Updated: Nov 30, 2024
8 Herbal Creams For Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Herbal creams can be a helpful addition to your treatment plan for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
These creams often contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe and calm the digestive tract. One of the key herbs used in these creams is Zingiber officinale, or ginger, which has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBD. Another herb used is Curcuma longa, or turmeric, which contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. This compound has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can help to alleviate symptoms of IBD. Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, is also sometimes used in these creams. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Herbal teas can also be a great way to relieve symptoms of IBD. Drinking these teas can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in a few ways. First, many of these herbs have anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
For example, ginger has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBD. Drinking ginger tea can help to reduce nausea and discomfort, making it a great option for people with IBD. Similarly, turmeric tea has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBD. Drinking herbal teas can also help to promote digestion and reduce symptoms of IBD. Many of these herbs have compounds that can help to stimulate digestion and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. For example, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort. Drinking aloe vera tea can help to promote digestion and reduce symptoms of IBD. Additionally, herbal teas can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help to alleviate symptoms of IBD. Many people with IBD experience high levels of stress, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Drinking herbal teas can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, making it easier to manage symptoms.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for inflammatory bowel disease and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale creams contains the bioactive constituents gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
These compounds inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, such as COX-2 and lipoxygenase, which contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease. The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerol and shogaol also help to reduce swelling and pain in the digestive tract, making it easier to manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, the antioxidants in Zingiber officinale creams, including gingerols and shogaols, help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease.
By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, Zingiber officinale creams may help to improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
- Gather ingredients: 2 cups of distilled water, 1 cup of coconut oil, 1/2 cup of beeswax, 2 tablespoons of Zingiber officinale powder (freshly grated ginger), and 2 tablespoons of essential oil (optional).
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Add distilled water to the melted mixture and stir well. Continue heating until the mixture reaches 160°F to 180°F.
- Remove the mixture from heat and add Zingiber officinale powder. Stir well until the powder is fully dissolved. Add essential oil (if using).
- Pour the mixture into small jars or containers and let cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use as needed to soothe inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
2. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa creams contains a high concentration of curcuminoids, which are the active constituents responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin, a major curcuminoid, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The boswellic acids present in Curcuma longa creams also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Additionally, the turmerone and ar-turmerone in Curcuma longa creams have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
By modulating the body's inflammatory response, Curcuma longa creams may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Gather 2 cups of coconut oil, 1 cup of shea butter, 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa), 2 tablespoons of beeswax, and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil.
- Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix the turmeric powder and beeswax until well combined.
- Add the turmeric-beeswax mixture to the melted coconut oil and shea butter. Stir well to combine.
- Add the vitamin E oil and stir well. Pour the mixture into small containers and let cool and solidify before use.
3. Aloe barbadensis
Aloe barbadensis creams contains a compound called aloin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
Another key constituent is acemannan, a complex carbohydrate that stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy balance of the gut microbiome. Aloe vera also contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and zinc, which help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the gut. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of Aloe barbadensis creams may also help to reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in aloe vera, including aloin and aloe-emodin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, making it a potential natural remedy for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup Aloe barbadensis gel, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/4 cup beeswax, 2 tablespoons vitamin E oil, 2 tablespoons honey.
- Melt coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Add aloe gel, vitamin E oil, and honey to the melted mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar or container. Let it cool and solidify at room temperature.
- Once solid, your Aloe barbadensis cream is ready to use. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
4. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra creams contains glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which are active constituents that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Glycyrrhizin has been shown to inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that promote inflammation in the body. Flavonoids, such as luteolin and kaempferol, have antioxidant properties that help protect the digestive tract from oxidative stress. Glycyrrhizin also has a soothing effect on the gut lining, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Glycyrrhiza glabra creams may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gather ingredients: 1 cup distilled water, 1/2 cup glycerin, 2 tablespoons glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, 2 tablespoons beeswax, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons shea butter.
- Heat the distilled water and glycerin in a saucepan over low heat until the glycerin dissolves.
- Add glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter to the saucepan. Stir until the beeswax melts.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a bowl or container.
- Let the mixture cool and solidify completely. Once solid, scoop out the desired amount and apply to affected area as needed.
5. Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum creams contains a high concentration of silymarin, a bioactive compound extracted from the plant's seeds.
Silymarin is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The flavonoids in silymarin, specifically isoorientin and isovitexin, have been shown to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the gut, making it a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. Silymarin also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect the gut lining from damage and promote healing.
By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, Silybum marianum creams may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Silybum marianum flowers, 1 cup of coconut oil, and 1/2 cup of beeswax.
- Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Add the dried Silybum marianum flowers to the melted coconut oil and let it steep for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the solids.
- Mix in the melted beeswax and pour the mixture into small containers. Let it cool and solidify before use.
6. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis creams contains a compound called quinine, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Quinine reduces inflammation in the digestive tract by blocking the production of certain chemicals that cause inflammation. Another compound, quinidine, also found in Cinchona officinalis creams, has a similar effect by reducing the movement of white blood cells into the digestive tract, which can cause damage. The alkaloids present in Cinchona officinalis creams, such as quinovic acid and cinchonidine, help to reduce inflammation and slow down the growth of certain bacteria that can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease.
By reducing inflammation and bacteria growth, Cinchona officinalis creams may help to manage symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gather 500g of dried Cinchona officinalis bark and 1 cup of carrier oil (coconut or olive oil) in a clean glass bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of beeswax to the bowl and heat it in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each heating, until the beeswax melts.
- Add the 500g of dried Cinchona officinalis bark to the melted beeswax and stir well. Let it steep for 2 hours or overnight.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bowl. Discard the solids and add 1 cup of carrier oil to the liquid.
- Mix the oil and liquid well, then pour the mixture into small glass jars. Let the cream cool and solidify before use.
7. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale creams contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. The sesquiterpenoids in Taraxacum officinale creams, specifically taraxasterol and taraxeryl acetate, have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The flavonoids, including kaempferol and quercetin, have antioxidant properties that can help protect the intestinal lining from oxidative damage and promote healing.
By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, Taraxacum officinale creams may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers.
- Steep 1/4 cup of the Taraxacum officinale in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and combine it with 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a small saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is warm.
- Let the mixture cool, then store it in a glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
8. Equisetum arvense
Equisetum arvense creams contains a mixture of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, lignans, and caffeic acid, which contribute to its potential therapeutic effects.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut. Equisetum arvense has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut lining. The flavonoids present in Equisetum arvense creams may also help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation, making it a potential treatment option for IBD.
The bioactive constituents in Equisetum arvense creams work together to promote a healthy gut environment, which can help alleviate symptoms of IBD.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Equisetum arvense roots and 2 cups of coconut oil in a clean glass container.
- Heat the coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of boiling water until it reaches 120-140°F.
- Add the dried Equisetum arvense roots to the coconut oil and let it steep for 2-3 hours or overnight.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into another container. Discard the solids.
- Store the Equisetum arvense cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use 1-2 tablespoons as needed to help manage inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent inflammatory bowel disease from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help reduce inflammation in the digestive system, which could be beneficial for people at risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Some herbal teas, like peppermint and ginger, have anti-inflammatory properties that may soothe the gut and promote a healthy digestive system.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for inflammatory bowel disease every day?
Consuming herbal teas for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) daily can be a bit tricky.
Some herbs like peppermint and ginger may help soothe digestive issues, but others like licorice root and chamomile could worsen symptoms or interact with medications.
It's essential to understand the potential effects and choose teas that are beneficial for your specific condition.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in inflammatory bowel disease?
Herbal teas can help with inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
Studies show that some teas, like turmeric and ginger, can reduce inflammation in a few weeks.
Others, like peppermint and chamomile, can help with digestion and calmness in a couple of days to a week.