Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's / Ulcerative Colitis)

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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's / Ulcerative Colitis)

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include Crohn's disease and

ulcerative colitis.

 

Crohn's disease involves diarrhea, weakness, occasional bleeding,

and a diffuse granulomatous inflammation of the entire bowel

membrane. In cases of ulcerative colitis the inflammation is limited

mostly to the colon. These cases are very difficult to treat with

herbs alone. The diseases often progress to the point where

patients require surgery to remove inflamed areas of the bowel, and

since this does not usually solve the problem, they often experience

recurrences.

 

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I usually begin treatment of these conditions with a careful history

to identify causative factors. My usual first step is a bland diet,

eliminating milk products and other potential food allergens. I then

add slippery elm/ DGL licorice powder to calm things down

mechanically, about six grams per day in divided doses for up to a

month. I sometimes use liquid chlorophyll and acidophillus capsules

as well or use a more direct dysbiosis treatment.

 

Herbs that can be of great benefit in these conditions when used as

simples (single herbs in capsules or tablets) include tien chi root,

which helps heal the ulcers, and boswellia gum, coptis or DGL

licorice root, which control inflammation. Sometimes plain green tea

can also be helpful. Inflammatory prostaglandin levels are almost

always highly elevated in these diseases, and studies have shown

great benefit in using large amounts of flaxseed or fish oils

(Stenson, 1992). Tinctures can often work at first when patients

cannot tolerate powders. For the same reason, I often employ liquid

vitamin and mineral combinations to ensure some absorption.

Because IBD patients are invariably deficient in key nutrients, it

is necessary to supplement with a liquid multi-vitamin and liquid

multi-mineral. Studies show that patients are especially prone to

elevated homocysteine levels, indicating the need for B-12 and folic

acid supplementation (Mahmud et al, 1999). Beet root would also be

valuable here.

 

Vilwa fruit is an important herb for treating colitis. A simple

Ayurvedic formula combines vilwa fruit powder (60%) with anise,

coriander, a very small amount of ginger root, and an astringent

herb such as black tea. I recommend using about two grams two to

three times per day. The Ayurvedic tonic anti-inflammatory formula

called Kaishore Guggul can be used with benefit.

 

It is always best to consult a skilled herbalist when writing

formulas for serious diseases like this. The thought processes

behind the formulas in this case include assessment of both the

digestive power and inflammation level, as both types of herbs

usually are needed. In cases of weak digestion, herbs like white

atractylodes, poria mushroom and ginseng root should be emphasized.

If the inflammation is more severe, you might emphasize other herbs

in the formula, like scute root, coptis rhizome, boswellia gum and

phellodendron root, the latter of which calms down excess immune

activity. When bleeding is present, it is important to add tien chi

root or another hemostatic. Cases with fixed pain indicate blood

congestion, which requires moving blood herbs like red peony root

and salvia root. If the diarrhea is severe, use astringent herbs

such as vilwa fruit or white oak bark.

 

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