Irritable bowel

Aromacaring Fact sheet Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS) is an inflammatory disease of the bowel characterised by abdominal cramps and diarrhoea. it includes Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Crohn's Disease : An inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract that has both genetic and environmental causes. Symptoms include recurrent abdominal pains, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and diarrhoea which is occasionally bloody. Conventional treatment is usually by anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. It can be categorised into Crohn's Enterocolitis (affecting the small and large intestine); Crohn's Enteritis (small intestine only); or Crohn's Ileocolitis (affecting the ileum which is the lowest part of the small intestine, and the colon).
Ulcerative Colitis : Inflammation affecting mostly the colon lining but very similar to Crohn's disease but more frequent.
Whether you are diagnosed with Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis, you will find the following information relevant.

Many herbal preparations taken as teas will have appropriate anti-inflammatory, astringent, demulcent and anti-spasmodic properties - ask your herbalist for advice. Once a diagnosis of irritable syndrome has been made by your GP, alternative medicine may be a very beneficial complement to treatment. However, if your symptoms become worse or you experience acute abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, rectal bleeding, bloody stools or unexplained weight loss contact your GP straight away.

Conventional treatments

	Anti-inflammatory medication
	Steroids
	Diet
	Exercise

Symptoms

	Intermittent diarrhoea with alternating constipation
	Mild fever
	Abdominal pain (often at the right side)
	Fissures and abscesses (often associated with Ulcerative Colitis)

Causes

	Genetical
	Infection
	Prolonged exposure to antibiotics
	Compromised immunity
	Diet
	Excessive fluoride
	Stress
	Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine

Supplements

	High potency multi-vitamins
	Vitamin C (3000 - 8000mg daily
	Vitamin E (200 - 400 IU daily)
	Zinc (30 - 45 mg daily)
	Flaxseed oil (15 ml dally)
	Pancreatin (350 - 700 mg, 3 times daily)
	Calcium lactate (600 mg, 3 times daily)
	Peppermint oil capsules (0.2 ml daily)

(Bartram 1995 p254 and Murray et al. 2000 p599)

Herbs

Agrimony, Hops, Ephendra, Meadowsweet, German Chamomile, Valerian, Fenugreek seeds, Hops, Ephedra, Tormentil, Bilberry, Caraway seed, Calamus, Cramp bark, Golden seal, Slippery Elm, Cranes Bill, Psyllium seed

Ask advice for the most appropriate according to symptoms.

Essential oils

The Chamomiles (German and Roman), Peppermint or Lavender are reported as being effective. However, topical application has its limitations. Probably the best effect is to use as a massage to help stimulate sluggish bowel movement.

Use diluted in carrier oil to massage the abdomen in a clockwise movement in order to follow the direction of the intestinal tract.

Dietary

	Eliminate coffee to reduce desire to deficate (Hallamshire Hospital research cited by Bartram 1995 p253)
	If possible, start with a 3 day fast supported by Nutritionist, GP or Dietician
	Try a gluten-free diet
	Avoid vegetable oils and fats
	If instructed to increase dietary fibre, it is very important to increase water intake to help lubricate the fibre through the intestines

NOTE: Advice to increase whole grains and fibre is often misguided as this can clog the intestine and add to irritation, particularly if taken suddenly or with other fibre supplements. After fasting, slowly introduce non-fibrous foods at first to eliminate the possibility that excess fibre is causing irritation.

© Jane Ellwood
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The Aromacaring website is maintained by Jane Ellwood Dip(HE) RNLD, MIFPA, AC Registered Aromatherapist.
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