In the Grip of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

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In the Grip of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

 

Most people with IBD become anxious and depressed over it. That's no

surprise. It's an anxiety-provoking, depressing illness. But at the

same time, anxiety, depressions and other stress may intensify

symptoms. I'd recommend getting involved in a stress management

program that appeals to you, such as meditation, biofeedback or yoga

or some other form of moderate exercise. My personal stress-

management technique is gardening among the herbs at my Herbal

Vineyard.

 

Food sensitivities can definitely contribute to intestinal problems.

An inability to digest milk and dairy products, (lactose

intolerance) is widespread, and many people with this problem don't

know that they have it. I'd recommend avoiding all dairy foods for

several weeks to see if it helps.

Other people have a similar, though rarer, intolerance to gluten,

the protein in wheat that makes bread dough spongy. Most other

grains, except rice and teff, a grain used in Ethiopia, contain

gluten as well. It's not easy to eliminate grains from your diet,

but if IBD is making you miserable, I'd say it's worth the

adjustment for a few weeks to see if you feel better. Try

substituting rice cakes for bread and rice noodles for pasta. Or go

Ethiopian and enjoy some of their great teff pancakes... If you can

find the grain in a natural food store.

Another good option is the organic sprouted grain breads such as

Ezekiel Bread which can be found in the natural foods (freezer)

section of your local supermarket.

www.food-for-life.com

 

Here are several herbal preparations that can help relieve symptoms.

Psyllium (Plantago avata).

You may never have heard of psyllium seeds, but I bet you've heard

of Metamucil.

Metamucil is a commercial fiber product that is basically ground

psyllium seeds and husks with some flavoring added. Metamucil works

as a laxative because in the intestine, the mucilage is psyllium

seeds absorbs water and swells to many times its original size. It

adds bulk to stool and helps stimulate the muscle contractions we

experience as `the urge " .

Psyllium's ability to absorb fluids also makes it useful for

treating diarrhea, a common IBD symptom. In addition, as it travels

through the digestive tract, the mucilage in psyllium exerts a

soothing effect, which may help relieve the cramping of IBD. If you

use psyllium, make sure that you also drink plenty of fluids. Also

watch how you react to it if you have allergies. If allergic

symptoms develop after you take it once, don't use it again.

Tea (Camellia sinensis).

Commission E, the body of experts that advises the German government

about herbs, suggests using astringent herbs containing tannin, such

as tea, for relieving gastrointestinal distress. Besides, plain

beverage tea, several common herbs, are rich in tannin, including

bayberry, bugleweed, bilberry, black walnut, English walnut Carob

and raspberry.

 

Valerian (Valeriana Officinalsi)

An Italian study suggests that valerian is a useful addition to

other medicines that relieve spasms in smooth muscles such as the

intestine. Valerian also helps relieve stress, which apparently

contributes to IBD.

Assorted essential oils.

Aromatherapists recommend massage with a few drops of any of the

following essential oils diluted in a carrier oil:

Basil, bergamot, chamomile, cinnamon, garlic, geranium, hyssop,

lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, thyme and ylang-ylang. I can't vouch

for this personally, but massage is relaxing. Relaxation helps

relieve the stress of having IBD. I'd try this approach. Remember,

though, that essential oils are for external use only.

 

Assorted herbs:

Herbalists often recommend chamomile, peppermint and wild yam to

help relieve muscle spasms, including those of the intestine.

Oil of peppermint soft gels are very effective! These gels can

usually be obtained at your local health food store or natural foods

supplier.

Noted British herbalist David Hoffman, author of " The Herbal

Handbook " , suggests treating IBD with a combination herbal cocktail

of two parts bayberry and one part each of chamomile, mugwort,

peppermint, valerian and wild yam.]

Herbal pharmacologist Daniel Mowrey, Ph. D., author of `The

scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine and Herbal Tonic Therapies,

recommends several herbs for treating ulcerative colitis and Crohn's

disease, including fenugreek, gentian, ginger, licorice root, myrrh

gum and papaya leaf.

Cautions: Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure.

Obtain only the organic papaya. The majority of all papaya is

typically genetically engineered.

 

Taken from:

" The Green Pharmacy "

by James A. Duke Ph.D.