ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease in which the mucous membranes lining the colon and rectum become inflamed.

Ulcers form where inflammation has killed the cells that line the colon and rectum, resulting in bloody diarrhea, pain, gas, bloating and hard stools.

This means that the colon muscles have to work harder to move the stools through the colon, which can cause diverticulitis, a condition that occurs when small pouches of the colon (diverticula) become infected or irritated.

Enteritis and ileitis are types on inflammation of the small intestine associated with colitis.

Although ulcerative colitis can affect anyone, most people are diagnosed before the age of thirty.

The causes of this chronic IBD are unknown, although scientist speculate that possible contributing factors of ulcerative colitis are poor eating habits, stress and food allergies.

Ulcerative colitis can also be caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, often associated with the use of antibiotics.

Cases of ulcerative colitis range from mild to severe, with worse case scenarios resulting in toxic megacolon, in which the intestinal wall weakens and balloons out, threatening to rupture.

There are no known cures of ulcerative colitis, but many people have found natural cures and home remedies to dramatically reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Some home remedies have even brought about long-term remissions.

Natural Cures for Ulcerative Colitis:

Boswellia:

Studies have shown that boswellia (also known as frankincense) is the equivalent to ibuprofen or aspirin in its ability to reduce swelling, which may be the reason why boswellia is so effective in treating ulcerative colitis.

Boswellia is safer and more effective that the medication used to treat most inflammatory bowel diseases. In one study, patients taking 350mg of boswellia three times daily achieved an 82% remission rate.

Aloe Vera:

Taken orally, aloe vera is an extremely potent laxative. With that said, one study found aloe vera to be useful in treating ulcerative colitis because it aids in healing the colon, thereby easing pain.

Drink ½ cup of aloe vera juice in the morning and again at bedtime.

Drink Water:

For acute pain, try drinking a large glass of water.

This aids in flushing out particles caught in the crevices of the colon, relieving pain.

Chamomile:

Traditionally used to provide soothing relief to irritated digestive tracks, chamomile is renowned for its calming properties.

Chamomile may relieve cramping and irritation of the intestines, as well as keep ulcers from developing and encouraging their healing if they have developed.

Make a tea by combining 2 or 3 grams of fresh herb with 1 cup water.

Steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three times daily.

If preparing tea with a teabag, you may drink up to four cups daily.

Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.