Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marshmallow Root For Ulcerative Colitis

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What Is Slippery Elm

Harvesting Marshmallow Root

Slippery Elm, or Ulmus fulva, has been traditionally used for centuries by Native Americans.3 It is a mucilaginous herb, meaning it becomes thick and mucous-like when wet. It is often recommended by herbalists to help with sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems. For some people, the mucous-like substance is thought to be calming or soothing to irritation or inflammation of the digestive tract. It can be taken orally as capsules, tablets, tinctures or tea.

What Is The Dosage Of Marshmallow Root

For respiratory issues, take 1 to 2 teaspoons of marshmallow root powder several times a day. You can also have 1 to 2 cups of marshmallow tea.

For digestive issues, take 6 grams of marshmallow root every day. This can be in the form of powder, capsules, or even tea.

If you are using it on your skin, you can purchase an ointment or balm with the root as one of the ingredients. And for shampooing, you can use the tea.

Ensure you take the root at least two hours before or after you take your medications .

The dosage is important. Not following it might lead to side effects.

Side effects. What are they?

Highlights From My Talk At The Crohns And Colitis Foundation Of Canada Symposium

Last Sunday, I spoke at the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada annual education symposium. I was thrilled to be able to present on evidence-based integrative approaches to treating inflammatory bowel disease .

I got some great feedback from the participants, many of whom mentioned how refreshing it was to get empowering information that focused on what Dr. Mark Hyman calls treating causes, not conditions.

I have included some highlights from my talk below.

I opened my talk with a discussion on how the current standard of care is really just the tip of the iceberg. Our health care system is based on a model of first diagnosing a particular disease or condition, and then managing the symptoms using drugs and surgery. This model does not allow for the consideration of other therapies and thus ignores scientifically validated alternative therapies.

There is a time and place for the use of drugs and surgery, but why not try diet, lifestyle, therapeutic nutrition, and supplements before resorting to the highest risk treatments?

I then discussed that the cause of IBD cannot be blamed on genes. Although it takes thousands of years for our genes to change, IBD has been on the rise. In fact, ulcerative colitis has increased 24-fold and crohns 15-fold between 1986 and 2005. So there must be something else at play here. The SAD and the western way of life has proven to be strongly linked to IBD incidence.

Recommended Reading: Why Do We Get Ulcers In Stomach

The Leaky Gut Epidemic

Leaky gut is one of the most common gut problems I saw in my practice. Its directly related to conditions on the autoimmune spectrum. Heres why: your gut is like a drawbridge. When functioning normally, your gut is semi-permeable to let teeny-tiny boats pass from your intestinal tract into your bloodstream so they can nourish your body.

However, certain foods such as gluten, as well as toxins, infections, and stress can cause the tight junctions in your gut wall to break apart. Then, much larger boats, including toxins, microbes, and undigested food particles, can get into your bloodstream. Your immune system immediately recognizes that these substances shouldnt be there. It attacks them!

Unresolved leaky gut can cause inflammation and a host of symptoms in the short term. It also creates the potential for autoimmune conditions to develop in the long-term. In fact, I believe leaky gut is one of the major contributing factors to the widespread epidemic of chronic disease we are seeing today.

How To Prepare Your Marshmallow Root

Why You Should Add Marshmallow Root to Your Diet

A suspended cold infusion of the marshmallow root will pull the most mucilages out of it that you can get. The cold infusion takes a few hours, so if youâre in a pinch, a regular hot tea infusion or mixing a teaspoon of the powdered root in a cup of water works really well for a stomach ache.

Ratio for infusion: 1 Tablespoon of herb to 1 Cup water. You may want to make quite a bit of this at one time to save yourself time and energy so extrapolate this recipe as needed.

Directions:

  • Put your herb into your suspended strainer
  • Pour room temperature water over the herb, making sure that your suspended herb is covered.
  • Let sit for at least 4 hours, 8 hours or overnight is better.
  • Drink 1 cup first thing when you wake up, another halfway through the day, and a third before bed everyday.
  • Depending on the severity of your acid-reflux and the damage done in your esophagus and to your LES, you may have to continue this measure for some time before you see a marked difference you may also see an immediate difference like my friend.

    Remember, bodies work in amazing ways! This is just step one on your healing journey so work with your herbalist on your next steps to optimal gut health. They may have you add herbs to your cold infusion or move you to a neutralizing cordial to help add some bitters to your routine without the serious pain.

    Recommended Reading: What Is The Medication For Ulcerative Colitis

    Marshmallow Root Boosts Hair Growth

    Shutterstock

    The mucilage in marshmallow root may benefit your hair. It binds with hair proteins and makes the strands appear thicker. This mucilage may also be used as a hair detangler and conditioner.

    Those are the health benefits of marshmallow root. The best way to avail the marshmallow root uses is to consume it in the form of tea. But how do you prepare it?

    Restore Gut Health With 6 Herbs And Nutrients

    Science Based Amy Myers, MD

    Amy Myers, M.D. is a functional medicine physician, trained and certified by The Institute of Functional Medicine. Dr. Myers earned her Doctor of Medicine at the LSU Health Science Center, and completed her Emergency Medicine residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

    Dr. Myers retired from her functional medicine clinic, Austin UltraHealth, where she served thousands of patients, to empower those who were failed by conventional medicine. Shes a 2x New York Times bestselling author, and the founder and CEO of the health & lifestyle e-commerce brand, Amy Myers MD®.

    If youre experiencing symptoms such as seasonal allergies, brain fog, skin issues, or hormonal imbalances, the root cause could your digestive system specifically, leaky gut. Fortunately, you can restore gut health with 6 herbs and nutrients.

    Your gut is the gateway to health. Nearly 80% of your immune system lives within it! Yet, every day, millions of people are struggling with leaky gut and other GI issues without even realizing it! Restoring gut health can considerably improve every area of your health, particularly digestive issues and autoimmunity. I say it all the time the key to optimal health is to heal your gut.

    One of the most effective ways I have found to do this is by adding specific herbs and nutrients that have powerful gut-repairing properties to your regime. If you havent heard of slippery elm and marshmallow root, make sure to read this article!

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    How Might Herbal Supplements Have An Effect On Cd Symptoms

    Some people with CD may find that they experience some symptom relief from herbal supplementation.1,2 However, there has not yet been much research done on the potential relationship between CD and medicinal herbs. There have been studies carried out on herbs that are used to help prevent inflammation, which might potentially have an effect on symptoms associated with inflammation caused by CD. Herbs that are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties include:

    • Slippery elm
    • Boswelia

    Warning Disclaimer Use For Publication

    marshmallow root powder health benefits

    WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

    DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. All information is observation-only. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk.

    If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date.

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    The Urban Fringe Gut Protocol

    We, at the Urban Fringe Dispensary, love to talk about gut health. We have just put together a combination of prebiotic powders to be used as part of a healthy gut protocol. The powders contain marshmallow root , chamomile , dandelion , burdock and liquorice , and they’re carefully formulated to feed your beneficial gut bacteria. With regular use, these powders can contribute to better overall health by reducing inflammation and improving gut immunity.

    The gut microbiome is now being recognised as being a major factor involved in human health. An imbalance of gut flora, or dysbiosis, is now known to contribute to inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity and cancer. We know that the food we eat largely determines the diversity of the gut microbiome. For example, studies have shown that a high fat diet can cause dysbiosis which negatively affects human physiology. Recent evidence shows that the metabolic products produced by the gut bacteria play important roles in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier and therefore impact gut immunity. In particular, bacteria ferment indigestible polysaccharides to produce short-chain fatty acids, which have a profound impact on our physiology and overall health.

    It May Help Relieve Skin Irritation

    The anti-inflammatory effect of marshmallow root may also help relieve skin irritation caused by furunculosis, eczema, and dermatitis.

    A review from 2013 found that using an ointment containing 20 percent marshmallow root extract reduced skin irritation. Researchers suggested that the herb stimulates certain cells that have anti-inflammatory activity.

    When used alone, the extract was slightly less effective than an ointment containing an anti-inflammatory synthetic drug. However, an ointment containing both ingredients had higher anti-inflammatory activity than the ointments containing only one or the other.

    More research is needed to confirm and elaborate upon these findings.

    How to use: Apply an ointment containing 20 percent marshmallow root extract to the affected area 3 times per day.

    How to do a skin patch test: Its important to do a patch test before using any topical medication. To do this, rub a dime-sized amount on to the inside of your forearm. If you dont experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use elsewhere.

    The results of one gram-positive bacteria . These bacteria are responsible for over 50 percent of the infections that occur and include the antibiotic-resistant super bugs. When applied topically to rat wounds, the extract significantly increased wound healing in comparison to antibiotic controls.

    How to use: Apply a cream or ointment containing marshmallow root extract to the affected area three times per day.

    Also Check: How Can Pressure Ulcers Be Prevented

    How Is It Diagnosed

    UC begins most frequently in the age group 20 to 30, although older people and children occasionally develop this disease. A specialist gastroenterologist will carry out investigations such as barium enema X ray, and direct visualisation of the bowel lining using a fiber optic telescope. This is called a colonoscopy.

    It May Work As A Diuretic

    Pure USDA Organic Marshmallow Root Powder 4 Ounce ...

    Marshmallow root also has the potential to act as a diuretic. Diuretics help the body to flush out excess fluid. This helps to cleanse the kidneys and the bladder.

    Other research suggests that the extract can support overall urinary health. One 2016 study suggests that the soothing effect of marshmallow can relieve internal irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract. Research from 2015 also suggests that its antibacterial effect may be useful in treating urinary tract infections.

    How to use: Make fresh marshmallow root tea by adding a cup of boiling water to 2 teaspoons of dried root. You can also buy bagged . Drink a few cups of tea throughout the day.

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    Chamomile ~ Chamomilla Recutita Or Chamomilla Matricaria

    Its no secret that chamomile can calm the nerves and help us relax. Thats why its great at soothing stress-related digestive troubles! Its also known for aiding in indigestion, reducing heartburn and acidity, helping babies through colic, and resolving infections such as gastroenteritis. A super cool fact about chamomile is that it is anti-ulcer! The bisabolol found in this magical plant helps to speed up the healing process of ulcers–how awesome! Chamomile is also rich in bitters, which help to get the digestive juices flowing well. Its lovely and feels great to drink. We use it in both our Diges-Teas, and the Peaceful Baby blends, specifically for the gut health benefits, and of course the calming benefits too.

    Fennel ~ Foeniculum Vulgare

    Fennel is a wonder herb when it comes to tummy mischief. Its most commonly known for soothing tummy aches but it sure does more than that! Fennel has the ability to give us energy by enhancing appetite, digestion, and absorption. It can help the human body break down and digest fatty foods too! Not only that, but it has the power to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce sugar cravings. In my opinion, this is a great herb to incorporate while trying to step away from the common American diet. Fennel can definitely settle the tummy so it helps us out with colic and bloating. You know that pink drink commonly advertised on the TV for stomach troubles? Fennel is certainly an herbal comparison to it since it relieves heartburn, indigestion, nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea!

    You can find Fennel in our Diges-Teas, and Peaceful Baby teas, yet they dont taste too much like Fennel, if youre one of those people that doesnt like Fennel.

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    Plantain ~ Plantago Major Or Plantago Minor

    Plantain is one of those herbs that is commonly overlooked in our day to day life. Living in the PNW, its easy to dismiss plantain as a common weed but its actually an extremely medicinal plant! You can often find both species of plantain in your backyard or along the sidewalk. Learn more about Plantain and its medicinal properties over here. Plantago major or Greater plantain is great for gut health because it has the ability to counter-irritation and inflammation in the tummy and bowels. This is why it can be used when combating diarrhea, gastritis, colitis, and various stomach infections. Its other superpower is that it is an AMAZING wound healer, aiding in the repair of damaged mucosal tissue, such as the gut wall! Another cool fact about plantain is that its seeds have the ability to be used as a bulk laxative! Wow! All of that, and so much more in this little “weed”. We use plantain in our Diges-Teasfor its gut-healing properties, and you can find it in our Respiratory Rescue, which is formulated for sore throat, but is also great for gut health!

    Possible Side Effects And Risks

    Top 13 Marshmallow Root Benefits | A POWERFUL Natural Anti Inflammatory

    Taking marshmallow root with an 8-ounce glass of water can also help reduce your risk of side effects.

    You should only take marshmallow root for four weeks at a time. Be sure to take a one-week break before resuming use.

    When applied topically, marshmallow root has the potential to cause skin irritation. You should always do a patch test before moving forward with a full application.

    Talk to your doctor if youre taking other medications before starting marshmallow root, as its been found to interact with lithium and diabetes drugs. It can also coat the stomach and interfere with absorption of other medications.

    Avoid use if you:

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    How To Restore Gut Health With Leaky Gut Revive

    Leaky Gut Revive tastes great and contains no fillers or ingredients that dont directly help repair your intestinal lining and restore gut health.

    Per one-scoop serving, Leaky Gut Revive contains:

    • 3 grams of L-Glutamine
    • 300mg of soothing marshmallow root
    • 300mg of DGL
    • 100mg of slippery elm
    • 50mg of aloe vera

    To take it, simply add a scoop to 8 oz of water, stir and enjoy. I drink a glass of Leaky Gut Revive every morning, mixed with a scoop of Organic Greens and ice. It is so delicious, even my daughter, Elle, loves it! You can also throw in a scoop of Collagen Protein, which further helps to restore gut health and seal the leaks in your gut by repairing damaged cells in the lining of your digestive tract and building new tissue.

    Providing your body with the nutrients it needs to heal your gut is essential for optimal health. So if youre dealing with a leaky gut and you want to restore gut health and get on the path to lifelong wellness, Leaky Gut Revive is a must-have!

    Overcoming Ulcerative Colitis With Naturopathic Therapies

    January 10, 2020Dr. Amanda Fey, ND

    Stephen and his family arrived at my office in 2015 exhausted. Exhausted from the rigors of conventional treatment without the satisfaction of improving symptoms. Stephen was a 35 year old man who had been battling ulcerative colitis for 5 years. He had tried a multitude of conventional treatments ranging from steroids to immune suppressant medications to no avail. The only option left was surgery on his colon, which was something he did not want to do. Unfortunately for Stephen, he still required to wear a maxi-pad daily to collect the constant dripping of blood from his anus and was experiencing sometimes up to ten urgent bowel movements every morning before he left for work. In addition, he couldnt exercise, and if he tried he would develop a fever causing him to retire to his bed for multiple days to recover. This was not the life he or his family wanted to live, so they came to me for hope which I knew I could give them.

    Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease located in the large intestine or colon. The symptoms of active UC are frequent and urgent diarrhea mixed with blood and abdominal pain. UC is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer particularly in patients with extensive colitis of long duration. Characteristically, UC involves ulcers or open sores located in the colon often seen via diagnostic imaging.

    References

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