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COLITIS & CHROHN’S DISEASE
Both Colitis and Chrohn’s Disease are forms of chronic inflammatory disorders of the bowel – generally grouped together as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Colitis is on the increase, probably due to diet and increased stress levels, both of which are causal factors, along with bacterial infection. Colitis is inflammation anywhere in the colon, which can be a precursor to ulcerative colitis. Patients with Chrohn’s Disease often have relatives with Ulcerative Colitis, and vice versa. In Colitis, there is a non-specific inflammatory response limited largely to the lining of the colon, whereas Chrohn’s Disease is characterised by an inflammatory reaction throughout the entire thickness of the bowel wall.
Symptoms: Chrohn’s Disease – Intermittent bouts of diarrhoea, low-grade fever. Anorexia, weight loss, flatulence and malaise. Abdominal tenderness, especially in the liver area (lower right side) with signs of peritoneal irritation and an abdominal or pelvic mass (blockage).
Ulcerative Colitis – Bloody diarrhoea, with cramps in the lower abdomen. Mild abdominal tenderness, weight loss and fever. Rectal examination may show perianal irritation, fissures, haemorrhoids, fistulas and abcesses.
Nutrition
No coffee, alcohol, tea, milk or cheese should be consumed.
No cooked spices should be eaten; the cooler, raw spices and culinary herbs like thyme and marjoram should be used instead.
Fibrous foods should be avoided at this point. Instead try fruit purees (always cook with stones, pips and skins and then sieve), vegetable purees, liquidated soups and generally soft steamed or baked foods. Continue until the inflammation has subsided.
Often six small meals a day will be easier to digest than three larger ones.
If you are able, eat plenty of garlic in food to let it do the work of bowel putrefaction for you.
Herbs
Herbs like marshmallow root, cramp bark, lobelia herb, barberry root, wild yam tuber and red clover flowers help soothe and relax any spasms and reduce the inflammation.
Drink meadowsweet herb tea for bouts of diarrhoea and liquorice rhizome tea would help any constipation: in this condition the two often alternate.
Aloe vera juice will help both situations.
Digest-eze powders will correct stomach pH, soothe the internal membranes and heal, nourish the colon.
Use the herbs recommended for diverticulitis along with bayberry root bark as a blood cleanser, because it will help the colon wall regain elasticity and encourage peristalsis.
Blessed thistle herb tea helps reduce excessive mucus production and stimulates digestion. This will also improved the tone, structure and elasticity of the bowel walls, as well as aiding detoxification.
Herbal Formulae Suggestions
Digest-eze powders to help soothe and heal
Supportive Formula will support the entire body helping it to repair itself
Red Zinger Immuno herb tea or Ache Away herb tea
Mellow Moments herb tea or Chamomile Tea
Barberry & Fennel capsules – contact us for more information.
Metaphysical
Colitis represents ‘Insecurity. The ease of letting go of that which is over.’ Chrohn’s Disease represents ‘Fear. Worry. Not feeling good enough.’
Affirmations: Colitis – ‘I am part of the perfect rhythm and flow of life. All is in Divine right order.’ Chrohn’s Disease – ‘I love and approve of myself. I am doing the best I can. I am wonderful. I am at peace.’
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