Ulcerative colitis is a common type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the healthy cells of the body despite killing foreign invaders. It can be defined as inflammation and formation of ulcers in the colon part of the large intestine. As the name indicates, Colitis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. This is a lifelong disorder which causes inflammation, ulceration and irritation in the colon. Ulcerative colitis occurs due to abnormal reactions of the immune system of the body. This disorder can affect any age group of people, but the most commonly affected people are in the age group of 15 to 30. It also affects the inner lining of the rectum. The formation of ulcers starts from the rectum and spreads in an upward direction. In this disorder, there is frequent bowel movement and discharge of mucus.

The causes of Ulcerative colitis are not known exactly. However, Autoimmunity may be a reason behind this disease. It may be caused by malfunctioning of the immune system of the body in which the immune system attacks the cells of the digestive tract or colon. Some of the other possible causes of this disease may be stress, poor nutrition, infection (viral, bacterial) and food poisoning.

Some of the common Symptoms of Ulcerative colitis are as follows:

  • Pain in abdomen
  • Blood with stools
  • Mucus with stools
  • Diarrhoea due to increased bowel movements
  • Weight loss
  • Urgent bowel movement Fatigue
  • Tenesmus or feeling of defecation but unable to pass stool

Diagnosis for Ulcerative colitis may be as follows:

  • Blood test shows anaemia due to bleeding from colon or rectum
  • Stool sample to assess chances of infection
  • Barium enema 
  • CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
  • Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy

There are many Ayurvedic herbs that are very useful in the management of Ulcerative Colitis. As the source of these Ayurvedic herbs is natural, the potency of these herbs is higher as compared to the drugs in which chemical extract is used. Some of the common Ayurvedic herbs that are used in the treatment of Ulcerative colitis are as follows:

  • Kutaz (Holorrahena dysentrica) is a very useful herb which helps in controlling diarrhoea and in removing endotoxins (Ama) from the body. It is also useful in reducing inflammation and contains the property of healing ulcers.
  • Bilva (Aegle marmelos) has an anti-inflammatory property and heals ulcers.
  • Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is useful in healing ulcers and increasing red blood cells in the body.
  • Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is useful as it removes endotoxins from the body
  • Pomegranate (Punica Grantum) acts as an antioxidant which helps in removing endotoxins from the body. It also possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in increasing haemoglobin levels in the body and is hence useful in case of blood loss.
  • Paste of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as it contains anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Vacha (Acorus calamus) possesses an anti-inflammatory property. It also helps in protecting the mucosa lining of the colon as it contains antioxidant properties.
  • Bael (Aegle marmelos) helps in the healing process of ulcers and repairs damaged tissues. It also helps in reducing swelling and preventing mucous membranes of the colon and rectum.