Diverticulitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Diverticulitis is a painful and potentially life-threatening condition where small, bulging pouches in the wall of the colon become inflamed, often due to low-fiber diets, poor digestion, and constipation.

The causes of diverticulitis include eating a diet high in processed foods and low in fiber, lack of physical activity, and genetics. If left untreated, diverticulitis can lead to complications such as abscesses, perforation, and peritonitis, causing severe abdominal pain, fever, and infection.

To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like slippery elm, marshmallow root, and dandelion root can be used to soothe and calm the digestive tract. Additionally, peppermint oil and ginger can help reduce inflammation and ease pain.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they can interact with medications or worsen conditions in some individuals.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of diverticulitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of diverticulitis?

The main causes of diverticulitis are low dietary fiber intake leading to constipation, which increases intra-abdominal pressure and strain on the intestinal wall, causing herniations of mucosa and submucosa through weaknesses in the muscular wall.

Diverticula are more likely to form in areas where the blood vessels penetrate the muscle layer, such as the sigmoid colon. Age is a significant risk factor, with the majority of cases occurring in people over 40, particularly those over 60. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity can also contribute to the development of diverticulitis.

Additionally, genetic predisposition and family history may play a role in the formation of diverticula.

• Low Fiber Diet: A low fiber diet can lead to diverticulitis as it causes a decrease in the bulk of stool, resulting in increased pressure on the diverticula, which can lead to inflammation and infection.
• Obesity: Obesity is a cause of diverticulitis as it increases the pressure on the diverticula due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which can lead to inflammation and infection.
• Constipation: Constipation is a cause of diverticulitis as it increases the pressure on the diverticula due to prolonged periods of increased intraluminal pressure, which can lead to inflammation and infection.
• Physical Inactivity: Physical inactivity is a cause of diverticulitis as it can lead to constipation and increased intra-abdominal pressure, which can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis.
• Age: Age is a cause of diverticulitis as the risk of developing diverticulitis increases with age, particularly after the age of 40.
• Family History: Family history is a cause of diverticulitis as individuals with a family history of diverticulitis are at increased risk of developing the condition.
• Smoking: Smoking is a cause of diverticulitis as it can lead to decreased blood flow to the diverticula, making them more susceptible to inflammation and infection.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can increase the risk of developing diverticulitis due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Travel and change in diet: Travel and change in diet can cause diverticulitis due to changes in the type of food consumed, which can lead to constipation and increased intra-abdominal pressure.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for diverticulitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for diverticulitis are Taraxacum officinale, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Silybum marianum, Cinchona officinalis, Urtica dioica, Aloe vera, and Plantago lanceolata.

Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion root, has been traditionally used to support liver and digestive health, which can help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis. Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera gel, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of diverticulitis.

Additionally, other herbs such as Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Silybum marianum, Cinchona officinalis, Urtica dioica, Aloe vera, and Plantago lanceolata have been traditionally used to support digestive health and may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis.

• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale, also known as Dandelion, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing inflammation due to its sesquiterpene lactones, specifically inulin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, known as Aloe vera, may aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to the presence of aloin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, Turmeric, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress due to the presence of curcumin, a polyphenol that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, Licorice root, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to the presence of glycyrrhizin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, Ginger, may aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and nausea due to the presence of gingerols and shogaols, compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antiemetic activities.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, Milk thistle, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation due to the presence of silymarin, a polyphenol that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, Cinchona bark, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and fever due to the presence of quinine and other alkaloids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, Stinging nettle, may aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to the presence of polyphenols and triterpenoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to the presence of aloin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata, Plantain, may help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis by reducing inflammation due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for diverticulitis?

The main herbal preparations used for diverticulitis are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Salve, Suppository, Gel, Poultice, Cream, Ointment, Tea.

Decoction of Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) soothes and protects the mucous membranes, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Tincture of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, aiding in the healing process. Capsules containing Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root and Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root help to reduce inflammation and promote bowel health.

Topical applications such as Salve, Suppository, Gel, Poultice, Cream, Ointment, and Tea made from herbs like Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) can help to reduce swelling and ease symptoms.

• Decoction: A decoction of the root of Rumex crispus (curly dock) can help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the intestinal lining.
• Tincture: A tincture of the root of Althaea officinalis (marshmallow) can aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the intestinal lining due to its mucilaginous properties, which can protect and soothe the digestive tract.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the dried leaf of Plantago lanceolata (buckthorn) can help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to stimulate digestive enzymes, promoting the healing of the intestinal lining and reducing inflammation.
• Salve: A salve made from the root of Calendula officinalis (marigold) can aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the intestinal lining due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can protect and soothe the digestive tract.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the root of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) can help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the intestinal lining.
• Gel: A gel made from the root of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) can aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the intestinal lining due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the root of Rumex crispus (curly dock) can help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the intestinal lining, soothing the digestive tract.
• Cream: A cream made from the root of Calendula officinalis (marigold) can aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the intestinal lining due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can protect and soothe the digestive tract.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the root of Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) can help alleviate symptoms of diverticulitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the intestinal lining.
• Tea: A tea made from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) can aid in treating diverticulitis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the intestinal lining due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract.