Tea & Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis is one of two types of inflammatory bowel disease. It causes the colon (large intestine) to become inflamed causing abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, bleeding in the intestine and weight loss. It is not known what the cause of ulcerative colitis is and therefore there is no cure. There are several medications that will help control the symptoms, but most people will still have relapses where the disease becomes active, from time to time.

There are more natural ways to help control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and one of these is drinking different herbal teas to relieve pain, cramping, diarrhea, the urgency to have bowel movements, and to help aid in digestion.

Green Tea
Green tea is a very popular tea and is known for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are harmful particles, such as radiation, smoke from cigarettes and other environmental exposures that can damage your cells. Although green tea can be very beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of several diseases, it is important to know that it should be consumed in moderation. Drinking too much green tea can actually trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and cause one to suffer a relapse. Some of the benefits of green tea include alleviating inflammation, reducing diarrhea and the urgency to have bowel movements. It also helps to increase body weight.

Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has been used for thousands of years in Asia for its anti-nausea properties. It has also been used to treat flatulence, aid in digestion, reduce diarrhea, and has also been found to be effective in treating motion sickness.

Echinacea Tea
Echinacea has also become very popular in treating different illnesses and in preventing colds. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes tissue repair. It stimulates the activation of white blood cells in the body. These cells are used to help fight off infection. It is often used to treat sores and ulcers that may occur in the intestine during a flare up, or active periods of inlamation, of ulcerative colitis.

Peppermint Tea
When attempting to treat ulcerative colitis, peppermint is especially useful in relieving abdominal spasms, cramps, and pain. It is said to have a numbing effect and is used as a relaxant. Peppermint is an anti-bacterial substance that also helps reduce flatulence, diarrhea, and the urgency to have a bowel movement. It calms the muscles that line the gastrointestinal tract and the stomach.

There are several different types of teas and plants that can help to alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and to help prolong periods of remission. When using teas, or any other natural therapy, it is important to remember to use everything in moderation.

Sources
www.medlineplus.com
www.treating-ulcerative-colitis.com
www.mayoclinic.com
www.healthybeings.com
www.ccfa.org