Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It affects the lining of the large intestine and rectum. The goal of traditional treatment is to reduce the inflammation.
Drugs like Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Asacol, Lialda, etc), balsalazide (Colazal), olsalazine (Dipentum), corticosteroids, azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), mercaptopurine (Purinethol), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), Infliximab (Remicade), antibiotics, anti-diarrheals and pain killers are used by doctors world wide to treat this medical condition.
Many of these medicines can cause side effects. In some cases they are just not effective. Here are some natural remedies that are found to be effective against this medical condition.
Boswellia Serrata is known as Shallaki in Sanskrit. This herb is very effective in reducing inflammation, and is being used extensively in Ayurveda (system of traditional medicine native toIndia) from thousands of years.
Omega – 3 fatty acids are effective in reducing inflammation in people suffering from ulcerative colitis. Research studies found that omega – 3 fatty acids reduced corticosteroid requirements. Flax seeds, walnuts and soybeans are rich in omega – 3 fatty acids.
Acupuncture provides relaxation for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis. However, the positive effects can be noticed only after some sessions. Acupuncture promotes a sense of well being, but will not cure the medical condition.
Aloe vera is well known for its anti inflammatory and soothing properties. It aids in relieving the symptoms of this medical condition. Aloe vera gel is found to be effective in treating mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis.
Turmeric contains a compound named curcumin. This compound is found to be effective in improving symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Yoga is very effective against ulcerative colitis. Many yoga programs are designed for patients affected by this medical condition. Boat post, plank post, side plank pose, twisting prayer lunge, cat-cow stretch, cobra pose, eagle pose and chair pose help you stretch and tone the stomach muscles, thereby strengthening the lining of the digestive organs.
While trying alternative remedies for ulcerative colitis, it is very important to observe their effects on your body. If you find worsening of symptoms, you need to visit your physician without delay.
