Colitis Treatment Information

Diarrhea that lasts for more than two weeks is called chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea may prove to be a nuisance for an otherwise healthy person; however, it may represent a life-threatening illness for someone with a compromised immune system. Common causes for this condition includes infections, disorders or previous surgery of the intestinal tract, food intolerance, medications, hyperthyroidism, reduced blood flow to the intestines, altered immune function and hereditary disorders.

The Ayurvedic treatment of chronic diarrhea is aimed at providing symptomatic relief and treating the known cause. Infections of the intestinal tract can be treated using medicines like Panchamrut-Parpati, Ras-Parpati and Kutaj-Parpati. Parasitic infections can be treated using Vidang (Embilia ribes), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Bahava (Cassia fistula) and Sukshma-Triphala. Viral infections can be treated using medicines like Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Bhrungraj (Eclipta Alba) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).

Food intolerance can be treated using medicines like Shankh-Vati, Trikatu (Three pungent herbs), Agnitundi-Vati and Pippalyarishta. Disorders of the pancreas can be treated using medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Yashtimadhuk, Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis). Inflammation of the intestines can be treated using medicines like Kamdudha-Ras, Praval-Panchamrut, Bilva-Avaleha, Yashtimadhuk, Praval, Bilva (Aegle Marmelos), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica). Chronic diarrhea resulting from previous surgery or radiation of the abdomen can be treated using medicines like Shankh-Vati, Agnitundi-Vati, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis) and Pippali (Piper longum). Reduced blood flow to the intestines can be treated using medicines like Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras and Abhrak-Bhasma. An altered immune function resulting in chronic diarrhea can be treated using medicines like Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Loh-Parpati and Suvarna-Parpati.

Curd, buttermilk and pomegranate juice are specially recommended for both acute and chronic diarrhea. It is important to maintain adequate hygiene and use safe drinking water.