Get Rid of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis With Ayurveda

Abstract

Think of your colon as your body’s cleanup and recycling crew. After your stomach and small intestine do most of the digestion, the colon steps in to soak up water and salts, turning leftover food into solid stool. It also hosts a whole community of friendly bacteria that help break down fiber, make some vitamins, and keep your gut happy. But when the colon’s lining becomes inflamed and irritated and the colon is unable to form normal solid stools, we call it Ulcerative Colitis (UC). It is a chronic condition where your colon decides to act up, becoming inflamed and causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. People with UC often experience abdominal cramps, frequent or urgent trips to the bathroom, diarrhea, and sometimes rectal bleeding. The exact cause is still not fully understood, but it appears to be a combination of genetics, an overactive immune system, and environmental factors such as diet, stress, and gut bacteria imbalances. UC doesn’t just affect digestion- it can also drain energy, impact mood, and make everyday activities unpredictable or challenging. Managing the condition usually requires a careful mix of medications, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups and maintain quality of life.

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that leads to inflammation and the formation of ulcers in the digestive tract. It primarily targets the innermost lining of the large intestine, known as the colon and the rectum. This condition can cause persistent discomfort, irritation, and digestive disturbances. Rather than appearing abruptly, symptoms of ulcerative colitis typically develop gradually over time. The course of UC is often unpredictable, with alternating periods of remission- when symptoms are minimal or absent and during flare-ups, when discomfort and digestive issues become more pronounced. This constant uncertainty can take a toll not just on physical health, but also on emotional and social well-being.

Three Types of Ulcerative Colitis (On the Basis of Inflamed Part)

Ulcerative proctitis – The inflammation is limited to the rectum.
Left-sided colitis – The inflammation extends from the rectum up through the left side of the colon.
Pancolitis – The inflammation involves the entire length of the colon.

One of the major impacts of UC is on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), a term that describes how a person’s overall sense of well-being is influenced by illness and its treatment. People with UC generally report lower HRQoL compared to healthy individuals, with levels similar to those living with other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. The daily challenges such as abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, and fatigue. All these can interfere with work, social activities, and relationships. In Ulcerative Colitis the factors influencing HRQoL are multi-dimensional, including socio-demographic aspects (like age and lifestyle), clinical factors (severity and frequency of flares), psychological well-being (stress, anxiety, depression), and treatment-related aspects (side effects or complexity of therapy). Addressing these areas holistically is essential for improving overall life satisfaction in UC patients.

Cause/Risk Factors of Ulcerative Colitis

It is an auto-immune disease so no exact cause for this is known. While there are no known causes, some risk factors may lead up to development of this disease. They are:

Age factor: Most diagnoses occur between 15-30 years or after 60.
Race/Ethnicity: Higher risk in whites as compared to other races.
Genetics: Greater risk if a first-degree relative has UC.
Other Factors: Stress and diet don’t cause UC but can trigger flare-ups.

Symptoms

Loose stools, often the main symptom of ulcerative colitis.
Blood and mucous mixed stools.
Frequent bowel movements.
Abdominal or rectal pain.
Unpredictable episodes of diarrhea so the patient tries to avoid food.
Weight loss
Fatigue
Occasionally, constipation and rectal spasm.

Diagnosis

Blood Tests: Detect anemia (possible bleeding) and rule out infections.
Stool Samples: Identify infections, parasites, and inflammation.
Barium enema: Shows colon inflammation.
CT/MRI: Reveal inflammation in moderate/severe UC.
X-ray: Detects complications like megacolon or perforation.
Endoscopic Tests: Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to view the colon, confirm inflammation, and take biopsies.

Treatment

Medications for UC Include

Aminosalicylates: A class of anti-inflammatory drugs including Sulfasalazine (contains sulfa) for mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. A sulfa-free aminosalicylate such as mesalamine can be given in patients allergic to Sulfa.
Corticosteroids: These are used to quickly control flare-ups. In a severe form of ulcerative colitis Prednisone or Budesonide are prescribed for short-term use.
Immunosuppressants: To calm your immune system Azathioprine or Methotrexate can be used.
Biologics: They treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis by calming parts of your immune response. Medications like Infliximab, Adalimumab are biologics.
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (small molecule drugs): Drugs like Tofacitinib stop one of your body’s enzymes (chemicals) from triggering inflammation.

Surgery

Surgery is an option if medications aren’t working or if you’re experiencing serious complications. Proctocolectomy surgery is done to remove all or part of your colon and rectum.

Ayurvedic Overview

Ulcerative colitis in Ayurveda is Rakta Atisaara (bloody diarrhea). It is a disease of Purishavaha Srotas (Faeces carrying channels). This Srotas has its Mula (Roots) in Pakvashaya (large intestine or more specifically colon) and Sthoolaguda (Rectum). Therefore, on Dushti (Vitiation) of this Srotas (Channel), diseases develop in these regions, like Rakta Atisaara (bloody diarrhea). Rakta Atisaara is a type of Atisaara (Diarrhea), which is produced in a patient of Pittaja Atisaara, who is indulging in diet and lifestyle aggravating Pitta dosha. When a person of Pitta constitution repeatedly consumes sour, salty, pungent, alkaline, hot food and is in constant exposure to fire, scorching sun, hot winds, Pitta dosha aggravates. Purishavegadharan (Holding up of the urge for defaecation), Atiashana (overeating), eating during indigestion and when the previous meal is not digested particularly in a person with poor digestion, are also contributing factors. All these factors and aggravated Pitta dosha affects Rakta Dhatu (Blood Tissue) and quickly produces Rakta Atisaara (Bloody Diarrhea) along with pain, burning sensation and inflammation in anorectal region.

Symptoms seen in patients with Rakta Atisaara are Atidrava mala pravritti (frequent passage of loose, watery stools mixed with blood), Shoola (gripping or cramping abdominal pain before or during defecation), Pitta-purna mala (stools having a foul smell, reddish/yellowish discoloration, and sometimes mucus), Daha (burning sensation in the anal region and abdomen), Pipasa adhikya (excessive thirst due to dehydration), Aaruchi (loss of appetite) and Dourbalya (generalized weakness and fatigue). Ayurvedic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis in Ayurveda involves use of Ajadugdha (Goat milk), Neelutpalaadi Yog, Shatavari, Darvyaadi Ghrita, Priyungakadi Raktsangrahak Yog, Pichabasti, Navneet (freshly churned butter). In case of excessive loss of blood in stool, Ghrita Alepana (external application or smearing) on Guda (anal region), Vankshana (inguinal region), Kati (Lower back/waist) and Urupradesha (region involving thighs) is done. Pitta pacifying lifestyle also helps in relieving Rakta Atisaara.

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Modifications

Follow diet- Favor cool, sweet, bitter, and astringent foods. Use minimal oil and moderate spices.
Avoid- Excessively hot, sour, salty, or fried foods, very hot beverages.
Water intake- Drink plenty of cool water.
Physical exercise- Excessive physical exercises are to be avoided.
Yogasana- Asanas which put pressure on the abdomen are to be avoided.

Herbal Remedies for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a trusted Ayurvedic brand offering herbal products made from pure, natural ingredients. Their formulations are designed to balance doshas, support immunity, and promote overall health. By combining traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern quality standards, Planet Ayurveda provides safe and effective wellness solutions for daily health needs. For Chronic Ulcerative Colitis, we have a Double Strength UC pack consisting of 13 medicines to provide relief from the symptoms and cure UC naturally. The medicines are:

Kutajghan Vati
Atisaran Mukti Capsules
Pitta Balance
Vatsakadi Churna
Arjuna Capsules
Motion Stop Tablets
Vasaka Capsules
Coolstrin A Capsules
Coolstrin B Capsules
Aegle Plan Capsules
Halorhena + Capsules
Hemostop-B
Mimosa-Di Capsules

Product Description

1. Kutajghan Vati

These tablets are made from Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), also known as Indrajav or Kurchi, which is considered a specific drug in Ayurveda for Atisara (diarrhea) and Grahani Roga (IBS-like conditions). It balances Pitta and Kapha Dosha and is mildly supportive to Vata dosha when aggravated due to diarrhea. It is highly beneficial in maintaining intestinal balance, stopping excessive watery stools, and healing intestinal mucosa.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Atisaran Mukti Capsules

These capsules are prepared with potent herbs such as Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhaniya (Coriandrum sativum), and Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus). It helps to bring back balance in doshas, reduce constipation, maintain regular bowel movements and reduce inflammation of the intestine.
Dosage - 1 capsule, twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Pitta Balance

These capsules contain key ingredients such as JaharMohra Pishti, Kaharava Pishti and Kamdudha Ras. It helps in balancing the Pitta dosha and provides a cooling effect to the body. It significantly reduces inflammation in intestines and provides support to the digestive system.
Dosage - 1 capsule, twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Vatsakadi Churna

This is a herbal powder made from key ingredients like Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare) and Dhaniya (Coriandrum sativum). Together, these herbs balance our Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), provide a synergistic effect in Ulcerative Colitis (Raktatisara) by reducing inflammation, controlling diarrhoea, checking bleeding, soothing abdominal discomfort, and promoting mucosal healing.
Dosage - 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after a meal.

5. Arjuna Capsules

These capsules are made from potent Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), a well known cardiotonic herb. It possesses an astringent taste and cooling potency, which help in balancing Pitta and Kapha dosha. Owing to its kashaya rasa (astringent taste), it exhibits stambhana (hemostatic) action and aids in controlling Ati Rakta Pravriti (excess bleeding).
Dosage - 1 capsule, twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Motion Stop Tablets

These tablets have key ingredients like Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Dadim (Punica granatum) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). This formulation helps in maintaining healthy digestion by improving the digestive fire and nutrient absorption. It also supports regular bowel habits, ensuring proper elimination and comfort. By balancing Vata and Pitta doshas, it promotes overall digestive harmony and reduces issues like irregularity, acidity, and abdominal discomfort.

Dosage 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

7. Vasaka Capsules

These capsules have Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) as its chief and only component. It is highly effective in pacifying aggravated Pitta dosha, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis (Raktatisara). By reducing excessive heat and inflammation in the intestines, it helps relieve hyperacidity, mucosal ulcerations, and intestinal irritation.