Inflammation of the colon characterized by diarrhea, frequent and low to heightened painful bowel movements, bleeding out of the rectum, and intestinal discomfort. These symptoms are shared with other conditions such as infection, toxemia, etc. so colitis usually needs to be substantiated by doctor’s examination most recently through endoscopies where a camera is run through the length of the colon to see the presence, location(s) and extent of the inflammation or ulcerations (actual sores or wounds to the colon tissue).
It is somewhat medically cryptic because there is no exact or agreed upon explanation or definitive cause for it, although even allopathically diet and lifestyle are usually factored in, i.e. diets high in fried and junk food, alcohol or medicines such as antibiotics or steroid consumption. Naturopaths usually see processed foods, stress and diverse inflammatory factors as the likely culprits.
Aloe Vera has a long history in western/folk//indigenous and Ayurvedic healing systems; it is anti-pitta therefore anti-inflammatory. Just as aloe Vera is frequently used to soothe and heal burns, sunburn, and cuts externally, it can be used internally for the same benefit to the intestines.
Chlorophyll and a greens rich diet whose cellulose content is also beneficial. Chlorophyll has antiseptic, detoxifying and healing properties and greens provide additional antioxidants that support tissue health.
Colon Cleansing with gentle mostly water-soluble fiber such as acacia and larch which, while cleansing, also act as prebiotics that in turn feed the microbiome, supporting digestion, elimination, and the immune and nervous systems. Slippery Elm and other mucilaginous and demulcent herbs such as marshmallow root and foods such as okra are known to soothe digestive inflammation. American Saffron prepared as a tea, Edgar Cayce considered an “intestinal antiseptic” that would help detoxify irritated digestive tissue. He also recommended castor oil packs to soothe and detoxify and where more extensive cleansing was required, Colonics or enemas.
A Cayce predecessor, Arnold Ehret recommended a Low or no Mucous producing diet excluding or limiting dairy, and meats; and even a short grape only diet which is profoundly antioxidant and proanthocyanidins rich.
Bone Broth’s collagen rich - proline content can help to repair gastric tissue and help the stomach lining heal itself while addressing possible co or pre-conditions such as leaky gut.
Traditional Chinese Medicine advises a healing diet with soft steamed vegetables and stewed fruits like plums and pears and congee: a (brown) rice-based soup or porridge often with therapeutic herbs added. It is rich in beta-glucans that support the production of immune cells in the gut and elsewhere and also aid digestive repair on a cellular level during supplies of gamma-oryzanol, which promotes intestinal healing and fights fatigue.
Beta-glucan rich Barley water offers similar properties to the rice-based congee.
Rice bran extract or gamma oryzanol can be supplemented in pill form. DGL Is a form of licorice with the compound that could raise blood pressure removed. It is legendary in healing digestive problems like reflux and many digestive disturbances. Because of its cortisone like action it can aid in tonifying the colon and tightening its junctures so the tissue weakness is addressed and not as prone to leak nutrients and be as susceptible to inflammation or other functional insufficiencies. Other supplements that should be considered are Boswellia, most commonly used as a joint targeted anti-inflammatory can provide equivalent benefits for the digestive system. Also, the herb Calendula, most often used for topical skin irritations, is said to have the same benefits for the colon. Cat’s Claw is used for myriad digestive challenges and acts as an anti-inflammatory for the colon. Zinc carnosine is a compound that combines the tissue healing properties of zinc with the muscle repairing properties of carnosine and targets the stomach lining and digestive tissue of the colon. Life Extension’s Carnosooth is a comprehensive formula that contains many of the nutrients mentioned in this article including DGL and zinc carnosine. Using the preceding formula with an easily digested emulsified fish oil (Aqua-biome brand with Boswellia) and Lily of the Desert Aloe Stomach formula containing slippery elm and marshmallow root is an easy to implement regimen that incorporates most of the recommendations in this article.
PEA, a more recently studied and effective systemic anti-inflammatory, naturally synthesized in the gut with optimal functioning, can now be provided supplementally for suboptimal colon functioning in colitis cases. okra or okra extracts.
Follow strategies to assist the liver and pancreas to ease and optimize digestion.
If bleeding, avoid large amounts of turmeric and fish oil.
Stretching for related meridians and rebounding for lymphatic stimulating exercises
Meditation and relaxation practices can only help manage stress that certainly can contribute to or even be causative of colitis.
Nervines such as catnip, also a carminative and magnolia and passionflower, as well as CBD are nervous and inflammation regulating. Bach rescue and flower remedies can also be used to mitigate emotional components that stress the digestive system. As with any medically diagnosed conditions, consult your doctor, pharmacist, and/or pediatrician when incorporating supplements into your self-care practices, especially if using conventional medications.
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