root in hot water. Turmeric tea is often combined with other herbs and spices, such as ginger and cinnamon, for added flavor and health benefits.

- Turmeric extracts: Turmeric extracts are concentrated forms of the active compounds in turmeric, such as curcumin and turmerones. They are often used in supplements as a singla compound or combined with other herbs.

- Turmeric oil: Turmeric oil is made by steam distilling the roots of the turmeric plant. It is often used in aromatherapy and as a topical treatment for skin conditions.


2. Ginger: Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues. Some studies have suggested that ginger may help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Ginger is a versatile herb that can be used in various formulations, including:

- Ginger supplements: Ginger supplements are available in capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. They usually contain standardized extracts of ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, which are believed to be the most active compounds in ginger.

- Ginger tea: Ginger tea can be made by steeping fresh or dried ginger root in hot water. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits.

- Ginger essential oil: Ginger essential oil is derived from the ginger root and can be used topically or aromatically. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive health properties.

- Ginger candies and chews: Ginger candies and chews are a convenient way to enjoy the benefits of ginger on the go. They are often used to relieve nausea and motion sickness.

Ginger in cooking: Ginger can be used in cooking to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine, such as stir-fries, soups, and curries.


3. Boswellia: Boswellia is a resin that comes from the Boswellia tree and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have suggested that Boswellia may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Boswellia is available in various formulations, including:

- Boswellia supplements: Boswellia supplements are available in capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. They usually contain standardized extracts of Boswellia resin, such as AKBA (acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid), which is believed to be the most active compound in Boswellia.

- Boswellia essential oil: the essential oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree and can be used topically or aromatically. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and skin-healing properties.

- Boswellia tea: Boswellia tea can be made by steeping Boswellia resin in hot water. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits.

Boswellia in combination with other herbs: Boswellia is often combined with other herbs, such as turmeric, ginger, and ashwagandha, to enhance its therapeutic effects.


4. Licorice root: Licorice root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Some studies have suggested that licorice root may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Licorice root is used in various formulations, including:

- Licorice supplements: Licorice supplements are available in capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. They usually contain standardized extracts of licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin, which is believed to be the most active compound in licorice.

- Licorice tea: Licorice tea can be made by steeping licorice root in hot water. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and digestive health benefits.

- Licorice root extract: Licorice root extract can be used topically or orally. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.

- Licorice candy and confectionery: Licorice candy and confectionery are a popular way to enjoy the sweet taste of licorice. However, it is important to note that some licorice candy may contain high levels of glycyrrhizin, which can lead to negative side effects if consumed in large amounts.

- Licorice in cooking: Licorice root can be used in cooking to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, such as marinades, stews, and rice dishes.


5. Aloe vera: Some studies have suggested that aloe vera may help to reduce inflammation in the stomach and in the gut, relieve constipation, and improve symptoms in people with Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis and Diverticulitis.

Aloe vera is also used internally mostly in these two formulations:

- Aloe vera drinks: Aloe vera juice can be made by blending the gel and the outer leaf of the aloe vera plant with water.

- Aloe vera supplements: Aloe vera supplements are available in capsules, tablets, and powders. They usually contain standardized extracts of aloe vera gel, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Aloe vera is also used topically in skincare products such as lotions, creams, and serums because of its hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.


6. Peppermint: Peppermint has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues. Some studies have suggested that peppermint may help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Peppermint is a versatile herb that is used in various formulations, including:

- Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint essential oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant and can be used topically, aromatically, or internally. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive health properties.

- Peppermint tea: Peppermint tea can be made by steeping fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water. It is believed to have digestive health benefits and may help relieve nausea and bloating.

- Peppermint supplements: Peppermint supplements are available in capsules, tablets, and powders. They usually contain standardized extracts of peppermint oil, which are believed to have digestive health benefits and may help relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

- Peppermint in cooking: Peppermint can be used in cooking to add flavor and nutrition to dishes. It is commonly used in desserts, such as ice cream, cakes, and cookies.


7. Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues. Some studies have suggested that chamomile may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Here are some common chamomile formulations:

- Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is a simple formulation that can be made by steeping dried chamomile flowers in hot water. It is a popular natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety.

- Chamomile essential oil: Chamomile essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant. It is used in aromatherapy and can be added to carrier oils or lotions for topical application.

- Chamomile tincture: Chamomile tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of chamomile flowers. It is used to treat digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. It is often incorporated into herbal formulas alongside other herbs.

- Chamomile capsules: the capsules contain dried chamomile flowers in a convenient capsule form. They are often used to relieve digestive symptoms and promote relaxation and sleep.


8. Slippery elm: Slippery elm is a tree native to North America, and its inner bark has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is known for its soothing and healing effects on the digestive tract. Some studies have suggested that slippery elm may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Slippery elm is used in a variety of formulations:

- Slippery elm tea: Slippery elm tea is made by steeping the inner bark of the slippery elm tree in hot water. It is a popular natural remedy for digestive issues such as acid reflux, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

- Slippery elm capsules: Slippery elm capsules contain powdered slippery elm bark in a convenient capsule form. They are often used to treat digestive issues and to soothe the lining of the digestive tract.

- Slippery elm powder: Slippery elm powder can be mixed with water or other liquids to make a soothing and healing drink. It can also be added to foods such as oatmeal or smoothies for added nutrition.


9. Marshmallow root: Marshmallow root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues. It contains a substance called mucilage, which has a soothing and healing effect on the body. Some studies have suggested that marshmallow root may help to reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Here are some common marshmallow root formulations:

- Marshmallow root tea: Marshmallow root tea is made by steeping the dried root of the marshmallow plant in hot water. It is a popular natural remedy for digestive issues such as heartburn, acid reflux, and stomach ulcers.

- Marshmallow root capsules: Marshmallow root capsules contain powdered marshmallow root in a convenient capsule form. They are often used to treat digestive issues and to soothe the lining of the digestive tract.

- Marshmallow root syrup or tincture: Marshmallow root liquid formulations contain a concentrated extract of the herb. It is used to coat and soothe the digestive system's mucosal lining which helps relieve symptoms of inflammation and treat constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

These are just a few examples of marshmallow root formulations. There are many other products that contain marshmallow root or marshmallow root extract, including herbal supplements, lozenges, throat sprays, and cough syrups.


10. Fennel: Fennel is a herb that is commonly used in cooking and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and contains a compound called anethole, which has a soothing effect on the digestive tract. Some studies have suggested that fennel may help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in people with IBD.

Here are some common fennel formulations:

- Fennel tea: Fennel tea is made by steeping fennel seeds in hot water. It is a popular natural remedy for digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion.

- Fennel capsules: Fennel capsules contain powdered fennel seeds in a convenient capsule form. They are often used to treat digestive issues and to soothe the lining of the digestive tract.

- Fennel tincture: Fennel tincture is a liquid extract made from the seeds of the fennel plant. The seeds are typically steeped in alcohol, which helps derive their active ingredients. - - - - Fennel tincture is believed to have a range of health benefits, including aiding digestion, easing bloating and gas, and reducing inflammation.


It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of herbal formulations may vary, and they may also interact with medications or have side effects. If you suffer with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis or any other digestive disorder, it is recommended to consult a qualified Clinical herbalist before using any herbal products or remedies.



the effect of medical herbs on Crohn's and colitis
herbal medicine


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