Alongside standard medical treatment, natural remedies to help relieve symptoms of Crohn’s disease include dietary changes, acupuncture, and medical cannabis. However, a person should always consult a doctor in advance.
Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. While there is no known cure, various medications may help ease symptoms.
Natural remedies for Crohn’s disease may also help bring relief. Some people also find that natural remedies cause fewer side effects than prescription or over-the-counter medications.
This article discusses some natural treatment options that may help alleviate Crohn’s disease symptoms.
Every person with Crohn’s disease will experience the condition differently. That is why identifying Crohn’s triggers is important for managing symptoms.
Keeping a food diary and tracking symptoms that flare regularly with different foods can help a person identify their triggers.
During a flare
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation suggests some dietary changes may help some people with the condition.
The following table lists foods a person may want to avoid:
| Foods to avoid | Examples |
|---|---|
| High fiber foods | • fruit with its skin or seeds • raw green vegetables • Brussels sprouts • cauliflower |
| Lactose | dairy products |
| Added sugars or artificial sweeteners | • sorbitol • candy • soda |
| High fat foods | • butter • fried foods |
| Spicy foods | • siracha • chili powder |
The table below lists some foods a person may wish to include in their diet:
| Foods to include | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits | • bananas • cantaloupe • honeydew melon |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | • fatty fish • chia seeds • flaxseed oil |
| Lean protein | • eggs • tofu • chicken or turkey |
| Fully cooked, seedless, skinless vegetables | • carrots • cucumber • squash |
However, it is important to note that every person’s triggers will differ, and people should always speak with a doctor or dietitian about dietary changes.
Between flares
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation suggests the following dietary habits may help ease symptoms:
- drinking enough water
- preparing meals ahead of time so safe foods are always available at home
- boiling, grilling, steaming, or poaching food instead of frying it
- keeping a food journal
- avoiding restrictive diets unless a qualified healthcare professional states otherwise
Certain behavioral changes, where necessary, may prevent Crohn’s disease from worsening or help ease symptoms,
- avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- avoiding or quitting smoking
- attending mental health counseling
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation also suggests that a person with Crohn’s disease may benefit from mind-body therapies, such as:
- relaxation and mindfulness
- hypnosis
- yoga
- exercise, where possible
Some people with Crohn’s disease may find it difficult to get adequate nutrition from food alone. A doctor
Some supplements that may help alleviate Crohn’s disease symptoms include the following:
Curcumin
According to research, curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may help reduce inflammation.
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However, they note that curcumin has a complex method of action and that research is ongoing. More research, particularly large-scale, multi-center clinical trials, is necessary to understand whether curcumin is an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease.
Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that exist throughout the body. According to a
Some evidence suggests that probiotics may benefit people with Crohn’s disease. However, this evidence is limited, and further research is necessary to examine their full effect and potential benefits.
A person can increase their intake of probiotics by incorporating foods containing probiotics into their diet, such as:
Bromelain
Bromelain is a mix of enzymes, mostly from fruit. People can purchase bromelain in tablet form.
A 2017 study in rats found that bromelain was effective at reducing IBD-related inflammation. However, researchers do not know exactly how or why it works.
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However, further research into bromelain’s effects in humans is necessary to understand its potential benefits for people with Crohn’s disease.
Wormwood
Wormwood is an herb that may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antimicrobial properties. People might enjoy wormwood as an oil or tea.
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However, more research, including larger-scale studies, is necessary to fully understand the benefits and risks of this complementary therapy.
Thunder god vine
Thunder god vine, or Tripterygium wilfordii, is an herb that people sometimes call thunder duke vine.
According to the
- Crohn’s disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- psoriasis
- multiple sclerosis
However, they emphasize that there are no solid conclusions, and further research is necessary.
Essential oils may have
There is no conclusive evidence that essential oils work, and there are no clear guidelines for administering them.
People who wish to try essential oils should first speak with a qualified healthcare professional and only use them as a supplement to standard care.
Patchouli oil
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The researchers found that rats treated with patchouli had less colon damage and fewer colitis symptoms than rats in the control group.
Lavender oil
A few small studies suggest that lavender might help regulate gut health in people with IBD.
For example, a
However, further research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms and the effect of lavender essential oils on people with Crohn’s disease.
Peppermint oil
Authors of a
The rats treated with menthol also had a higher body weight, which suggests IBD was causing fewer nutritional problems.
Acupuncture, a form of treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine, may help alleviate Crohn’s symptoms.
However, more research is necessary, and due to varying results across existing studies, researchers do not know exactly how or why acupuncture may help.
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However, the researchers highlight the need for further research.
Apple cider vinegar is a popular traditional folk remedy for inflammation and pain.
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Researchers induced colitis in a group of rats. However, 28 days before doing so, they began giving the rats vinegar. This increased the rats’ levels of beneficial bacteria, reducing inflammation.
Further research is necessary to understand whether apple cider vinegar can benefit humans with Crohn’s disease.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation states that fish oil, including cod liver oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements, may ease symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
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Medical cannabis may help relieve pain, support relaxation, or offer other benefits to people living with chronic or long-term medical conditions.
Cannabis for medical use is legal in
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Future studies and data
There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease, but the proper combination of treatments helps many people go into remission.
Natural therapies that may improve Crohn’s symptoms include dietary changes, supplements, essential oils, and more.
People considering natural remedies should speak with a healthcare professional about how best to incorporate them into their treatment regimen. A person can keep a log to record which treatments work best for them.