A chronic, inflammatory & ulcerative disease arising in the colonic mucosa, characterized most often by bloody diarrhoea.
This is a serious inflammatory disease that seems to be autoimmune in nature, posing real challenges to any therapist, wether herbalist, homeopath or allopath. This is a true colitis in that there is active inflammation occurring. It usually presents as a series of attacks of bloody diarrhoea varying in intensity and duration. These will alternate with periods of no symptoms at all.
Astringents may address the symptom picture of blood loss.
Demulcents may soothe the surface irritation.
Moringa Tea has Anti-inflammatories that will help in the bodies attempt the get the inappropriate inflammatory reaction under control.
Anti-spasmodics will help ease the muscular cramping in the bowels which causes much of the pain.
Anti-microbials not only help with surface immunity but will deal with any secondary infection that might arise.
Nervines will aid in the addressing of the psychological component of this condition.
Immune system issues, with all that implies, are crucial in ulcerative colitis. Obviously the digestive system needs much support and as do the other pathways of elimination. The toll taken by stress upon the nervous system may need attention. If liver involvement is suspected then give this vital organ much herbal support with hepatic plants such as Milk Thistle.
Nutrition becomes a crucial issue in this condition as there will be some degree of malnutrition occurring. There are a number of contributing factors behind this nutritional deficit, each of which indicates a specific therapeutic response ~
- disease induced because of pain, diarrhoea, nausea, anorexia
- iatrogenic because of therapeutic dietary restrictions
- bacterial flora overgrowth
- drugs such as corticosteroids, sulfasalazine, cholestyramine
o Increased secretion and nutrient loss
- electrolyte, mineral and trace mineral loss in diarrhoea
o Increased utilization and increased requirements
- inflammation, fever, infection
- increased intestinal cell turnover
Initially the diet should avoid high fibre to minimize irritation of the inflamed mucosa, but as the symptoms are brought under control, a build up to a high fibre diet is beneficial. Lactobacillus rich yoghurt can be most helpful. It has been found that some people respond well to diets that limit the natural salicylate containing foods.
Ulcerative colitis must be differentiated from infectious cause, as the symptoms of Shigella, Salmonella and a range of bacteria can be every similar. A history of recent travel or extensive anti-biotic use may be a clue.
CAUTION : blood in the stools is always a sign that must be investigated further by skilled diagnosticians.
Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease ~
Vulneraries will promote the healing of ulceration in the mucosal lining.
Carminatives may help ease the abdominal discomfort.
Immune support is essential and must cover the whole range of issues involved.
Elimination support must be given to the other organs of elimination.
System support
A regular intake of Dried Moringa tea will help the rapid recovery of the damage system. Moringa is the perfect source of antioxidants that will sustain recovery of inflammation.
Broader context of treatment ~
o Decreased food intake
o Malabsorption- decreased absorptive surface due to disease or surgery
- bile salt deficiency following surgery
- protein-losing enteropathy
Moringa Tea has a good supply of multi-vitamin/mineral supplement helps recovery and healing.
In the Textbook of Natural Medicine, Pizzorno & Murray recommend vitamin supplementation at least five times the RDA. Important minerals appear to be zinc, magnesium, iron where there is loss of blood via the gut, electrolyte replacement if there is much diarrhoea.
Moringa tea has high content of Magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E
