Colitis is a condition which indicates inflammation of your colon. Normally cases of colitis can be very acute or can be chronic, for prolonged periods of time. The common area of inflammation for this condition is in the inner lining of the colon which can be caused due to some reasons:

• Certain bowel related diseases may be the cause of colitis, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Collagen levels in white blood cells, when exceeded the normal limit in the colon, can lead to this condition.
• Limited or reduced blood supply to the colon due to a condition called ischemia.
• Any common infection which develops symptoms of colitis.
• Any allergic reaction due to consuming dairy-based products.

Understanding the causes is important, but it is imperative to know the symptoms of colitis to get proper, timely treatment. Symptoms of colitis will depend on the type of colitis you are suffering from.

Common symptoms of colitis

• Pain in the joint areas or your rectum since colitis mainly affects the colon.
• Intermittent pain in the abdomen, muscle cramps or tenderness.
• Gastrointestinal problems like the leaking of stool, urgent need to defecate, or the opposite being the inability to move your bowels, diarrhea, bloating of your stomach, blood in stool among many other noticeable signs.
• Body problems include anemia, fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.

Although there are some health products which are available for the treatment of colitis, it is recommended to try out some of the home remedies before opting for medication. Even if the condition cannot be cured by certain home remedies, its side effects and mainly the discomfort can be significantly reduced.

Aloe vera : A very versatile plant, which is used in some home remedies to treat many other ailments. Aloe vera gel, in particular, can be incorporated in products which are used to provide relief from the developing symptoms of colitis. Aloe vera helps clean the mucus from the colon and is a natural laxative to improve bowel movements. Since constipation is one of the symptoms of colitis, this laxative will help the process without any need for medication. Among the home remedies for colitis, aloe treatment has proven to be quite effective after extensive testing and research conducted.

Herbs : When it comes to home remedies for colitis, a natural combination of herbs has helped relieve some of the pain and discomfort. Dandelions are rich in calcium, antioxidants like vitamin C which is effective against liver disorders, urinary disorders, and symptoms which are linked to colitis. This when combined with lemon balm, marigold and fennel is a powerful combo of herbs which can be used to relieve pain in the large intestine due to colitis.

Ginger : Ginger is yet again another versatile ingredient which can be incorporated in some recipes like tea, juice, food preparations among others. Ginger root has been known to be proven quite effective for relieving abdominal pain which is one of the major symptoms of colitis. Ginger also helps calm the digestive tract with stimulating enzymes for digestion and is also effective against diarrhea. This is mainly due to the anti-inflammatory qualities that ginger possesses which is why it is proven effective as one of the home remedies for colitis.

Probiotics : Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms, essentially known as the good bacteria to boost health benefits of the human body. These restore the bacteria in the gut which has been disrupted due to any gastrointestinal discomfort, which is a common symptom associated with colitis. Probiotics will help clear these symptoms and any other inflammatory bowel diseases.

Peppermint oil : Not uncommon, but also not widely heard of or used. Peppermint oil has antispasmodic properties which will help relieve the cramps which are a common symptom. Peppermint oil can also help ease cramping and irritation in the intestines which make it one of the effective home remedies for colitis.

Fish oil : One of the more commonly heard natural treatment for colitis, which helps reduce the inflammation. Instated of relying more on medications to ease such discomforts, regular consumption of fish oil tablets. Fish oil may not be very widely used as one of the home remedies for colitis, but has properties which can help reduce some of the discomforts.

These home remedies for colitis are useful, depending on the type of colitis the patient is suffering from. Since chronic colitis is a condition which cannot be full cured, certain lifestyle changes can be made to learn to live with the condition minus the discomforts by implementing these changes. A diet which includes bland foods, beverages like tea, water and soda occasionally that is along with good rest will help in the long run.

Medications should be as per your doctor’s prescription after a thorough checkup and analysis. More information on the causes, symptoms and all natural remedies can be found online.