Natural Remedies for Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s Disease: A Brief Explanation

Crohn’s disease is characterized by inflamed areas (sometimes ulcerated) located deep within the intestinal tract. The disease can affect anywhere in the intestines from the mouth as far down as the anus. The disease is caused by an immune system reaction within the intestines.

Symptoms of crohn’s include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rectal bleeding

These symptoms are often exacerbated by poor dietary and lifestyle habits.

Natural Remedies for Crohn’s Disease: There is Hope

Those who suffer from crohn’s disease live life taking prescribed treatment medication to help endure the daily symptoms they suffer. Symptoms vary so dramatically, that no two days are alike. The feelings of despair that those who suffer from crohn’s experience can only generate hope that natural remedies may offer relief from symptoms, or even a potential cure.

An increasing number of those who suffer are turning to alternative and natural remedies in the hope that the condition can be controlled or made more bearable in their day-to-day lives.

The following herbal remedies are believed to be beneficial to crohn’s sufferers, however only under strict guidance:

• Gingko Biloba – A natural remedy containing anti-oxidant ingredients known to be beneficial in protecting the gastrointestinal tract from the harmful effects of crohn’s.
• Green Tea – Known to have anti-inflammatory properties, this product is popular because of its potential contribution to reducing the risk of cancer (a possible complication of crohn’s).
• Cat’s Claw – Known to be used by those who live in the Amazon, Cat’s claw is used to treat intestinal disorders.
• Salai Guggal – This Ayervedic herbal remedy has been likened to sulphasalazine a potent anti-inflammatory drug which is commonly prescribed to those suffering from ulcerative colitis (U.C). Crohn’s causes many similar symptoms to U.C therefore salai guggal has been introduced as a natural treatment for it.
• Goldenseal – This remedy discourages bacteria from adhering to the intestinal wall, thus protecting the gut from crohn’s disease.
• Aloe Vera – Popular for its stool softening effect. For a person suffering from crohn’s, the passing of soft stools can lessen the discomfort felt on the rectum during inflammatory periods.

For those who are unfamiliar with the use of such natural remedies, herbal and similar alternative treatments can be taken in various forms, including:

• Tinctures and syrups – liquid form
• Powders
• Crushed herbs – which can be taken with water
• Tea – Some remedies can be reconstituted and made into a tea
• Herbal oils and topical creams – for external application only

Additional Natural Remedies

• Homeopathy - Natural remedies for crohn’s disease do not only focus on herbal or plant derived products. Homeopathy is fast becoming as popular treatment for those who suffer from the disease. A homeopathist will not only assess physical symptoms, but make an assessment by considering psychological issues also. A combined approach to homeopathy is believed to enrich the benefits of the treatment. Popular homeopathic remedies include:
  • Veratrum album
  • Podophyllum
  • Mercurius

• Fish oil Supplementation – Fish oil has been proven to contain fatty acids that contain anti-inflammatory properties, which in the crohn’s sufferer can assist the reduction of intestinal swelling.

Gaining the Right Advice

When exploring the use of alternative natural remedies it is essential that you do this under the guidance of a skilled and experienced alternative therapist. It is important to be aware that there is no scientific research to support natural remedies for the treatment of crohn’s, however many recorded anecdotal studies have displayed positive effects from them.