Q & A: Herbal Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

I have suffered from ulcerative colitis for seven years. I have been on medicines that have done little to ease the disease. The long-term prognosis includes possibly having my colon removed. My father has suggested I try some herbs and vitamins. I was hoping you might have some in mind.
—A. S., Gorham, Maine 

Keville responds: I’ve seen herbs work miracles on curing ulcerative colitis, but be patient—you’ve had the condition for a long time. Colitis produces swelling and raw sores in the large intestine’s lining. The result is lots of pain, especially when food or gas passes by during the digestive process. A number of herbs reduce the inflammation, gas, and painful cramping, and generally improve digestion. Try drinking 1 cup of the following tea a few times a day. Combine 1 teaspoon each of marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa), and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) with ½ teaspoon of fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) and lightly simmer in 1 quart of water for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add 1 teaspoon each of chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita) and peppermint leaf (Mentha ¥piperita).

As with stomach ulcers, doctors no longer think colitis results solely from tension and stress, but it’s still a good idea to work on lessening these with sedative herbs, along with stress-reduction methods. Anti-inflammatory digestive herbs that also relax muscle constriction in the digestive tract include hops (Humulus lupulus), which also relieves insomnia, and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), to deal with depression. Doing yoga is good—as long as it doesn’t cause pain—because it improves the function of the digestive system. Relieve any constipation by taking psyllium seed powder (Plantago spp.) along with a big glass of water. And speaking of water, make sure you drink several glasses a day. One of my favorite colitis cures isn’t actually herbal—it’s yogurt. I prefer goat yogurt, but any brand containing a living culture such as acidophilus will do. If you don’t eat dairy products, you can get acidophilus in pill form at a health-food store. Another kitchen remedy is cabbage, a traditional cure for ulcers that works equally as well in the intestine. Naturally fermented, uncanned sauerkraut is a good form of cabbage for colitis sufferers. If you’re not already on a healthy, whole-foods diet, now’s the time.