Our alimentary system is the major system which provides nourishment to the whole body. Have you ever wondered if this system got affected, that too if the major organs of the GI tract devastated. The end result is our body is unable to absorb nutrients and also incapable to nourish the entire body. That is why ulcerative colitis is a major disease that not only affects the digestive system but also impairs the functions of other systems.

Ulcerative colitis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract that causes inflammation and ulcers on the inner mucosal layer of the colon (both large and small intestine). In Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with "Paitikrakatatisaara. The prevalence ratio of this disease is equal in males and females.

CARDINAL FEATURES

Most of the cases I have seen are complaining of irregular bowel movements which are also accompanied by bleeding. There are also associated symptoms like - frequent loose stools; blood and mucus mixed stools, bloating, acidity, abdominal pain, weight loss, a continuous urge to evacuate bowel and indigestion or sometimes the person may experience constipation.

ETIOLOGY

The exact cause is still unknown but there are some factors that play a major role in the origin of this disease are - our unwholesome dietary and lifestyle habits, stress and strains, weak immune and digestive system, few genetic and environmental factors. Another main factor is the accumulation of toxins (ama) inside our body. Long term use of steroids is also a provoking factor of this chronic disease.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

According to Ayurveda, any disease occurs due to the imbalance of the dosha (pitta pradhan tridoshas), dhatus (seven tissues of the body namely Lymph, blood, muscles, fat tissues, bones, bone marrow, sperm or ovum), mala (urine, faeces and sweat) and agni (digestive fire).

In case of Ulcerative colitis, the digestive fire is disrupted which leads to indigestion that in turn leads to the formation and accumulation of toxins which cause an imbalance of the Doshas, the Dhatus and the Malas.

DIAGNOSIS

However, the diagnosis of the ulcerative colitis can be made on a clinical basis. But I do take the help of laboratory investigations like CBC, colonoscopy, etc. to confirm the diagnosis and it helps me to plan the treatment strategy in an appropriate way. Despite the results of investigations, I give importance and preference to the resultant outcomes of pulse diagnosis.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

As per Ayurveda, the entire universe is composed of five basic elements that are nothing but earth, water, fire, air and space in turns they give rise to Tridoshas (Vata-Pitta-Kapha). If there is any derangement in the equilibrium of these doshas (the basic constituents of the body) person may end up with the disease. So, our aim is to restore and maintain the equilibrium of these doshas.
Measures to rejuvenate the eroded skin
Detoxification of the body.
Measures to strengthen the immune system
Measures to establish and protect the Agni (digestive fire)
Modifications in the dietary and lifestyle habits
Ways to restore normal functions of intestines

Basically, we can achieve these things with the help of herbs, panchakarma therapies, nutritious diet, and by correcting the lifestyle.

“HEAL ULCERATIVE COLITIS NATURALLY WITH HERBS” - Nature is the cause of the origin of various diseases on contrary it’s also a reason to cure ailments. So, why not we take help from things that are naturally available.

There are tremendous herbs, minerals and metals present in our nature that are explained beautifully in our Ayurvedic classics which can cure ulcerative colitis from its root and even they avoid the remission of this disease such as kutaja (controls the frequency of stools), prawal (reduces burning sensation and bleeding), arjuna (arrests bleeding), vatsaka (reduces mucus), bael (eliminates toxins), shirisha (early heals ulcers), mukta-shukta (revitalize the organs), giloy (strengthens immune system), musta (promotes absorption) dhaniya-saunf-jeera (maintains digestive fire), dadima (controls bleeding).

"DAILY PRACTICE" Our diet and lifestyle play a major role to maintain our health and to manage diseases. Especially, in ulcerative colitis patients, I recommend the high use of fibrous foods and strictly avoid the use of sour, spicy, fermented foodstuffs, milk and milk products.

"Lifestyle modifications" includes proper follow up of the regimens such as yoga and mild exercises and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Regularly I used to see approx.15 patients of ulcerative colitis in my clinic and as per my experience there are unbeatable effects of these herbs and many of them are completely cured of this condition only because of their regular follow up of medications and a strict rule of following a proper diet and lifestyle instructed by me.

SOME USEFUL TIPS

Make a decoction by adding ¼ teaspoon of each dhaniya (coriander) saunf (fennel) and jeraka (cumin) in 1 cup of water boil it until the quantity reduced to ½ cup.
Make a decoction of pomegranate peels by boiling them in a cup of water, it helps to arrest bleeding.
Rose petal juice
Marigold flower juice