Tag: Home remedies for ulcerative colitis

Benefits of Terminalia Arjuna in Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Overview

Ulcerative Colitis is the inflammation and ulceration in the colon and rectum. This problems begins in the rectum and spreads to the entire colon. We can say it is the combination of ulceration and inflammation which leads to discomfort and results to frequent emptying of the colon. Ulcerative Colitis is caused because of the unusual and abnormal response of our immune system. People of any age group can be diagnosed with it.

ulcerative colitis treatment in ayurveda

What are the causes which lead to inflammation of the colon that results to Ulcerative Colitis?

  • Autoimmune factors
  • Food allergies
  • Collagen disorders
  • Genetic factors
  • Infection

When one is suffering from Ulcerative Colitis what are the sign and symptoms seen?

  • Irregular bowel movements
  • Undigested food particles in stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Diarrhea with blood
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Unexplained fatigue
  • Unpleasant body odor
  • Weight loss
  • Distended abdomen
  • Poor appetite
  • On and off rectal pain
  • Burning sensation-chest and throat
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Low-grade fever
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Skin lesions
  • Sounds from the abdomen

The symptoms and causes of ulcerative colitis lead to complications which really needs attention and to be managed.

  • Severe bleeding
  • A hole in the colon (perforated colon)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Liver disease (rare)
  • Bone loss (osteoporosis)
  • Inflammation of your skin, joints, and eyes
  • An increased risk of colon cancer
  • A rapidly swelling colon (toxic megacolon)
  • Increased risk of blood clots in veins

According to Ayurveda

  • According to Ayurveda ulcerative colitis is Pittaj Grahani. Ayurveda says it is a complication due to vitiated Pitta Dosha, with the involvement of Vata. With consumption of foods that are Pitta-aggravating and the lifestyle followed damages rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue), which results to the formation of ama that gets deposited in the intestines.
  • Due to it, the Vata Dosha is also aggravated and it blocks the Pitta and Kapha channels, resulting in inflammation, mucus accumulation, and edema. Ulcerative Colitis when treated by Ayurveda, involves removing the ama and restoring the healthy digestion.
  • Our nature is full of herbs and there are many herbs which help in managing and controlling the causes and symptoms of ulcerative colitis. But today we will discuss Arjun ( Terminal arjuna) the herb which has the potency to balance all the three doshas- Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. Arjun is loaded with properties which makes it useful and beneficial in Ulcerative colitis.

The Ayurvedic medicinal property of Arjuna which tells its qualities are-

  • Rasa (Taste) – Kashaya (Astringent)
  • Guna (Qualities) – Rooksha (Dryness), Laghu (Lightness)
  • Vipaka – Katu- Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
  • Veerya – Sheeta – cold potency

The properties and the qualities of Arjun which makes it helpful in Ulcerative Colitis are-

  • Anti-inflammatory— The use of Arjuna help in reducing the inflammation in the colon which is the cause of ulcerative colitis.
  • Antioxidant– Helps in repairing the damages made to the body by the ulcers and inflammation.
  • Wound healing- Arjuna helps in healing the ulcers which are formed in the colon
  • Antacid- helps in controlling acidity and gastritis.
  • Antiulcerogenic– As per the property it gives a soothing effect to the ulcerative patients and helps in healing the ulcers as well.
  • Mucolytic– This property of Arjuna helps in controlling and treating the formation and excretion of mucus through stool.
  • Astringent– This property of Arjuna helps in controlling and managing the blood loss in the ulcerative Antitoxin– Arjun helps in removing the accumulation of toxins in the form of Ama.
  • Antihemorrhagic– Helps to control the excessive bleeding in the ulcerative patients.

Health Benefits of Arjuna

  • As Arjun is cooling, strengthening, soothing, and nutritive by nature which makes it helpful and useful in pacifying the aggravated Pitta Dosha. It also helps in gastritis and severe burning. The use of Arjuna increases the metabolism, production of enzymes which are required and are helpful in digestion, restores and refreshes the functioning of the liver.
  • Arjuna tree has calcium, copper, magnesium, and zinc which are inbuilt in it which gives it the properties of healing wounds Hence it stop the bleeding, heal the ulcers in the digestive tract, control diarrhea, improve hemoglobin levels in the blood, remove toxins from the body, reduce inflammation, and make the body strong.

Along with ulcerative colitis it is also useful in many other health issues and they are-

  • Coronary artery disease.
  • Heart failure.
  • Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Hemorrhages.
  • Edema due to heart disease.
  • Asthma.
  • Leucorrhea.
  • Obesity.

Heartburn

  • Due to the formation of Ama the digestive fire is affected which disturbs the digestive system causing heartburn. Intake of Arjuna will remove the Ama and ease the heartburn problem.

Gastritis

  • Due to poor digestion the food is undigested which leads to the formation of gas Arjuna helps in it.

Peptic ulcers

  • The use of Arjuna in it will control the bleeding, heal ulcers and remove the toxins.

Wounds & Skin Ulcers

  • Terminalia arjuna is used for treating wounds and skin ulcers. The use of the herb kills microbes, especially several strains of bacteria, and promotes wound healing.

Dysentery

  • Terminalia arjuna is very helpful in treating dysentery when given in combination. This herb reduces bleeding in stools, the frequency of defecation, and eradicates the infection.

Atherosclerosis

  • Terminalia arjuna herb has anti-atherogenic and hypolipidemic properties which makes it useful in reducing low-grade inflammation of the blood vessels and the antihyperlipidemic action of the herb lowers down the serum concentration of total cholesterol. It also reduces the atherogenic index.

Hemorrhages & Bleeding Disorders

  • Presence of astringents substances in Arjuna Bark has anti-hemorrhagic property, which helps to reduce the bleeding. Arjuna herb is commonly used in Ayurveda for treating bleeding disorders with a combination of other herbs.

If You Suffering from Ulcerative colitis? – Natural Diet and Home Remedies

Introduction

Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic auto immune disease of the large intestine or colon wherein inflammation brought on by the faulty immune response creates ulcers or sores in the lining of the colon.

Due to changing eating habits as well as changing lifestyle, abdominal problems like- gastritis, bloating, constipation are becoming most common. These issues are looked quite simple to handle but if not diagnosed or treated early may result into a disease called as “Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis treatment in Ayurveda

According To Ayurveda

  • As Ayurveda believes in curing the disease from the root, this problem has a proper solution. According to Ayurveda, it initiates with mild diarrhea then it leads to stools with Ama [toxic substances] then results in constipation.
  • In Ayurveda, it is also known as Pittaj Grahani

Lifestyle Changes

  • Simple lifestyle changes and little change in diet can help in not only relieving the symptoms of Ulcerative colitis, but also managing the problem and lengthening the time between the flare ups.

7 Home Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis

Home Remedies/ Natural Diet to Manage Ulcerative Colitis

  • A very effective and easy home remedy to deal with UC symptoms at home is to eat mints.
  • Mint helps in improving the functioning of digestive system and nervous system.
  • By eating mint, the saliva glands start working more and this helps with digestion.

Chamomile Tea

  • Chamomile Tea is another home remedy with amazing curative powers.

How To Make

  • It can be prepared by boiling two spoons of Chamomile flower powder in a glass of water for about 10 minutes, strain it and add some honey for the stage.
  • Chamomile helps in reducing inflammation in the colon as it has a soothing effect on the intestinal tract.
  • It can be taken daily by the patient.

Calendula Flower Tea

  • One may also prepare Calendula Flower Tea in the same way and drink it as a safe remedy for UC.

Apple Cider vinegar

How to Take

  • Apple cider vinegar (two spoons) mixed with honey in a glass of water right before each meal is another effective solution for UC.
  • It can be taken twice a day.

Plain Cultured Yogurt

  • Plain cultured yogurt/ curd has probiotics (live bacteria) which is beneficial for a healthy digestive system.
  • One needs to increase the intake of Probiotics in the diet.

Fresh Juices

  • Carrot juice,Pomegranate juice (50 ml daily)
  • Rose Petal juice
  • Marigold Flower Juice
  • Coriander Leaves juice
  • Indian Rosewood leaves juice

How to Take

  • It can be taken on a daily basis (1 spoon two to three times a day).
  • This provides the body with antioxidants and helps in treating UC.

Olive oil

How to Take

  • Olive oil (two spoons) mixed with a glass of warm water
  • It can be taken daily for a week.

Benefits

  • Olive oil is known for immunomodulatory properties and monosaturated fats.
  • It has anti-inflammatory properties as well and is perfectly safe to be used in treating UC.

Fenugreek Seeds

How to Take

  • Fenugreek seeds may be boiled in water for 10 minutes, strained and some jiggery powder may be added to it for taste.
  • This mixture can be taken on empty stomach daily for a week.

Benefits

  • Fenugreek seeds help in speeding up the recovery by providing a protective coating along the intestinal tract.
  • Fenugreek seeds are known for its anti-inflammatoryproperties, Vitamin C and Vitamin A, iron and calcium content.

Coconut Water with Honey

How to Take

  • A very easy way to treat UC at home is drinking coconut water with honey mixed with it on empty stomach first thing in the morning for at least one week.

Benefits

  • This drink boosts energy, prevents dehydration, enhances immunity and helps cure ulcers.

Rice Water

How to Take

  • Rice Water is also considered a good option to ease the symptoms of UC.
  • It can be prepared by boiling a cup of rice in three cups of water for twenty minutes.
  • After the rice settles down, strain it and drink the remaining water.

Best Fruits to Eat in UC

  • The best fruits that a UC patient should take on a regular basis are apples and bananas.
  • One should try to eat steamed apples, two times a day to alleviate pain and heal sores of the colon.
  • Apples are rich in phosphorous and iron and are very helpful in treating UC.
  • Seedless grapes, peaches, soft melons and avocados may also be taken

Turmeric

  • Turmeric may be mixed in a glass of warm milk and taken before bed time for a week.
  • It is well known for its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Wheat grass

  • Wheat grass is an anti-oxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties too.
  • It is very soft on the stomach and provides instant relief from the severe pain of UC.

How to Take

  • One can easily prepare wheat grass juice by mixing two spoons of wheat grass powder in warm water.
  • The mixture can be taken twice daily for one week.

Tips

  • It is very important to increase the intake of water.

Diet Plan for Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Recommended Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid

  • The recommended diet includes vegetables like turnip, potatoes, radish, carrot, bael fruit, spinach, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Ash Gourd, Songe Gourd and Round Gourd and green lentils. Vegetables should be without seeds.
  • Soft Bland Foods– These kinds of foods are very beneficial in some of the digestive tract problems such as ulcerative colitis. Soft, bland foods which can be used in ulcerative colitis are oatmeal, puffed rice, hominy grits, wheat cream, boiled eggs, gelatin, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, carrots and spinach and brown rice.
  • Taking Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are also recommended. Vitamin C is easily found in foods like red bell peppers, parsley, strawberries and spinach.
  • It is very important to avoid foods that can aggravate the UC symptoms. One needs to avoid dairy products like milk/cheese/butter, foods rich in fiber like cauliflower/cucumbers, spicy foods or spices like red chili, cloves, black peppers, turmeric and asafetida, citrus fruits like lime, lemons, orange, pineapples and tomatoes, alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks. It is advised to minimize the consumption of kidney beans, chick peas, black eyes beans, black grams, brinjal, ladyfinger etc. Eating small meals frequently works best for UC patients.
  • The best thing to do is to avoid stress as much as you can by practicing stress relieving techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Once stress is under control, the heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate becomes normal and blood and nutrients move into the core to support digestive function.