There are many great healing herbs for Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS)... here are some great ways to start the healing process. 

Slippery Elm Powder is one of the best ways to sooth away lower digestive tract. Slippery elm powder creates a soothing gelatinous coating for the GI tract that cools, soothes, heals irritation, and allows the GI tract to start the healing process, and Marshmallow Root Powder also works in a similar ways helping to heal the inflamed colon.

Fennel and Anise Seed Teas relax and sooth the irritated bowel and also help to get rid of gas. Peppermint Tea is very soothing and helps the muscles of the GI tract to relax thus helping to get rid of spasms that cause pain. Raspberry Leaf Tea contains tannins that relax the GI tract and also reduce inflammation and stop diarrhea. Chamomile tea is another soothing relaxing and slightly anti-inflammatory agent that is great for the GI tract. Drinking 2 or 3 cups a day will help the GI tract to mend. 

Amalaki or Amla Fruit is a great alkalizing agent that is full of Vitamin C and soothes away GI distress. Amala Fruit is very popular in Ayurvedic Medicine for helping with constipation and soothing away irritation. There is also a good Ayurvedic remedy called triphala which includes three different fruits for healing the GI tract. (It contains haritake, amalaki, and bibhataki fruit) 

Aloe Vera is a wonderful all around herb for soothing the GI tract... and studies show that taking Aloe Vera over a few weeks reduces IBS and colitis symptoms.

Cinnamon, Wild Yam, Licorice, Lemon Balm and Ginger help to relax the GI tract and sooth away irritation plus helping to lower cholesterol at the same time... and they also help with indigestion, nausea, cramps, and even motion sickness. 

Iberogast is a drink made in Germany which is full of lots of soothing herbs that work well for relaxing and soothing the GI tract. 

Boswellia is a very powerful anti-inflammatory herb that can help to eliminate inflammation completely. In studies over 80% of the people taking boswellia had their IBS and colitis symptoms disappear. 

Some other herbs that can help are bromelian, turmeric, alfalfa, licorice, buchu, burdock root, yarrow, nettle, lobelia, geranium, quercetin, milk thistle and even green clay. 

Probiotic’s are important for a healthy colon, taking supplements full of lactobacilli and other bacteria helps to counteract the over growth of bad bacteria that cause bloating, pain, and irritation... and good colon health leads to boosting your immune system.

Stay away from caffeine, fatty foods, red meat, cheese, beans, fructose, milk, nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat (especially white flour), eggs, and even citrus fruits. Make sure to avoid artificial sweeteners, colors, food additives, plus all processed foods... and especially fast food. 

Fiber is important especially soluble fiber such as oats, flax seed powder, apples, barley, carrots, and psyllium seeds, and flax seeds are a good anti-inflammatory agent for the gut. And having a regular exercise program is also important for GI health... exercise improves the movement of food along the GI tract. 

Alkalizing your body with green juices also helps to sooth away GI tract problems... and make sure you eat lots of green leafy veggies. Also be sure to take a good B vitamin complex, B vitamins have been shown to help with colitis and IBS. 

Stress is the leading cause of colon problems... and thus using hypnosis, biofeedback, talk therapy, meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, muscle relaxing techniques, and even acupuncture has proven to work very well for IBS and colitis. Many people hold their unconscious tension in their GI tract and when they learn to relax deeply their symptoms subside... studies show that using these techniques over 3 months reduces symptoms by over 70%. 

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist, Counselor, and Spiritual Advisor for over 20 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, Center for Creative Living Church, Meditation for the Soul, and Relax Into Success, plus Punjab Teas. www.paulhaider.com