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Natural treatment and effective home remedies for diverticulitis

Diverticular disease is a very common condition that is happening due to the symptoms of the diverticula.

Diverticula are small and bulging pouches which are forming on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon). Diverticulosis is a condition when these pouches form, but they do not cause symptoms or cause few symptoms. But when the small pieces of the stool (feces) get trapped inside the pouches, then they become infected or inflamed, and they can cause symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain.

When the bacteria become trapped in the pouches, it causes infection with severe pain; then this condition is known as diverticulitis. This pain is usually on the lower side of the abdomen.

Also, there are other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, chills, fever, constipation or diarrhea, gas or bloating nausea, and abdominal tenderness. There are some rare cases that can cause rectal bleeding. Also, it can cause complications like peritonitis, fistula, abscess, and intestinal obstruction in about 25% of people who suffer from acute diverticulitis. The exact cause for the formation of small pouches or diverticula is not known.

There are some medical experts who believe that a low–fiber diet can be the cause of it [1]. If we do not have fiber to add bulk to the stool, then the colon should work much harder to push the stool forward. This will cause pouches to form in the weak spots along your colon. Also, there are some factors that can increase your risk of developing diverticulitis, such as a history of constipation, certain medications, high fat intake, low fiber diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking. Recurring or severe diverticular disease and diverticulitis may need prescription medication or even surgery. Also, you can try some of the below-mentioned home remedies for diverticulitis, and you can adopt some lifestyle changes to prevent and control this problem.

Talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for diverticulitis. You should avoid drinking coffee as well as alcoholic beverages. You should drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. You should cut back on red meats. [2]

11 Home remedies for diverticulitis

Lemon

This home remedy has antioxidant properties, which can adjust the pH balance of the body. Also, it is rich in Vitamin C, which can assist the digestive system in flushing unwanted materials and toxins out of your body. Also, this is a very effective home remedy for the immune system. You should mix the juice of one lemon in one glass of warm water. You should add a pinch of sea salt and little honey to it and mix it properly. You should drink this home remedy on an empty stomach in the morning. [3]

Garlic

This is a natural antibiotic that can aid in digestion, and this is a reason why it is a very effective home remedy for diverticulitis and diverticular disease [4]. You should remove the skin of one garlic clove and mince it thoroughly before you ingest it. You should have this home treatment 3 times per day. Also, you can take 2 garlic capsules 3 times per day. You should talk with your doctor before you take garlic supplements.

Probiotics

We know that probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial microorganisms which are present in our gut. They are good bacteria that can help to maintain the health of the intestines, and they can aid in the digestion process. Probiotics supplements like Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus acidophilus can be taken on a daily basis between meals. It is recommended to take 200 – 250 mg. Also, you can eat probiotic–enhanced foods like soy beverages and cultured yogurt or milk. [5]

diverticulosis natural treatment

Licorice

This home remedy has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to treat diverticulitis naturally [6]. Also, it can reduce inflammation and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It can aid in adding bulk and softening the stool.

You should add ½ teaspoon of licorice root powder to one cup of water. You should boil it for a few minutes, and then you should strain it. You should drink it thirty minutes before meals. You should follow this home remedy 2 or 3 times per day. Also, you can take licorice tablets (380 – 1,140 mg per day), but you should consult with your doctor if these tablets are suitable for you and for the correct dosage. People who have hypokalemia, kidney disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure should take licorice under a doctor’s supervision.

Marshmallow

This home remedy is emollient and demulcent, and it is very useful in the treatment of diverticular disease and diverticulitis. It can soothe the inflammation in the digestive tract, and also it can promote healthy bowel movements.

You should add five grams of dried marshmallow root to one cup of boiling water. You should steep it for 5 minutes, and then you should strain it. You should drink this herbal tea 3 times per day.

Also, there is another option, and that is to add 2 tablespoons of dried marshmallow root to ¼ of the water. You should let it stay there throughout the night. The next morning, you should strain and drink this liquid several times per day. If you have diabetes, then you should avoid marshmallows. [7]

Slippery elm

Slippery elm has large mucilage content, which makes it a very effective home remedy for diverticulitis. It is demulcent which means it can protect the irritated tissues, promotes healing, and reduces pain and inflammation.

You should mix 1 teaspoon of slippery elm bark powder in 2 cups of boiling water. You should add 1 teaspoon of sugar and a little bit of cinnamon powder. You should drink 1 – 2 cups of this home remedy two times per day. [8]

Aloe Vera

This is a very effective home remedy for diverticulitis and diverticular disease. There was one study in which was said that Aloe Vera has laxative properties, which can help to maintain the normal intestinal flora, stimulate and promote bowel movement, and remove waste products. Also, it can boost your immune system, and it can reduce swelling and inflammation. You should drink ½ cup of Aloe Vera juice 3 times per day for at least one month. [9]

Chamomile

This home remedy is carminative in nature which can stimulate the digestive system and also it can relax the stomach. This is a reason why chamomile is a very effective home remedy for diverticular disease.

You should add 2 – 3 teaspoons of dried chamomile to one cup of hot water. You should cover it and steep it for 5 minutes. You should strain and mix in one teaspoon of honey. You should drink up to 3 cups of chamomile tea on daily basis. This home remedy is not recommended for pregnant women. Also, people who are taking blood–thinning medicines and birth control pills should not take them. [10]

Flaxseed

This home remedy also can be used as a natural treatment for diverticular disease. It has natural fiber, which works as a bulk-forming laxative. It can soften the stool and makes it pass through the intestines easily. Also, flaxseed is a good source of Omega – 3 fatty acids which can help to fight inflammation.

You should mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed in one glass of water. You should drink this home remedy before breakfast and again before you go to bed. Also, you can add ground flaxseed to fruit, yogurt, cereal, and other healthy foods. Also, you can use 15 grams of ground flaxseed per day. [11]

Ginger

This home remedy has a soothing effect on the intestines, and this is a reason why it is recommended as a natural treatment for diverticulitis and diverticular disease. This home remedy can help to relieve nausea, cramping, and intestinal gas that are associated with this problem. Also, it can reduce the risk of diverticulitis by keeping your large intestine free from harmful microbes.

You should cut a 2-inch cube of ginger root into slices. You should simmer these slices in one cup of water on low heat for ten minutes, and you should strain it. Sip this liquid before your meals. You should drink up to 3 cups of tea per day, one before each meal. Also, you can take ginger supplements. You should take at least 2,000 milligrams 3 times per day. You should talk with your doctor before you take these herbal supplements. [12]

Exercise

You should exercise regularly for thirty minutes to promote normal bowel function and to reduce pressure inside your colon. You should avoid extremely hot or cold foods and fluids.

References:

[1] Vanhauwaert E, Matthys C, Verdonck L, De Preter V. Low-residue and low-fiber diets in gastrointestinal disease management. Advances in Nutrition. 2015;6(6):820-827.

[2] Thompson AE. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. JAMA. 2016;316(10):1124.

[3] Kato Y, Domoto T, Hiramitsu M, et al. Effect on blood pressure of daily lemon ingestion and walking. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism. 2014;2014:912684.

[4] Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A. Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine (AJP). 2014;4(1):1-14.

[5] Carabotti M, Annibale B. Treatment of diverticular disease: an update on latest evidence and clinical implications. Drugs in Context. 2018;7:212526.

[6] Yang R, Yuan B-C, Ma Y-S, et al. The anti-inflammatory activity of licorice, a widely used Chinese herb. Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology. 2017;55(1):5-18.

[7] Banaee M, Soleimany V, Haghi BN. Therapeutic effects of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) extract on plasma biochemical parameters of common carp infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Veterinary Research Forum. 2017;8(2):145-153.

[8] Watts CR, Rousseau B. Slippery elm, its biochemistry, and use as a complementary and alternative treatment for laryngeal irritation. 2012;1(1):17-23.

[9] Ashafa TO, Sunmonu T, Abass AA, Ogbe AA. Laxative potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. in Wistar rats with loperamide-induced constipation. Journal of Natural Pharmaceuticals. 2011;2(3):158-62.

[10] Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports. 2010;3(6):895-901.

[11] Xu J, Zhou X, Chen C, et al. Laxative effects of partially defatted flaxseed meal on normal and experimental constipated mice. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2012;12:14.

[12] Haniadka R, Saldanha E, Sunita V, et al. A review of the gastroprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Food & Function. 2013;4(6):845-55.

Hanan Marshal
Hanan Marshal
Hanan, a medical student (MBBS) having passion for writing and is very much interested in holistic living along with nature. He is very much interested in doing community service and watches anime and play PS4 during his free time. You can reach him through [email protected]

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