10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Herbal tinctures for inflammatory bowel disease are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, which have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

These tinctures help by reducing inflammation, improving gut motility, and modulating the immune response. Examples of herbal tinctures that show promise include Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, and Turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

By using these tinctures, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease can experience improved digestion, reduced abdominal pain, and increased energy levels, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

data[key]

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

1. Curcuma longa

Turmeric tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which target the root causes of conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

The bioactive compound curcumin in turmeric tincture has been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.

Additionally, turmeric's antioxidant properties help protect the intestinal lining from oxidative stress and damage, promoting a healthy gut environment and alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Curcumin: Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound that helps to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Demethoxycurcumin: DMC is a derivative of curcumin that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to its potential therapeutic effects in inflammatory bowel disease.
• Beta-caryophyllene: Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene with anti-inflammatory and gut-protective properties, which may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut lining of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

Plant's Parts

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

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are the primary part used due to their high concentration of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
• Roots: Roots are also commonly used as they contain a similar high concentration of curcumin and other beneficial compounds.
• Seeds: Although less commonly used, seeds may be used in some tinctures as they contain a lower amount of curcumin but still have anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh turmeric rhizomes when the tops begin to yellow and the roots are firm.
2. Chop the turmeric rhizomes into small pieces and combine them with 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
3. Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place, shaking the jar every day or two.
4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container, discard the solids.
5. Store the tincture in a cool dark place and allow it to mature for 2-3 months before using.

2. Zingiber officinale

Ginger tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory compounds, including gingerol and shogaol.

These bioactive molecules have been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, thereby alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating.

Additionally, ginger's antioxidant properties help protect the gastrointestinal tract from oxidative stress, further promoting a healthy gut environment and reducing inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Gingerols: Gingerols are a type of phenolic compound that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate symptoms of IBD.
• Shogaols: Shogaols, a class of phenolic compounds similar to gingerols, have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the gut lining and reduce inflammation associated with IBD.
• 6-gingerol: 6-Gingerol, a major component of Zingiber officinale, has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce inflammation, prevent oxidative stress, and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract affected by IBD.

Plant's Parts

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

• Rhyzomes: Zingiber officinale rhyzomes are used to make tinctures for inflammatory bowel disease because they contain compounds like gingerol and shogaol that have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roots: Zingiber officinale roots are used to make tinctures for inflammatory bowel disease because they contain bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
• Barks: Zingiber officinale barks are sometimes used to make tinctures for inflammatory bowel disease, although less commonly, due to their potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes in the early morning when the plant is at its peak potency.
2. Dry the rhizomes in a warm and well-ventilated area for 7-10 days or until they reach 12% moisture content.
3. Grind 30g of the dried rhizomes into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Combine the ground rhizome powder with 500ml of 80% ethanol and let it steep for 2-4 weeks in a dark glass container.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a separate container and discard the solids.

3. Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because it coats and soothes the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation.

Its demulcent properties create a protective barrier that shields the gut from further damage, allowing for natural healing to occur. Additionally, slippery elm contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping.

This natural remedy provides relief and comfort to those suffering from this chronic condition.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Mucilages: Mucilages in Ulmus rubra tinctures help to form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes in the gut, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid, a triterpenoid found in Ulmus rubra, has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity of inflammatory bowel disease by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes.
• Phenolic acids: Gallic acid in Ulmus rubra has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut, contributing to the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Plant's Parts

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

• Barks: Used to make tinctures due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Leaves: Used to make tinctures as they contain compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which might help manage inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
• Roots: Used to make tinctures due to their alleged anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 cup of fresh ulmus rubra leaves and twigs in the morning when the dew is still present.
2. Chop the harvested material into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar to air dry.
3. Allow the chopped material to air dry for 2 to 4 weeks in a well-ventilated area with minimal light.
4. Combine 1 part of the dried and powdered ulmus rubra material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
5. Steep the mixture for 4 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place before straining and bottling the resulting tincture.

4. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because they possess anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the gut lining, reducing inflammation and irritation.

The tincture's triterpenoids and flavonoids work together to calm the immune response, decrease oxidative stress, and promote healing in the digestive tract.

Additionally, licorice root has been shown to increase the production of mucin, a protective layer that shields the gut from further damage, allowing for improved digestion and reduced symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Licopyranocoumarin: This compound has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Glycyrrhizin: As a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, glycyrrhizin helps protect the intestinal lining, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate the immune system to alleviate IBD symptoms.
• Isoliquiritigenin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties that help protect the intestinal mucosa, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby alleviating IBD symptoms.

Plant's Parts

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

• Roots: They contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Leaves: They have anti-inflammatory properties and contain flavonoids that may help soothe and protect the digestive tract.
• Barks: They have been traditionally used to treat digestive issues and contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of roots in the morning after 6 hours of drying under the sun to reduce moisture content.
2. Chop 5 parts of water into small pieces and mix with 1 part of roots to create a solution.
3. Combine the root solution with 3 parts of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container to extract glycosides.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks to allow the roots to infuse into the ethanol.
5. Strain the solution through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a clear herbal tincture.

5. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its mucilaginous properties, which soothe and protect the digestive tract.

The aloe-like substance in marshmallow root coats and calms inflamed tissue, reducing irritation and discomfort.

This natural anti-inflammatory agent also decreases inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory chemicals and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory compounds, thereby alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation associated with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the gut, reducing inflammation and promoting healing in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Phenolic acids: These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of IBD.
• Galactomannans: These polysaccharides have been shown to have prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for maintaining a balanced immune response and reducing inflammation in IBD.

Plant's Parts

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

• Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are primarily used due to their high mucilage content, which helps to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.
• Leaves: The leaves of the plant are used because they contain similar mucilage properties to the roots, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in the digestive system.
• Stems: The stems of Althaea officinalis are utilized due to their secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 part of fresh root of althaea officinalis in late summer or early fall when in full maturity.
2. Clean and chop the harvested root into small pieces weighing 1 part by volume.
3. Combine chopped root with 2 parts of 80 proof ethanol in a clean glass container.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place shaking the container every 2 days.
5. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and store.

6. Boswellia serrata

Frankincense tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.

The boswellic acids present in frankincense have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and hormones, thereby reducing swelling and discomfort associated with conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Additionally, frankincense has been found to improve gut motility, reduce bowel spasms, and promote a healthy balance of gut flora, all of which can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata tinctures that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Terpenoids: These terpenoids have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Acylphloroglucinols: Boswellic acid has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, leading to improved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Furanosesquiterpenes: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut, thus alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Plant's Parts

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

• Roots: They contain boswellic acids, which are believed to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Rhyzomes (or rhizomes): Similar to roots, rhyzomes of Boswellia serrata also contain boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage inflammatory bowel disease.
• Barks: Boswellia serrata barks are also a source of boswellic acids, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 100g of dried boswellia serrata resin in the early morning to ensure optimal potency.
2. Chop the boswellia serrata resin into small pieces using a mortar and pestle to increase surface area.
3. Combine the chopped boswellia serrata resin with 500ml of 95% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking to facilitate extraction.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a clear tincture.

7. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

The menthol in peppermint oil relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing spasms and cramps that often accompany irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease. Additionally, peppermint's anti-inflammatory compounds reduce inflammation and swelling in the gut lining, which can alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.

This natural remedy can provide relief from chronic digestive issues without resorting to harsh medications or surgery.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Menthol: Helps reduce inflammation and relax the smooth muscles in the intestines, alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Caryophyllene oxide: Displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can help mitigate inflammation, reduce pain, and promote wound healing in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of IBD.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: High in menthol and menthone, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe digestive issues.
• Stems: Similar to leaves, stems contain menthol and menthone, contributing to their digestive benefits and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Buds: Rich in menthol and menthone, peppermint buds are used to create tinctures that can help alleviate inflammation and soothe digestive discomfort associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh mentha x piperita leaves in the morning after dew has dried.
2. Chop the fresh leaves into small pieces using a sharp knife to increase surface area.
3. Combine the chopped leaves with 80 proof vodka in a 1:5 ratio by volume in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking it every day.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, discard the solids.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

The tannins and flavonoids present in the extract have been shown to reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea associated with conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Additionally, maidenhair tree tinctures may help soothe and heal the lining of the intestines, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and reducing the severity of flares.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba tinctures that help with inflammatory bowel disease.

• Flavonoids: These plant compounds, specifically flavonols and flavan-3-ols, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Bilobalide: This triterpene has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which may help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the gut, thereby alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell damage in the gut, potentially alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make tinctures for inflammatory bowel disease.

• Leaves: The leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and protect the digestive tract.
• Seeds: The seeds are rich in ginkgotoxine, a compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
• Barks: The barks of Ginkgo biloba contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the digestive tract, promoting healing and reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest 2 pounds of ginkgo biloba leaves in the fall when they turn yellow.
2. Clean the leaves by rinsing them with distilled water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Dry the leaves in a temperature-controlled environment at 100 to 110 degrees fahrenheit for 2 weeks.
4. Steep 1 cup of dried ginkgo biloba leaves in 2 cups of 80 proof vodka for 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter and discard the solids.

9. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The tincture's active compounds, such as sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Additionally, dandelion's prebiotic fiber content helps promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, further supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

This combination of actions may help regulate bowel movements, alleviate abdominal pain, and reduce the frequency of flares in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Taraxasterol: This triterpenoid saponin helps with inflammatory bowel disease by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response in the gut.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut.
• Kaempferol: This flavonoid phenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help protect the gut from inflammation and oxidative damage, and improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Plant's Parts

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

• Roots: They are used due to their high content of sesquiterpene lactones, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: They are used because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut.
• Buds: They are used for their content of sesquiterpene lactones and other bioactive compounds, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of Taraxacum officinale.

Recipe

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

1. Harvest taraxacum officinale roots in late summer or early fall when they are dry and easily removable.
2. Clean and chop the roots into small pieces using a sharp knife or a root cutter.
3. Steep 200 grams of chopped roots in 500 milliliters of 95% ethanol for 2 weeks in a glass jar.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
5. Allow the tincture to mature in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks before using it.

10. Aloe vera

Aloe tinctures helps with inflammatory bowel disease because it has potent anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the digestive tract.

The bioactive compounds present in aloe, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, leading to improved symptoms and reduced severity of conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

By modulating the immune response and promoting mucosal healing, herbal aloe tinctures may help alleviate abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Medicinal Constituents

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

• Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin, a phenolic compound, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response in the gut, alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Catechins: Catechins, a type of flavonoid, have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the gut from oxidative stress and inflammation, reducing the severity of inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.
• Anthraquinones: Aloin, a type of anthraquinone, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut, alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Plant's Parts

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

• Leaves: Used due to their high concentration of anthraquinones, specifically aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory and laxative properties.
• Stems: Used due to their presence of acetylated mannans, which have prebiotic properties, helping to soothe and regulate the gut microbiome.
• Roots: Used due to their content of anthraquinones and other compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potentially beneficial for gastrointestinal health.

Recipe

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

1. Gather 100g of aloe vera leaves and 500ml of 80-proof vodka in clean glass containers.
2. Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces to release their medicinal properties and oils.
3. Combine the chopped aloe vera with 500ml of vodka in a clean glass jar and seal it.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow for extraction and infusion.
5. Strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.

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

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with inflammatory bowel disease is a blend of Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, and Turmeric root tincture.

Slippery Elm soothes the gut lining, while Marshmallow Root provides anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation and irritation. Turmeric root tincture, containing curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.

These tinctures can be taken separately or combined in a ratio of 2:1:1 to promote optimal healing.