Ulcerative colitis-herbal treatments

A small clinical study found that people with UC taking 550 mg of boswellia gum resin three times daily for six weeks had similar improvement in symptoms and the severity of their disease as people with UC taking the drug sulfasalazine.42 Overall, 82% of patients receiving boswellia, along with 75% of patients taking sulfasalazine, went into remission.In a preliminary trial, people with UC remained in remission just as long when they took 20 grams of ground psyllium seeds twice daily with water as when they took the drug mesalamine.43 The combination of the two was slightly more effective than either alone. Controlled trials are now needed to confirm a therapeutic effect of psyllium for UC.In a controlled trial, supplementation with wheat grass juice for one month resulted in clinical improvement in 78% of people with ulcerative colitis, compared with 30% of those receiving a placebo.44 The amount of wheat grass used was 20 ml per day initially; this was increased by 20 ml per day to a maximum of 100 ml per day (approximately 3.5 ounces).German doctors practicing herbal medicine often recommend chamomile for people with colitis.45 A cup of strong tea drunk three times per day is standard, along with enemas using the tea when it reaches body temperature.Curcumin is a compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa) that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In a preliminary trial, five of five people with chronic ulcerative proctitis (a condition similar to ulcerative colitis) had an improvement in their disease after supplementing with curcumin. The amount of curcumin used was 550 mg twice a day for one month, followed by 550 mg three times a day for one month.46 In a double-blind trial, supplementation with curcumin in the amount of 1 gram twice a day for six months decreased the relapse rate in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission. The relapse rate was 4.7% among people receiving curcumin and 20.5% in the placebo group, a statistically significant difference. All patients in the study also received conventional therapy.47Enemas of oil of St. John’s wort may also be beneficial.48 Consult with a doctor before using St. John’s wort oil enemas.Aloe vera juice has anti-inflammatory activity and been used by some doctors for people with UC. In a double-blind study of people with mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, supplementation with aloe resulted in a complete remission or an improvement in symptoms in 47% of cases, compared with 14% of those given a placebo (a statistically significant difference).49 No significant side effects were seen. The amount of aloe used was 100 ml (approximately 3.5 ounces) twice a day for four weeks. Other traditional anti-inflammatory and soothing herbs, including calendula, flaxseed, licorice, marshmallow, myrrh, and yarrow. Many of these herbs are most effective, according to clinical experience, if taken internally as well as in enema form.50 Enemas should be avoided during acute flare-ups but are useful for mild and chronic inflammation. It is best to consult with a doctor experienced with botanical medicine to learn more about herbal enemas before using them. More research needs to be done to determine the effectiveness of these herbs.