DIVERTICULITIS
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Alfalfa aids digestion and the leaves of alfalfa are rich in minerals and nutrients, including chlorophyll, which aids in detoxifying the body. It can be taken in liquid or tablet form.
- Herbs that help constipation include rhubarb, psyllium, and senna leaves.
- Pau d’arco promotes good digestion, cures fungal infections, and helps fight parasitic infections
- Goldenseal, papaya (the dried latex of the papaya is marketed under the names papayotin, papain or papoid), red clover, and yarrow are beneficial for diverticulitis. Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than a week at a time, and do not use during pregnancy. Do not give goldenseal to children under two. Do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure.
- Caraway and peppermint teas are excellent digestive aids (recommend drinking peppermint tea after meals).
- Basil is an effective remedy for a variety of digestive disorders and promotes normal bowel function
- Chamomile tea at bedtime is gentle and calming Caution: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, as ragweed allergy may result. Avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- The key to controlling diverticulitis is to consume an adequate amount of fiber and lots of quality water. You need at least 30 grams of fiber each day. You may prefer to supplement your diet with a bulk product and/or a stool softener that contains methylcellulose or psyllium, since these do not promote as much gas formation in the colon as other sources of fiber, especially wheat bran.
- Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Herbal teas, broth, and fresh juices can account for some of the liquid needed. Liquid aids in keeping the pouch-like areas clean of toxic wastes, preventing inflammation.
- Soluble fiber is a must for the long-term prevention of constipation and recurrence of diverticulitis.
- Eat 100% whole wheat bread, cereals high in bran, plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Add “millers bran” (unprocessed bran) to every meal and gradually up the dose until one or two soft stools a day without straining.
- Each person must find the amount of bran required by trial and error over a period of at least three months.
- Excessive vitamin C intake (greater than 1,200 milligrams a day) can cause diarrhea
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.