Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Crohn’s Disease – Causes, Symptoms & Herbal Remedies
Abstract
Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition where the digestive system becomes inflamed, and its exact cause is unknown. It’s a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, and is known for causing areas of inflamed tissue scattered throughout the gut. The disease causes inflammation in scattered areas, so there are healthy patches of the gut mixed in with the inflamed ones. The prevalence of Crohn’s disease has been steadily increasing over the past several decades, particularly in developed countries. It is commonly present in individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can also occur in older adults and children. Having a family member with Crohn’s disease increases the chances of developing it, especially if they’re a close relative like a parent or sibling.
Introduction
Crohn’s disease is one of the two main types of inflammatory bowel diseases, alongside ulcerative colitis, and is classified as a type of IBD. Environmental factors, such as smoking, diet, and antibiotic use, can influence disease onset and severity. Unlike ulcerative colitis, which only impacts the colon, Crohn’s can cause problems anywhere in the digestive system, leading to complications like narrowing of the intestines (strictures), abnormal connections between organs (fistulas), and painful abscesses. The inflammation doesn’t happen in a continuous line, but in patches, alternating between affected and healthy areas, which makes the disease difficult to manage. Common symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.
Causes of Crohn’s disease
The exact cause of Crohn’s disease remains unclear, but it is believed to result from a complex interaction between genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental influences. Certain gene mutations such as the NOD2 gene, have been linked to an increased risk of developing Crohn’s disease.
Risk factors of Crohn’s disease
Risk factors of Crohn’s disease include
- Family history of Crohn’s disease
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Medication such as NSAIDs, antibiotics and birth control pill
- Obesity
- Enterobacterial infections
- Stress
Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a collective term for a group of long-term conditions that cause persistent inflammation in the digestive system. The two main types of IBD are Ulcerative Colitis (UC), which primarily affects the colon and rectum, and Crohn’s Disease (CD), which can impact any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. Both conditions can lead to severe symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue, and may result in complications that significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Pathology
Crohn’s disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing chronic inflammation. This is often triggered by a combination of genetic factors, where certain genes make the immune system more likely to overreact, and environmental factors like smoking, diet, and antibiotics. The inflammation affects the entire thickness of the bowel, leading to complications like narrowing of the intestines, abnormal connections between organs, and painful abscesses. The disease typically causes patches of inflamed tissue along with healthy areas.
Symptoms of Crohn’s disease
The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can vary widely depending on the severiy and location of the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include
- Abdominal pain – Often crampy or colicky, usually in the lower right part of the abdomen.
- Diarrhea – Chronic, watery diarrhea that may be accompanied by blood or mucus.
- Fatigue – Feeling constantly tired or drained of energy, which can be related to inflammation or malnutrition.
- Weight Loss – Unintentional weight loss due to poor absorption of nutrients and loss of appetite.
- Fever – Low-grade fever due to inflammation or infection.
- Bloody Stools – In cases of severe inflammation, blood may be present in the stool.
Types of Crohn’s disease
Crohn’s disease can be classified into several types based on the affected areas of the gastrointestinal tract
- Crohn’s Disease – Affects both the ileum (small intestine) and colon.
- Ileal Crohn’s Disease – Limited to the ileum.
- Colonic Crohn’s Disease – Affects the colon.
- Gastroduodenal Crohn’s Disease – Involves the stomach and duodenum.
- Jejunoileitis – Affects the jejunum and ileum.
- Perianal Crohn’s Disease – Affects the perianal region, causing abscesses and fistulas.
Differential diagnosis
- Amebiasis
- Bacterial gastroenteritis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Intestinal tuberculosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Viral gastroenteritis
Diagnosis of Crohn’s disease
Diagnosis of Crohn’s disease involves
- Clinical finding
- Family history
- History of associated condition
- Assessment of symptoms
- Blood test
- CRP is elevated
- ESR is elevated
- Low WBC
- Stool test
- Fecal Calprotectin Test
- Imaging studies
- Colonoscopy – Signs of inflammation, ulcerations, cobblestone appearance, and fistulas.
- CT scan – It can help assess complications like strictures.
- MRI Enterography – Provides detailed images of the small intestine.
- Capsule endoscopy – A small camera capsule ingested to capture images of the small intestine, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Complications of Crohn’s disease
- Stricture
- Fistula
- Abscesses
- Perforation
- Nutritional deficiency
- Colorectal cancer
Ayurvedic aspect
In Ayurveda, Crohn’s disease is compared to Grahani disease, which refers to issues with the small intestine (specifically the ileum and jejunum). When the balance of the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) is disturbed, it can lead to inflammation or dysfunction in the grahani (small intestine), causing symptoms similar to Crohn’s disease. The core issue in Grahani disease is an imbalance in the digestive fire (Agni). When Agni is weak or disturbed, digestion becomes impaired. This leads to the production of Ama, which further disrupts digestion and causes symptoms. In the early stages, Vata and Kapha predominate, causing pain and loose stools. Later, Pitta and blood involvement leads to symptoms like burning sensations, mouth ulcers, and blood in the stool.
सकृद्रूक्षं सकृत्स्निग्धं कृशे बहुकफे हितम्| परीक्ष्यामं शरीरस्य दीपनं स्नेहसंयुतम्|| दीपनं बहुपित्तस्य तिक्तं मधुरसंयुतम्| बहुवातस्य तु स्नेहलवणाम्लयुतं हितम्|| (Ch. Chi. 15/199-200)
The verses describe different treatments for individuals based on their dosha (body humor) imbalance. A person with excess Kapha requires a slightly dry and oily remedy, while those with Pitta benefit from bitter and sweet treatments to calm the fire. Those with Vata need oily, salty, and sour remedies to balance dryness and promote digestion. Each person’s treatment must be given according to their unique dosha (body humor) constitution.
Ayurvedic herbs that can be beneficial in managing the symptoms of crohn’s disease involves
- Lajwanti (Mimosa Pudica) – Calms digestive disturbances
- Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioides) – Heals the intestinal lining
- Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) – Helps reduce intestinal bleeding and inflammation
- Dadima (Punica granatum) – Regulates bowel movements and reduces diarrhea
- Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) – Helps manage frequent loose stools in Crohn’s disease
Herbal remedies for Crohn’s Disease by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda offers a range of herbal remedies, including the Crohn’s Disease Care Pack, which is designed to naturally help manage Crohn’s Disease. These products combine high-quality Ayurvedic herbs and are made based on traditional practices. They’re free from chemicals, additives, and preservatives, so you can trust that you’re getting a natural and pure option for your health. All products from Planet Ayurveda are 100% vegetarian, natural, and pure, giving you a holistic alternative for better well-being.
Product description
- Praval Panchamrit Ras – It is an ayurvedic supplement that combines natural ingredients, with Praval (Coral Calcium) as its key component. In Crohn’s disease, this formulation helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, promoting healing of the damaged intestinal lining and soothing ulcers. It also works to balance the pitta dosha, which is often imbalanced in Crohn’s, helping to reduce excess heat and irritation.
Dosage : 1 tablet, two times a day after a meal with warm water. - Belgiri Churna– Belgiri Churna made from the Bael (Aegle marmelos), is beneficial in managing Crohn’s Disease due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It helps reduce intestinal inflammation, heal ulcers, and regulate bowel movements, providing relief from diarrhea. By improving nutrient absorption, Belgiri Churna aids in preventing malnutrition, a common issue for individuals with Crohn’s disease.
Dosage : 1 tsp, two times a day after a meal with warm water. - Pitta Balance – These capsules are formulated using powerful herbs such as Akik Pishti (Agate Compound), Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia), Mukta Pishti (a calcium compound derived from pearls), and other natural ingredients that work together to balance the Pitta dosha. In the case of Crohn’s disease, these ingredients help to support and soothe the digestive system by reducing inflammation, promoting healing of the intestinal lining, and improving overall gut function.
Dosage : 1 capsule, two times a day after meal with warm water. - Bandhanghan Vati – These tablets are made with a standardized extract of Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It is particularly helpful for conditions characterized by excessive diarrhea or dysentery. This formulation promotes healing of the gastrointestinal tract and acts as an effective Pitta dosha pacifier, helping to balance thermal energy within the body. It also supports the healing of mucosal damage in the intestines. It is highly effective in alleviating various forms of loose motions, providing relief from the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Dosage : 2 tablets, two times a day after meal with warm water. - Mimosa-Di Capsules – These capsules are made from Lajwanti (Mimosa pudica), a herb known for its ability to stop bleeding and promote healing in the intestines. It helps manage bleeding disorders, reduce inflammation, and act as an antipyretic (fever reducer). The capsules are also effective for conditions like uterine bleeding and hemorrhoids. The herb’s bitter and astringent qualities help balance the body’s doshas. Made from a pure, standardized extract, these capsules contain no additives. These capsules can be helpful in managing symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as intestinal bleeding and inflammation.
Dosage : 1 capsule, two times a day after meal with warm water. - Coolstrin – C – These capsules are made using a standardized extract of Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), two herbs known for their powerful hemostatic properties. This combination helps effectively manage oozing-type bleeding, such as that seen in Crohn’s disease. Coolstrin-Cis, an active component, supports the body’s coagulation system and helps maintain normal stool consistency.
Dosage : 1 capsule, two times a day after meal with warm water.
Conclusion
In this article we have concluded about Crohn’s Disease. We discussed its causes, risk factors, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), pathology, symptoms, types, differential diagnosis, complications, ayurvedic aspect and herbal remedies by planet ayurveda. So Must follow these remedies and Stay happy and healthy!
