Understanding Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis occurs when the lining of large intestine (also called the colon), rectum, or both becomes inflamed. As per Ayurveda, Ulcerative colitis is a disease of Purisha vaha srotas (channel for excretion of feces). Grahani Rog has been mentioned in Ayurvedic text to describe Ulcerative Colitis. Grahani is an organ situated between Amashaya (Stomach) and Pakwashaya (part of large intestine and rectal canal) and is the prime location of Agni (Digestive fire), Pachaka Pitta (fire element), and Samana Vayu (air element). The normal function of this organ is to receive food, digest it, and differentiate the components of it into Sara bhaga (useful portion) and Kitta bhaga
(portion to be excreted out of body) and propel the Kitta bhaga for further process. This function gets disturbed in Grahani Rog.

Herbs for the Natural Treatment of Ulcerative colitis

Amla– Amla contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), quercetin, gallic acid, tannins, polyphenolic compounds. The combination of polyphenols and vitamin C are effectively enables to fight free radical damage and boost up the immune system. Amla removes constipation and alleviates all other related symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps and abdominal discomfort.

Haritki- Haritki aids digestion and has possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It has bitter taste, rich in vitamin C and substances found to have antioxidant effects. Being rich in anti-oxidants, it fights against oxidative stress.

Guduchi – Guduchi is well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune modulatory activities. It enhances the killing ability of the macrophages to fight against the foreign bodies to check any abnormal. It has anti spasmodic properties and reduces stomach pain which arises due to intestinal spasms.

Diet for Treatment of Ulcerative colitis

• Add fiber rich food such as whole grain cereal/pulses, fresh fruits (like pomegranate, apple, strawberries avocado peas, and guava etc.) and vegetables (like tomato, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, fenugreek sweet potato, and bitter gourd) in your diet which creates bulky stool.
• Consume Probiotic containing foods (like yogurt or whey water) and prebiotic containing foods (like raw onion, garlic, wheat bran, and raw banana etc.)
• Avoid sour, refrigerated milk, curd, butter, peanut butter, milk cream, etc.
• Avoid packed foods, fast foods, simple sugar, artificial color and canned vegetables which tend to be high in sodium.

Treatment for  ulcerative colitis in Allopathy