Crohn's Disease Ulcerative Colitis Natural Ayurvedic Treatment

Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis are the common forms of inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD). It comprises of a group of diseases that damage the gastrointestinal tract.

 

 

 

Natural and alternative ayurvedic treatment for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may offer help to protect and restore the digestive tract against damage and prevent the development of further complications of these diseases.

 

Ulcerative colitis occurs due to the inflammation of the inner mucosal lining of the colon and rectum. This results in the erosion of the mucosa leading to the formation of tiny ulcers or sores. Over a period of time, the sores deepen to form large ulcers. In severe cases, there is bleeding and discharge of mucus and pus from the ulcers.

 

In most cases, this condition initially affects the rectum and then, spreads upward to the colon. 

 

Crohn's disease is also a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the digestive tract. Though Crohn's disease usually affects the ileum and the proximal part of the colon, it may affect any part of the digestive tract, from the oral cavity to the anus. 

 

 

 

 

What are the signs and symptoms of Crohn’s Disease?

Common sign and symptoms may inculde:

 

• Bleeding from the rectum
• Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
• Urgency for passing stools
• Sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bowels
• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Weight Loss
• Fatigue

 

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

Common sign and symptoms may inculde:

 

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in stools
• Frequent loose motions
• Weight loss
• Pain in the rectal region
• Malnutrition
• Nausea
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Ulcers in the mouth

 

 

 

 

Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease

 

 

Ayurveda has been offering natural treatment traditionally for inflammatory bowel disorders that may help to treat the condition by using a combination of diet and lifestyle, ayurvedic herbs and panchakarma detox that helsp to control inflammation and stabalise the abnormal response of the immune system. The Ayurvedic medications may also provide relief from the symptoms and assist in the natural repair of the damaged tissues.

 

The Ayurvedic doctors also advise the patients to follow a specific ulcerative colitis ayurvedic diet that includes foods, which may soothe and improve the functions of the digestive tract.

 

Ayurveda and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatments 

 

In Ayurveda,  “Inflammatory bowel disease” is known as “Grahani” in its mild to moderate stage, and in severe stage when bleeding starts, is called as “Rakataatisara”. 

 

Ayurveda has clearly mentioned that Colon is the site for:

 

1. Apana Vata- accountable for excretion of stool, urine, menstrual blood and detoxification.
2. Samana Vata- accountable for peristaltic movement, saparation of metabolic waste from nourishing part and effective absorption.
3. Pachaka Pitta- accountable for digestive juices.

 

Based on Ayurvedic principles, inflammatory bowel disorders occur because of Ama toxins (cause of autoimmunity), Pitta and Vata doshas imbalances. (1)

 

Ayurveda explains, after regular use of injudicious food (tined food, frozen or proceed meals etc) and faulty life style (stress, lack of sleep etc.), initially there is weakening of digestive fire (Pachaka Pitta), leads to mal-absorption of nutrients or expel of digested or mal-digested substances (due to damage of colon). At the same time holding capacity of colon is compromised and ama accumulation (cause of autoimmunity) starts, followed by imbalance of Vata dosha (Apana & Samana). In the severe stages, Rakta dhatu (blood tissues) also gets vitiated.

 

Thus, the Ayurvedic approach to reverse any form of inflammatory bowel disease is based upon these principles:

 

1. Enhancing the week digestive fire- with ayurvedic herbs and diet changes.

2. Ama detoxification to regulate the lymphatic system and immunity- with herbs or panchakarma detox

3. Pitta and vata dosha balancing- with food or herbs or therapies

4. Blood purification- with herbs 

5. Ulcers healing- with herbs and detox

6. Bowel regulator- with yoga, food and herbs

7. Ayurvedic dietary support- Pitta or Vata ayurvedic diet.

8. Mental, emotional and spiritual support- with therapies likes shirodhara etc 

9. Dietary and lifestyle modification.

 

Traditional Herbs for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

 

The herbal remedies for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis help to keep these conditions in control and improve the digestion and overall health of the patient. 

 

Bilva (Aegle marmelos): Bilva has the ability to heal ulcers and repair the damaged tissues. It also helps to improve digestion and reduces the symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in stools, loose motions, and constipation. 

 

Research shows that Bilva extract has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mast cell calming effects proving protecting effect in inflammatory bowel disease. (2)

 

 

 

Vacha (Acorus calamus): Vacha is a commonly used ayurvedic herb for the natural treatment for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helsp to reduce inflammation and ulceration of the mucosa of the intestines. It also has antioxidant properties, which help to protect the delicate mucosa from the damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti diarrhoea and dysentery effects. 

 

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Giloy has anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It boosts the digestion and prevents ulceration. It also calms the Pitta dosha and Vata doshas. It has also been tested positively for its immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant activity, calming effect on nervous system. (4) (5)

 

Vaividang (Embelia ribes): Vaividang offers a safe and effective management for Crohn's disease by producing an antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory action. It also possesses anti-carcinogenic properties, which helps to prevent colon and rectal cancer. The antioxidant potential of this herb helps to prevent the progression of these diseases by destroying the free radicals. Research shows that vai-vidang increase the digestive fire, ease the movement of intestinal contents, improve appetite, relief gas, bloating and abdominal pains. (5)

 

 

Mulethi (Liquorice root): Mulethi contains isoflavonoid alkaloids, which possesses antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in preventing inflammatory changes in the bowels and reduces the risk of sepsis or infection in the digestive tract. It also helps to prevent ulceration in the mucosal lining of the colon and rectum.

 

The research findings of Nahida Tabassum et al point towards the anti-inflammatory properties of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Diammonium glycyrrhizinate, a substance isolated and extracyed from licorice have been shown to improve intestinal inflammation in rats.  

 

Same research paper mentions the uses of bilva (Aegle marmelos) for the digestive system. It soothes the digestive system and helps in relieving digestive disorders like colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. It helps in the overall functioning of the digestive system.

 

Daruharidra (Berberis aristata): Daruharidra helps to improve the breakdown, absorption, and assimilation of foods and thus, reduces the risk of malnutrition. (6)

 

Mustak  (Cyperus Rotundus): Mustak is a natural anti-inflammatory herb, which may help to relieve the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases by controlling damage to the mucosal lining of the intestines. 

 

Mochrasa (Bombax ceiba Linn.): It has an active component called Tannin, which has anti-dysenteric and anti-diarrheal effects. It also protects ulcerated areas of gut. It can be used orally, or as medicated enema with milk.

 

Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica): Kutaj helps to treat inflammatory bowel diseases by reducing inflammation and ulceration. It also helps to ease digestion and reduces constipation and pain in the abdomen caused due to these diseases. 

 

In a case study presented by Mahima S B et al on ulcerative colitis mentions about the benefits of kutaj. It is one of the important constituents (besides others like Sariva, Shalmali, Bilwaphalamajja, Dhataki, Priyangu, Chandana and Rakta chandana) in making basti dravya that helps a great deal in the treatment of this disease.

 

 

 Ayurvedic Treatment for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in Melbourne

 

Ayurveda offers natural remedies for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which may help to manage the ailments by correcting the imbalance of the Pitta dosha. According to the concept of Tridosha, inflammatory bowel diseases occur as a result of an imbalance in the Pitta humor. The Crohn's disease alternative treatment using herbs helps to restore the balance of the three doshas and control the symptoms of the disease. It also aims to prevent the complications of these disorders.

 

The herbs and panchakarma detox, improve the overall health of the patients by boosting the digestion and absorption of food and thereby, improving their nutritional status. The natural remedies during Crohn's flare up prevent inflammatory changes in the colon, rectum, ileum, and other parts of the digestive tract. The therapy is aimed at providing a holistic treatment to the patient.

 

Ayurvedic Natural Therapies for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

 

 

Basti karma (Herbal Enema):

 

Basti is part of panchkarma detox therapy and helps to stabalise vata humour. It aims to cleanse the toxins and help get relief from digestive disorders, it also helps in rejuvenation of the body in general.

 

Virechan (Herbal Purgation):

 

Virechan is also called as the ayurvedic purgation therapy. The main aim of this ayurvedic treatment is to alleviate the pitta toxins, which tend to accumulate both in digestive tract. 

 

 

Yoga for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

 

Some of the best asanas or postures, which may help with digestive disorders are:

 

• Vajrasana: Sit down on your knees while keeping them together. Keep both your toes together and sit on them. Keep your spine straight and breathe normally. Now relax and repeat the exercise.
• Pawanmuktasan: Lie down back straight on a mat. Lift the left leg and bend it all the while bringing it to your stomach. Let the knee touch the chin. Now press down the leg such that pressure is exerted on your stomach. Next try to lift your neck and place your chin on the knee. Try to hold on to this position for as long as it is possible. Make sure to hold on to your breath as well. Now, breathe slowly and release your leg. Repeat.

 

 

Common Ayurvedic tips for Digestive Problems

• Meal should be started with chutney of ginger, lime and a pinch of rock salt, where appropriate.
• Eat freshly cooked, warm food.
• Processed, cold-refrigerated and stale should be avoided.
• Food should be properly chewed in the mouth.
• Sip warm water with each meal.
• Say no to ice water for healthy digestion.
• Eat in a peaceful environment. 
• Eat sitting down and not standing up. 
• Use wholesome foods and yoga, meditation for perfect digestion.  

 

 

We at Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic in Melbourne, Australia have one of the best team of ayurvedic doctors who have treated many for Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease with natural ayurvedic medicine.

 

Contact today Ayurvedic Clinic in Melbourne and find out best-tailored treatment plan suited for you.

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

1. Nahida Tabassum, Iqbal Hussain Najar, ‘Natural Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease’, British Biomedical Bulletin, Research Gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275023496_Natural_Treatment_for_Inflammatory_Bowel_Disease
2. Mahima S B, Prashanth A S, ‘A Case Study on Ulcerative Colitis’, International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, https://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/1794_1799.pdf