Colitis is the inflammation of the colon, also known as the large intestine. It can cause various symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and bloody stools. There are many types of colitis. Some of them are caused by infections and others by inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Colitis refers to the inflammation of the colon, also known as the large intestine. It can result from various causes such as autoimmune conditions, poor circulation or any kind of allergic reactions. The treatment of the same depends upon the type and the cause of colitis.
Colon is the final part of your digestive system and it is responsible for absorbing water and forming solid waste. Following are the types of colitis-
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Ulcerative colitis
It is an inflammatory Bowel disease where the inflammation and ulcers develop in the lining of the colon and the rectum.
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Infectious colitis
It is caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses and it often leads to symptoms such as fever and diarrhea.
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Microscopic colitis
It is identified through microscopic examination of colon tissue. It has two subtypes- collagenous and lymphocytic.
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Radiation colitis
It is caused by radiation therapy in the pelvic area.
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Necrotizing enterocolitis
It is a serious condition that affects newborns and causes inflammation and tissue damage in the colon.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Following are the symptoms of the disease-
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Fever
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Diarrhea
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Frequent bowel movements
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Tiredness
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Dehydration
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Feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
What are the causes of colitis?
Following are some of the most prevalent causes of colitis-
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Infections.
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Radiation therapy.
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Medications.
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Ischemia.
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Inflammatory bowel diseases.
Ayurvedic medicines for colitis
Choosing Ayurveda for colitis offers a holistic, root-cause approach and in some cases, it can also replace the conventional treatment when used carefully. It should be used under guidance. Ayurveda doesn’t just suppress diarrhea or inflammation, it also identifies the Dosha imbalances and works to restore Agni. Its main focus is on gut healing, long-term remission and immune modulation. It has many herbs that have astringent and cooling properties naturally. Ayurveda focuses on balancing gut micro-biomes naturally. Ayurveda also takes into account your digestion, mental state and disease stage. This helps one avoid side effects and select safe and long-term herbs. Following are the Ayurvedic medicines for Colitis-
1. Praval Panchamrit Ras
It is a classical ayurvedic mineral-based formulation. The drug is used to pacify Pitta dosha and improve digestion. It is a supportive remedy for colitis especially when it has Pitta-related symptoms. It reduces acidity and burning sensation. It also helps repair colon lining. It acts as an antacid and relieves heat. Following are the main ingredients present in the drug-
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Kapardak Bhasma
The drug treats dysentery and indigestion.
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Mukta Shukti Bhasma
It acts as a mucosal healer.
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Praval Bhasma
It is a cooling agent.
Following are the indications in Colitis-
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Burning in the abdomen.
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Heat intolerance.
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Excessive thirst.
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Inflammation in the colon.
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Sour belching.
2. Giloy satva
It is highly regarded as an Ayurvedic medicine for managing Colitis. It is derived from the starchy extract of the Giloy plant. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. The drug helps regulate abnormal immune response seen in ulcerative colitis. It is useful in burning sensation and loose stools. It also strengthens digestive mucosa and promotes recovery after sudden spikes or flare ups.
The drug also reduces low-grade fever sometimes associated with colitis flare. Giloy satva is used when there are frequent loose motions with burning. It can be used when there is blood in stools. It can also be used when one experiences low immunity of recurrent flares. The ideal dosage of the drug is 250mg to 500mg and its frequency is 1-2 times a day. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for colitis.
3. Kamdudha ras
It is a classical ayurvedic medicine that is highly effective for managing colitis. It is used especially when the symptoms are linked to excess Pitta such as burning sensations, acidity and bloody stools. It is Pitta shamak, meaning the calming acidity and burning in the colon. It also stops bleeding in the ulcerative colitis. It also heals erosions and ulcers in the intestinal lining. The drug also relieves hyperacidity and gut irritation. The drug does not overstimulate digestion but regulates it. The drug is best suited for the following symptoms-
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Burning sensation.
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Mucus with heat.
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Headache.
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Heat flashes.
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Sour stools.
The drug is combined with Giloy Satva, Praval Pancharmrit Ras and Vatsakadi Churna. It is safe for short to medium-term use and it should be only used under supervision in pregnancy. The drug supports long term remission.
4. Avipattikar churna
It is a classical ayurvedic herbal formula used for treating hyperacidity, acid reflux and Pitta-related symptoms. It is important to understand that it is not a primary medicine for colitis. It can be helpful as a supportive remedy. The drug calms acidity and burning. It acts as a mild laxative and soothes inflamed gut lining. It also helps remove undigested toxins that worsen inflammation. Following are the key ingredients in the drug-
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Trikatu
It helps improve digestion.
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Sugar and salt
It helps balance taste and absorption.
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Musta and Elaichi
It has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Triphala
It acts as an antioxidant.
5. Dadimashtaka Churna
It is a classical ayurvedic formulation that is gentle yet effective in managing colitis. It is particularly helpful in Pitta and Vata related digestive imbalances. Following are the key ingredients present in the medicine-
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Dadima
It is an astringent and balances Pitta.
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Sunthi
It improves digestion and reduces bloating.
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Maricha
It enhances agni and reduces Ama.
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Ela
It is a cooling agent.
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Twak
It is an antimicrobial agent.
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Sharkara
It calms aggravated Pitta.
The drug is especially used for-
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Mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
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Loose stools with mucus.
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Bleeding with indigestion.
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Post-infectious diarrhea with weakened gut.
6. Bilva Churna
Also known as Bael fruit powder, the churna is one of the most effective and gentle ayurvedic remedies for managing colitis. It is helpful in Vata-Pitta type colitis.