5 Natural Remedies For Ulcerative Colitis

Although these remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, we should always be examined by a specialist to determine if we need other medical treatment .

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that continuously affects the colon (large intestine) by causing damage to its inner lining. Its exact cause is unknown, but it is often related to genetic factors, alterations in the microbiota or flora, and increased intestinal permeability.

It can often be mistaken for a common episode of diarrhea, as in some cases they occur together. However, due to inflammation in the colon, colitis tends to manifest itself with other symptoms.

In turn, bleeding and small sores can occur on the inner walls of the intestine. This triggers severe abdominal pain, bloating, and blood or pus in your bowel movements.

Treatment of ulcerative colitis

While it is true that there is no cure for this disease, there are several treatment options to control it.

In this sense, the experts of the Spanish Foundation of the Digestive System (FEAD), comment that among the drugs to control inflammation are: antibiotics, corticosteroids, salicylates, immunomodulators or immunosuppressants, among others.

Biological therapies are also used, which consists of the administration of drugs designed by genetic engineering, from cell cultures. On the other hand, only in cases of urgency and exhaustion is surgical treatment used.

Although these are the main treatment options – and they have been shown to give good results – there are those who consider that they can resort to certain home remedies to complement it and thus alleviate some discomforts. Let’s see some of the most proposed below.

1. Cabbage water

Cabbage water is a natural drink that, in addition to hydrating, would help alleviate stomach discomfort. Mainly because when taken hot or lukewarm, it helps to relax.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water (500 ml).
• 5 cabbage leaves.

Preparation

• First, pour the cups of water into a pot and add the cabbage leaves.
• Then bring the drink to a boil and, when it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a minimum and leave it for 3 minutes.
• Wait for it to sit at room temperature and, when it is ready for consumption, strain it.

2. Infusion of chamomile

The chamomile infusion has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties. For this reason it became the classic remedy to reduce abdominal pain, although it is also proposed to alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of honey (5 g).
• 2 teaspoons of chamomile (10 g).

Preparation

• First, bring a cup of water to a boil and, when it reaches its boiling point, add the chamomile flowers.
• Then cover the drink, let it rest at room temperature and, when it is warm, strain it.
• Lastly, add a teaspoon of honey (5 g) to sweeten it.

3. Aloe vera juice and honey

Mixing some aloe gel with honey can be a good remedy to relieve ulcerative colitis, according to popular wisdom, since both ingredients have healing and regenerative potential.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (45 g).
• 1 teaspoon of honey (5 g).
• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

Preparation

• Extract the aloe vera gel.
• Wash it with plenty of water until all the sage (yellowish layer) is removed.
• Place it in a glass with water and a little honey and consume.

4. Oat milk

This plant-based milk is said to be a soothing remedy for diarrhea, pain, and stomach upset, as oats have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).

• 1 tablespoon of honey (10 g).
• 3 tablespoons of oatmeal (30 g).

Preparation

• First, add the tablespoons of oatmeal to a cup of water and let them soak for a couple of hours.
• Then, pour the product into the blender and process it for a few moments.
• Finally, after obtaining a homogeneous drink, add a little honey if you wish.

5. Infusion of fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seed infusion is a traditional remedy for digestive problems. Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties are attributed to it that would help reduce irritation of the colon.

It is essential to consult with your doctor before consuming this remedy. Especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml).
• 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek seeds (5 g).

Preparation

• Bring a cup of water to a boil and add the fenugreek seeds.
• Then, cover the drink and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Would you try these remedies?

If you have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, it is best to follow your doctor’s instructions and tell him if you can use home remedies separately, since this way you will know what is recommended and what is not, in addition to avoiding adverse reactions.

Keep in mind that there is no remedy capable of curing a disease, therefore, you should never support your health only in its consumption. Instead, choose to follow your doctor’s recommendations and maintain a healthy and consistent lifestyle.