Crohn’s
Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Sharing some similarities with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (see IBS
protocol), Crohn’s is nevertheless its own specific condition.
While it usually affects the lower digestive tract, and specifically
the colon, with spasms and painful inflammation, there will also
be ulcerations present. Dietary analysis is important to identify
and eliminate common allergens whose toxic metabolites travel through
the bile and aggravate inflammation (wheat and dairy are the two
big ones here); for the same reason, liver function needs attention
to adjust enterohepatic circulation.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Relieve spasming and inflammation, tonify liver, isolate
food allergies and sensitivities.
Primary Treatment:
· Administer antispasmodic herbs such as Viburnum opulus
(Crampbark) and Matricaria recutita (Chamomile). Enteric-coated
oil of Mentha piperita (Peppermint) can be a good anti-spasmodic
as well, while also improving liver function and cooling inflammation.
· Administer astringent, anti-inflammatory herbs such as
Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet).
· Administer mucilaginous and anti-inflammatory healing herbs
such as Symphytum officinale (Comfrey), Althaea officinale (Marshmallow),
and Calendula.
Supportive Treatment:
· Administer cholagogues such as Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion),
Curcurma longa (Turmeric) and Silybum marianum (Milk Thistle) to
strengthen liver function and elimination.
· Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) has proven effective both at
relieving spasms and reducing inflammation. It can be especially
useful if there is nausea or lack of appetite due to intestinal
pain.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· As with IBS, consider the role of stress in the treatment
of Chron’s disease, applying nervine tonics and/or adaptogens
as necessary.
· Supplementation with essential fatty acids (as in Linum
usitatissimum, Flax oil) and a probiotic like Lactobacillus acidophilus
can be helpful at reducing inflammation.
· Chronic digestive pain, especially if long-standing in
those more advanced in age, should always be a cause for concern.
Refer for colonoscopy if there hasn’t ever been one.
