Natural Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, triggers chronic inflammation and ulcers within the colon and rectum, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Ulcerative colitis, as perceived in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stems from a disruption in the harmonious balance of qi, yin, and yang within the body.
This ancient perspective views ulcerative colitis as a manifestation of disharmony, where an imbalance in these vital energies leads to the inflammation and irritation of the colon. From a TCM viewpoint, factors like emotional stress, improper diet, and environmental influences can disturb the flow of qi and disrupt the delicate equilibrium between yin and yang.
TCM treatments aim to restore balance by utilizing natural remedies such as acupuncture, herbal formulas, dietary adjustments, and stress-reduction techniques to address the root cause of this imbalance and alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Herbal Formulas
TCM employs various herbal formulas to tackle ulcerative colitis. One widely used formula is Chan-An-Shuan, renowned for its ability to soothe inflammation and heal the intestinal lining.
This blend typically comprises of herbs like Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) with its potent anti-inflammatory effects, and Wu Mei (Prunus mume) to aid in resolving diarrhea and regulating the digestive system.
Together, these herbs work synergistically to calm inflammation, reduce discomfort, and promote the healing of the colon lining, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
A 2017 study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Chang-An-Shuan (CAS), a Chinese medicinal formula, on TNBS-induced colitis in rats—a model for Crohn’s disease. Oral administration of CAS significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, improved mucosal integrity, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokine levels.
CAS’s effectiveness was linked to inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Another notable formula is Baitouweng Tang, often prescribed in TCM to address ulcerative colitis symptoms. This formula combines herbs such as Bai Tou Weng (Pulsatilla chinensis) known for its anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory properties, Huang Bai (Phellodendron chinense) to clear heat and dampness from the body, and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) to strengthen the digestive system and promote bowel regularity.
The combination of these herbs aims to rebalance the body’s energies, reduce inflammation in the intestines, and restore harmony to the digestive system, providing relief from the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
A 2021 study evaluated the effectiveness of Baitouweng Tang (BTWT), a commonly used remedy in China for ulcerative colitis (UC), in UC-induced BALB/c mice. UC was induced using DSS in mice, followed by BTWT administration for 7 days.
BTWT notably improved clinical symptoms, reduced colon inflammation, and normalized colonic bile acid levels. Additionally, BTWT positively impacted gut microbiota diversity, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacterial groups and regulating the expression of bile acid in the liver.
TCM practitioners often tailor these herbal formulas to individual patients, considering their specific symptoms and constitution to achieve optimal results in managing this condition.
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Herbal Teas and Decoctions
Herbal teas and decoctions in TCM provide multifaceted relief for ulcerative colitis symptoms by leveraging the anti-inflammatory, digestive-regulating, and soothing properties of specific herbs like those found in Chan-An-Shuan or Baitouweng Tang formulas.
These concoctions alleviate colon inflammation, ease gastrointestinal distress, and aid in healing the intestinal lining while rebalancing gut microbiota disrupted in ulcerative colitis. Their anti-inflammatory nature helps mitigate abdominal pain and discomfort while regulating bowel movements, addressing diarrhea or constipation.
Consulting a TCM practitioner for personalized guidance on herb selection, dosage, and usage duration is crucial to safely and effectively manage ulcerative colitis symptoms.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, a complementary therapy in TCM, involves the burning of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupuncture points to stimulate these points and promote healing. In the context of ulcerative colitis, moxibustion can be applied to acupoints on the abdomen or lower back, aiming to reduce inflammation, alleviate abdominal pain, and improve digestion.
The heat generated during moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, stimulating circulation and enhancing the flow of qi, thereby aiding in the restoration of balance and alleviating symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis.
Additionally, moxibustion’s warming effect can strengthen the digestive system and help regulate bowel movements, offering a complementary approach to managing this condition in conjunction with other TCM therapies or conventional treatments.
A 2014 study examined the effects of moxibustion on rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). Rats were split into different groups and treated with varying durations of moxibustion.
The results showed that moxibustion reduced disease activity, improved colon tissue structure, lowered levels of inflammatory markers like IL-8, increased levels of anti-inflammatory marker IL-10, and decreased the expression of molecules associated with inflammation (TLR9 and NF-κB p65) in the colon.
Overall, moxibustion appeared to help repair colon damage and alleviate inflammation in UC rats.
Similarly, a 2018 study looked at how a specific type of moxibustion (HPM) affected rats with ulcerative colitis (UC). Researchers found that HPM helped the rats’ colons heal faster and reduced inflammation. When the researchers looked at the proteins involved, they noticed that some were more active in the sick rats but became less active with HPM treatment.
These proteins are linked to processes like cell death and protein changes. Moreover, HPM may help ease symptoms of UC by changing how these proteins work, allowing the colon to heal better.
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Watch: What is Moxibustion (Moxa)?
Dietary and Lifestyle Choices
In TCM, dietary recommendations play a pivotal role in managing ulcerative colitis. Beneficial foods often include easily digestible, nourishing options like cooked vegetables, rice, oats, and soothing herbal teas.
Emphasizing warm, cooked meals over raw or cold foods helps ease digestive strain, while incorporating probiotic-rich foods like fermented vegetables or miso supports gut health.
Additionally, TCM advises against excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, or processed foods as they can exacerbate inflammation and disrupt the delicate balance of the digestive system.
Foods like dairy, caffeine, and alcohol are commonly advised to be limited or avoided due to their potential to trigger or worsen symptoms of ulcerative colitis according to TCM principles.
TCM also approaches stress management as integral to overall well-being, especially in conditions like ulcerative colitis where stress can exacerbate symptoms. Techniques such as acupuncture, meditation, Tai Chi, or Qigong aim to restore balance and reduce stress by harmonizing the flow of qi within the body.
Moreover, TCM recommends maintaining emotional balance through practices like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mental tranquility.
Furthermore, exercise holds significance in managing ulcerative colitis symptoms by promoting overall health and well-being. While intense physical activity might exacerbate symptoms during flare-ups, moderate exercises like walking, yoga, or gentle stretching can aid in stress reduction, improve circulation, and support digestive function.
Regular, low-impact exercise can also enhance mood and alleviate fatigue commonly associated with ulcerative colitis, contributing positively to the management of this condition according to TCM principles.
Watch: How Your Gut Bacteria Controls Your Mood | What Your Abdomen Says About Your Health: Abdominal Diagnosis 101
Conclusion
TCM offers a holistic approach to ulcerative colitis by addressing underlying imbalances through therapies like acupuncture, herbal remedies, diet adjustments, stress management, and gentle exercises. It aims to alleviate symptoms and support the body’s healing processes, considering the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and environmental factors.
Exploring natural remedies for ulcerative colitis alongside conventional treatments provides a comprehensive approach, potentially enhancing effectiveness while minimizing side effects. Embracing these options under professional guidance allows for a tailored treatment plan, empowering individuals to manage their condition more comprehensively.
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