Soothe Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms with Anti-Inflammatory Teas and Herbs

Soothing Teas for Ulcerative Colitis Symptom Relief

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ongoing inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and urgent bowel movements.

While prescription medications are typically used to treat ulcerative colitis, some people find herbal teas helpful for relieving symptoms. Certain teas contain antioxidants and compounds that reduce inflammation or relax gastrointestinal muscles.

Here are some of the best teas to try when living with ulcerative colitis:

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat digestive conditions. It contains an antioxidant called apigenin which has anti-inflammatory effects.

Research shows chamomile tea may relax gastrointestinal muscles. This can help ease ulcerative colitis abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

Chamomile also has antispasmodic properties which allow it to reduce intestinal inflammation. It can be consumed daily to prevent symptom flare-ups.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint contains an essential oil called menthol that helps relax digestive muscles. Drinking peppermint tea may improve bowel urgency and diarrhea in people with ulcerative colitis.

One study found that 75% of patients with ulcerative colitis who took peppermint oil capsules went into remission. More studies are needed, but early research is promising.

Peppermint tea may also relieve gas, nausea, and abdominal pain from ulcerative colitis. Avoid very strong peppermint teas which might worsen symptoms.

Marshmallow Root Tea

Marshmallow root comes from the marshmallow plant which contains mucilage. This is a gel-like substance that coats and protects irritated mucous membranes.

Drinking marshmallow root tea may coat and soothe ulcers in the digestive tract. This can reduce abdominal pain, cramping, and diarrhea.

One small study found marshmallow root improved ulcerative colitis symptoms as effectively as some prescription medications. More research is needed.

Ginger Tea

Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that are potent anti-inflammatories. Research shows ginger supplements reduced markers of inflammation in patients with IBD.

Drinking ginger tea may help treat joint pain, loss of appetite, and nausea from ulcerative colitis. Ginger also has antispasmodic effects to relieve intestinal cramping or diarrhea.

Choose fresh ginger root tea or look for a ginger tea with real ginger pieces. Avoid ginger teas with natural ginger flavor only.

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric contains the powerful antioxidant curcumin. Studies show curcumin has anti-inflammatory benefits for ulcerative colitis patients.

Drinking turmeric tea may help reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms long-term. Curcumin may also aid in maintaining remission.

Look for turmeric tea blended with black pepper. Black pepper contains piperine which enhances curcumin absorption by up to 2000%.

Green Tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins like EGCG. Research indicates EGCG may help reduce intestinal inflammation.

One study found taking EGCG supplements significantly improved quality of life for ulcerative colitis patients. More human studies are needed.

Drinking green tea may also lower risk for colon cancer in ulcerative colitis patients over the long term. Choose high-quality Japanese matcha green tea for the most catechins.

Other Soothing Ingredients to Try

You can also add anti-inflammatory herbs and spices to teas for extra symptom relief:

• Fennel - Reduces intestinal spasms and cramping.
• Licorice root - Soothes inflamed stomach linings.
• Slippery elm - Coats and protects digestive tissues.
• Cinnamon - Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Many herbal teas are safe in moderation, but some can interact with medications. Always check with your doctor before trying new herbal remedies, especially if you take prescription medications.

Making Your Own Ulcerative Colitis Tea Blends

You can mix various medicinal herbs and spices at home to create custom tea blends. Try combinations like:

• Chamomile, marshmallow root, cinnamon, and fennel for abdominal pain and cramping
• Ginger, turmeric, and licorice root for reducing inflammation
• Peppermint, slippery elm, and chamomile for diarrhea

Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs per cup of boiling water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes, then strain. Sweeten with a little honey if desired.

Drink herbal teas after meals and before bedtime to aid digestion. Slowly sip teas while they're warm. Make a larger batch and refrigerate leftover tea to drink cold.

Supplements and Medicinal Mushroom Teas

Some people with ulcerative colitis find supplements beneficial when flare-ups occur. Talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.

Supplements that may help include:

• Aloe vera juice - Soothes intestinal lining
• Probiotics - Restore healthy gut bacteria
• Omega-3 fish oil - Reduces inflammation
• Vitamin D - Improves immune regulation

Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, shiitake, and maitake also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Try making gut-soothing teas using dried mushrooms, ginger, and turmeric.

When to See Your Doctor

Herbal teas can often reduce mild ulcerative colitis symptoms. But they should not replace standard treatment methods.

See your doctor if you experience:

• No improvement after trying herbal teas
• Worsening diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or other symptoms
• Persistent fatigue, joint pain, or loss of appetite
• Fevers, mouth sores, or eye redness

These can be signs your ulcerative colitis is destabilizing or flaring despite herbal remedies. Proper treatment can reduce the likelihood of a severe flare-up.

Herbal teas can be a helpful addition to prescription medications when treating ulcerative colitis. Talk to your doctor to find the best integrative treatment plan for your symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.