In these times of uncertainty, the abundance of stress and following a sedentary lifestyle, has created havoc in the daily regimen of many people. Insomnia and stomach issues have literally become a part of our lives. And one such severe gastrointestinal issue that many people have reported during the lockdown is Ulcerative colitis.

Also Read: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 5 Incredible Ayurvedic Herbs To Relieve IBS

What Is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is a form of chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease with a relapsing nature. It is a very challenging health condition affecting a person during the most active period of his or her life i.e., 20 to 40 years of age. It chiefly occurs due to inflammation and swelling of inner mucosal lining of the large intestinal area, mainly the colon and rectum. This long-time inflammation results in erosion of the mucosal lining causing tiny ulcers and sores, which gradually deepens to form large ulcers. In chronic conditions, there is even discharge of pus and mucus from the ulcers.

Also Read: Indigestion: Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Stomach Woes Naturally

According to Ayurveda, Ulcerative colitis can be correlated to the disease Pravahika and mainly manifests in the form of Atipravahana of Purisha (i.e., repeated defecation), Atidrava Purisha Pravritti (i.e.,watery stool), Udarashoola (i.e., pain in the abdomen), Picchila, Saphena (i.e., sticky and frothy stool), and Raktayukta Purisha (i.e., blood-mixed stool). Our digestive system also referred to as ‘agni’ has several functions including digestion, absorption of nutrients and assimilation of food particles. A malfunction of this agni causes improper or inadequate digestion of food particles and often leads to accumulation of AMA (toxins) which is absorbed and stored in the body. The stored AMA affects the secretion of various digestive juices and leads to an impaired digestive metabolism.

Ayurveda mainly specifies that regular intake of injudicious food (spicy, oily, frozen food), faulty lifestyle (lack of exercise, sleep etc), Roga (infections) and Vyadhikshamatva (low immunity) causes weakening of the Pachak Pitta (digestive fire) leading to this gastrointestinal issue. It is mainly charaterized by rectal pain, abdominal cramping, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, loss of appetite, abnormal bowel movement, blood in stool, diarrhoea etc.

Since an imbalance of the Vata doshas in the body, leads to an aggravation of Ulcerative colitis, ayurveda strongly recommends that this inflammatory condition can be treated effectively by normalising the Vata doshas in the body. These remedies include enhancing Pachak Pitta by including herbs and dietary changes, ridding the body of AMA via the Panchakarma therapy, blood purification, bowel regulation and healing of the ulcers using different types of natural herbs.

Well, worry not if you too are suffering from Ulcerative colitis. We bring you a list of ayurvedic herbs that help treat this inflammatory condition and attenuates the symptoms gradually.

Incredible Herbs To Pacify Ulcerative Colitis

Bael

Imbued with potent healing properties, the fruit obtained from Aegel marmelos tree provides a magical solution for healing ulcers and repair damaged tissues. Not only does bael help improving the digestive functions of the body but also alleviate the various painful symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It also reduces swelling and soothes the mucus membranes of the colon and rectum.

Vacha

Being a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, Vacha which goes by the botanical name Acorus calamus is a traditional remedy for different types of inflammatory bowel conditions and especially useful in the case of ulcerative colitis. It effectively soothes and reduces inflammation of the mucosal ulcers on the lining of the intestine. Owing to its antioxidant properties, it also protects the delicate mucosa from oxidative damage.

Mulethi

The presence of isoflavonoid alkaloids in the licorice roots showcases strong anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which extensively helps in preventing inflammatory changes in the bowel and vastly diminishes the incidence of sepsis or infection in the digestive tract. It also neutralizes the acid in the stomach and prevents ulceration in the intestinal mucosa.

Giloy

The heart shaped leaves of Tinospora cordifolia has intense digestive and anti-inflammatory properties that greatly calms the Vata and Pitta doshas. It not only prevents ulceration of the intestinal area but also forms a protective covering along the digestive tract. Alongside improving the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, giloy also prevents diarrhoea and dysentery.

Vaividanga

The fruit obtained from Embelia ribes provides an absolute remedy for treating different types of inflammatory bowel diseases and reduces inflammation and ulceration effectively. Owing to its anti-carcinogenic properties, it also majorly helps in preventing colon and rectum cancer. The antioxidant potential of the herb also prevents the deterioration of the mucosal lining due to oxidative damage.