10 Best Herbal Creams For Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Herbal creams for inflammatory bowel disease are topical treatments that combine natural herbs with moisturizing properties to soothe and calm inflamed digestive tissues.

These creams help by reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and alleviating symptoms of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.

Examples include creams containing aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula, which have been shown to improve bowel function, reduce pain and discomfort, and enhance overall quality of life for those living with inflammatory bowel disease.

The following article describes in detail the most important creams for inflammatory bowel disease, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The active compound curcumin, found in turmeric, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, which are key factors in the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease.

By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, curcuma longa creams may help alleviate symptoms of IBD, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, providing relief and improving quality of life for those affected.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Curcuminoids: These polyphenolic compounds have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Tumerones and sesquiterpenoids: These terpenes have shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut, which is beneficial for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Demethoxycurcumin: This curcuminoid has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, as well as inhibit the growth of certain pathogens that may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes of Curcuma longa are widely used due to their high concentration of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
• Roots: Curcuma longa roots are also used for their anti-inflammatory properties, as they contain a significant amount of curcuminoids.
• Stems: The stems of Curcuma longa, although less commonly used, may be employed for their residual curcumin content, although to a lesser extent compared to rhyzomes and roots.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 2 large roots of curcuma longa and wash them thoroughly under cold running water for 5 minutes.
2. Dry the roots in a warm place for 7 days to reduce moisture content to 10 percent.
3. Grind 50 grams of dried curcuma longa root into a fine powder using a spice grinder for 5 minutes.
4. Mix 200 grams of coconut oil with 50 grams of curcuma longa powder and 20 grams of beeswax in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture in the double boiler for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally until the beeswax melts and the mixture thickens.

2. Ulmus rubra

Ulmus rubra, also known as slippery elm, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because it contains mucilages, which form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

This barrier helps to soothe and calm inflammation, reducing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

By promoting the healing of the intestinal lining, Ulmus rubra creams may also help to improve nutrient absorption and reduce the frequency of bowel movements, providing relief for individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Tannins: Tannins in Ulmus rubra may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, which can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin, found in Ulmus rubra may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the gut from inflammation and damage.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, found in Ulmus rubra may have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce inflammation and infection in the gut.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Barks: It's used to make creams due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.
• Leaves: They are used in creams for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help soothe and calm irritated skin.
• Stems: Stems of Ulmus rubra are used in creams due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce inflammation and prevent infections.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 1 cup of dried ulmus rubra bark by cutting it from mature trees in autumn.
2. Combine 1 tablespoon of dried bark with 2 cups of carrier oil in a heat-proof bowl.
3. Heat the mixture over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, to infuse the oil.
4. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids.
5. Mix 2 tablespoons of the infused oil with 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 1 teaspoon of vitamin e oil.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The gel from the aloe plant contains compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.

Additionally, aloe vera creams can help to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, by coating and protecting the intestinal lining, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy gut environment.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Acemannan: This polysaccharide constituent has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms of IBD.
• Aloin: This anthraquinone glycoside has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which help protect the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections that can exacerbate IBD.
• Saponins: These triterpenoid glycosides have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which help regulate the immune system's response and reduce inflammation in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of IBD.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Leaves: The leaves are the primary source of Aloe vera gel, which contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe and calm digestive issues associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Gel from leaves: The clear gel extracted from the leaves of Aloe vera contains mucilages, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help reduce inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
• Juice from leaves: The juice extracted from the leaves of Aloe vera contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help promote healing and reduce inflammation in the digestive system, making it beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 100 grams of aloe vera gel from 3 mature aloe vera plants.
2. Weigh out 10 grams of beeswax and melt in a double boiler for 10 minutes.
3. Mix 20 grams of coconut oil and 5 grams of shea butter with the melted beeswax.
4. Combine 50 grams of aloe vera gel and 20 grams of distilled water with the oil mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and set for 30 minutes.

4. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The triterpenoid saponin compounds present in licorice root have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the inflammation and damage seen in conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of the gut lining, licorice creams may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

This has led to its use as a complementary therapy.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin helps with inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system, which in turn alleviates symptoms of conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Licoricidin: Licoricidin helps with inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, which play a significant role in the inflammation and damage associated with inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Licopyrones: Licopyrones help with inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and modulating the gut microbiome, which in turn alleviates symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizic acid, which is used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roots: The roots also contain flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut.
• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain saponins, which can help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest glycyrrhiza glabra roots at the end of summer when the plant is in full maturity stage.
2. Dry the harvested roots in a warm place for 7 to 10 days to remove moisture content.
3. Grind the dried roots into fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
4. Mix 10 grams of the powder with 100 grams of petroleum jelly and 50 grams of beeswax in a heat-proof bowl.
5. Heat the mixture in a double boiler for 10 to 15 minutes until the beeswax melts and the mixture becomes smooth.

5. Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The root of the Althaea plant contains mucilages, which are complex carbohydrates that form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes. This helps to reduce inflammation, calm irritated tissues, and promote healing in the digestive tract.

By protecting and soothing the lining of the gut, Althaea officinalis creams can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates help soothe and protect the gut lining, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Iridoids: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Mucilages: These soluble fibers help form a protective barrier on the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and preventing bacterial translocation, which can contribute to the development of inflammatory bowel disease.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Roots: They are the primary source of mucilage, a thick, protective substance that helps soothe and calm the digestive tract.
• Leaves: They contain similar mucilage properties as the roots and can contribute to the soothing and anti-inflammatory effects of the creams.
• Barks: Althaea officinalis barks also contain mucilage, which is extracted and used to create creams that can help alleviate digestive issues and inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 30g of dried root of althaea officinalis from a reliable source and clean the area thoroughly.
2. Weigh out 10g of beeswax and 10g of cocoa butter for the cream base in a double boiler.
3. Combine 10g of sweet almond oil and 10g of jojoba oil with the beeswax and cocoa butter mixture.
4. Gradually add 10g of distilled water to the mixture and stir until the cream is fully incorporated.
5. Pour the herbal cream into glass jars and store in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.

6. Harpagophytum procumbens

Harpagophytum procumbens, also known as devil's claw, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

The cream's active compounds, including harpagoside and iridoid glycosides, work to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with IBD, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

By modulating the immune system and increasing blood flow to the digestive tract, Harpagophytum procumbens creams can help to promote healing and reduce the severity of IBD symptoms, providing relief for individuals suffering from this condition.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Harpagophytum procumbens creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Harpagoside: This iridoid glycoside has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Harpagophytum procumbens phenolics: These polyphenolic compounds exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, protecting the gut lining from damage and reducing inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Harpagoside-related terpenes: The terpene content in Harpagophytum procumbens, particularly the sesquiterpenes, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, helping to regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of devil's claw used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Roots: The roots are the primary part used due to their high content of harpagoside, a bioactive compound responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes, or underground stems, are also used due to their rich content of harpagoside, which is believed to help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Seeds: The seeds may be used as a complementary part, potentially contributing to the overall efficacy of the cream, although their role in inflammatory bowel disease management is less well-documented.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic devil's claw for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest harpagophytum procumbens roots in late summer or early fall when the plant is in full maturity stage.
2. Dry the harvested roots in a warm and well-ventilated area for at least two weeks to reduce moisture content.
3. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle for 10 minutes.
4. Mix 10 grams of the powder with 100 grams of coconut oil and 50 grams of beeswax in a double boiler.
5. Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 160 degrees fahrenheit for 30 minutes to create a smooth and creamy texture.

7. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with IBD. Ginger creams may also help to regulate gut motility and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development and progression of IBD.

Additionally, ginger's antioxidant properties can help to protect the gut lining from damage and promote healing.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Gingerols: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Shogaols: Shogaols have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the gut lining, which is often damaged in IBD patients.
• Volatiles: These volatiles exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that help reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviate symptoms of IBD, and promote the healing of the gut lining.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are used due to their high concentration of compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Roots: Roots are used due to their rich content of bioactive compounds, including gingerols and shogaols, which help in alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and promoting digestion.
• Barks: Although less commonly used, barks are sometimes used due to their potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may aid in soothing and healing the gastrointestinal tract affected by inflammatory bowel disease.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Weigh 1 cup of beeswax pellets and 1/2 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
2. Combine 2 tablespoons of distilled water and 4 tablespoons of glycerin with the beeswax mixture.
3. Add 2 teaspoons of zingiber officinale essential oil and 2 teaspoons of vitamin e oil to mixture.
4. Stir the mixture constantly for 10 minutes and maintain temperature at 120 to 140 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Pour the mixture into 8 oz containers and let them cool and solidify for 30 minutes.

8. Mentha x piperita

Mentha x piperita, also known as peppermint, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of IBD.

The menthol in peppermint creams helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which can become spasmodic and painful in people with IBD.

Additionally, peppermint's antioxidant properties help to protect the gut lining and promote healing, making it a popular natural remedy for IBD sufferers to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Linalool: This terpene has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate symptoms of IBD by reducing inflammation, bacterial overgrowth, and gut permeability.
• Menthol: This terpene has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help provide relief from abdominal pain and discomfort associated with IBD, as well as reduce inflammation and promote gut healing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Leaves: Used due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help relieve digestive issues.
• Stems: Utilized for their similar properties to leaves, including menthol and menthone content, which aid in reducing inflammation and soothing digestive discomfort.
• Roots: Employed for their rich content of sesquiterpenes and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 20 grams of fresh leaves and flowers of mentha x piperita in the early morning when the dew is still present.
2. Steep the harvested plant material in 200 milliliters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at 40 degrees celsius for four hours.
3. Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the liquid to a clean container.
4. Blend the infused oil with 10 grams of beeswax and 10 milliliters of distilled water in a double boiler for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the cream from the heat and allow it to cool and thicken before transferring it to a glass jar for storage.

9. Matricaria chamomilla

Matricaria chamomilla, also known as chamomile, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

The active compounds in chamomile, such as apigenin and luteolin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract. These compounds have also been found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, thereby reducing the severity of symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, including abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Additionally, chamomile creams may also help soothe and calm the digestive tract, promoting a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Apigenin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Luteolin: A flavonoid that inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which are often elevated in inflammatory bowel disease, thus reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Α-bisabolol: A sesquiterpene lactone with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that helps to reduce inflammation and irritation in the gut, providing relief from symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Flowers: The flowers are the most used part of Matricaria chamomilla to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease because of their high content of apigenin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: Although not as commonly used as flowers, the leaves are also used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease due to their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Seeds: The seeds of Matricaria chamomilla are occasionally used in creams for inflammatory bowel disease, possibly due to their apigenin content and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 250g of fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers on a sunny day in mid-summer.
2. Dry the harvested flowers in a warm place at 35°c for 24 hours.
3. Steep 20g of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers in 100g of coconut oil at 60°c for 2 hours.
4. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container.
5. Mix 10g of beeswax with the strained oil and heat the mixture at 60°c until it melts.

10. Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, creams helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The active compounds in fennel, such as anethole and fenchone, have been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate the gut microbiome. This can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria and reducing oxidative stress.

Additionally, fennel's carminative properties help to ease bloating and discomfort, providing relief for individuals with IBD.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Anethole: Anethole, a major terpene compound in fennel, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Foeniculin: Foeniculin, a phenolic compound found in fennel, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, which can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and preventing bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
• Limonene: Limonene, a terpene compound in fennel, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the gut from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make creams for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Seeds: They are used due to their high content of volatile oils, particularly anethole, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: They are used for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Seeds: They are also used due to their carminative properties, which can help reduce gas and alleviate digestive discomfort associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for inflammatory bowel disease.

1. Harvest 250 grams of fresh foeniculum vulgare leaves and flowers at dawn when the dew is still present.
2. Clean and dry the harvested material in a single layer at room temperature for 24 hours.
3. Steep 150 grams of the dried material in 1 liter of carrier oil at 60 degrees celsius for 4 hours.
4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids.
5. Combine 10 grams of vitamin e oil and 5 grams of preservative with the infused oil and mix thoroughly.

What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for inflammatory bowel disease?

The best combination of herbal creams that help with inflammatory bowel disease is a blend of aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile.

Aloe vera soothes and calms the digestive tract, while calendula reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Chamomile, with its anti-inflammatory properties, helps to relax the gut and alleviate symptoms of IBD.

These creams can be applied topically to the abdomen or ingested as a supplement, providing relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

What ailments similar to inflammatory bowel disease are treated with herbal creams?

Ailments similar to inflammatory bowel disease that are treated with herbal creams are eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

These conditions often involve inflammation and skin lesions, which can be relieved by topical applications of herbal creams containing anti-inflammatory ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and tea tree oil.

These herbs have been traditionally used to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and itching associated with these conditions.